TSI Instruments 3936 SMPS User manual

Model 3936 SMPS
(Scanning Mobility
Particle Sizer)
Instruction Manual
P/N 1933796, Revision G
August 2002
Particle Instruments

SMPS System
Overview
1
Model 3936 SMPS
(Scanning Mobility
Unpacking the SMPS
System
2
Particle Sizer) Setting Up SMPS
Hardware
3
Instruction Manual Operating SMPS
Hardware
4
Maintaining and
Troubleshooting the
SMPS System
5
Service 6
Appendixes and
Index

Manual History
iv
The following is a history of the Model 3936 SMPS Scanning
Mobility Particle Sizer Instruction Manual, P/N 1933796.
Revision Date
First printing March 1999
Final April 1999
A November 1999
B April 2000
C May 2000
D July 2000
E July 18, 2000
F February 2001
G August 2002
In Revision A, Table 2-2 was broken down into two tables. The Inlet
Impactor was removed from Table 2-2 and Table 2-3 was created
for the Inlet Impactor. In Table 2-1 Model 3081 Electrostatic
Classifier was changed to read Model 3080 Electrostatic Classifier.
In Revision B, information about and references to the SMPS
software were removed. The SMPS is now supported by a new
version of the Aerosol Instrument Manager®software. Refer to the
Aerosol Instrument Manager®Software for SMPS Instruction Manual,
part number 1930104
In Revision C, Tables B-1 and B-2 were revised.
In Revision D, “Particle Mobility Theory” section in Appendix B was
revised.
In Revision E, TSI’s Limitation of Warranty and Liability was
updated.
In Revision F, page B-12 of Appendix B was revised.
In Revision G, TSI phone numbers were updated, Appendix B was
revised and Table 2-1 and Table 2-2 in Chapter 2.

v
Part Number 1933796 / Revision G / August 2002
Copyright ©TSI Incorporated / 1999–2002 / All rights reserved
Address TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA
Fax No. [phone]
E-mail Address [email protected]
Limitation of Warranty
and Liability
(effective July 2000)
Seller warrants the goods sold hereunder, under normal use and service as
described in the operator's manual, shall be free from defects in workmanship and
material for twelve (12) months, or the length of time specified in the operator's
manual, from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty period is
inclusive of any statutory warranty. This limited warranty is sub
j
ect to the following
exclusions:
a. Hot-wire or hot-film sensors used with research anemometers, and certain other
components when indicated in specifications, are warranted for 90 days from
the date of shipment.
b. Parts repaired or replaced as a result of repair services are warranted to be free
from defects in workmanship and material, under normal use, for 90 days from
the date of shipment.
c. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others
or on any fuses, batteries or other consumable materials. Only the original
manufacturer's warranty applies.
d. Unless specifically authorized in a separate writing by Seller, Seller makes no
warranty with respect to, and shall have no liability in connection with, goods
which are incorporated into other products or equipment, or which are modified
by any person other than Seller.
The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the LIMITATIONS
stated herein. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER
OR BUYER, AND THE LIMIT OF SELLER'S LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
INJURIES, OR DAMAGES CONCERNING THE GOODS (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED
ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) SHALL
BE THE RETURN OF GOODS TO SELLER AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE
PRICE, OR, AT THE OPTION OF SELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
GOODS. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. SELLER SHALL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING OR REINSTALLATION COSTS
OR CHARGES. No Action, regardless of form, may be brought against Seller more
than 12 months after a cause of action has accrued. The goods returned under
warranty to Seller's factory shall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be returned, if at
all, at Seller's risk of loss.
Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
AND LIABILITY, which contains the complete and exclusive limited warranty of
Seller. This LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY may not be amended,
modified or its terms waived, except by writing signed by an Officer of Seller.
Service Policy Knowing that inoperative or defective instruments are as detrimental to TSI as they
are to our customers, our service policy is designed to give prompt attention to any
problems. If any malfunction is discovered, please contact your nearest sales office
or representative, or call TSI at 1-800-874-2811 (USA) or [phone].

Software License
(effective March 1999)
1. GRANT OF LICENSE. TSI grants to you the right to use one copy of the
enclosed TSI software program (the “SOFTWARE”), on a single computer. You may
not network the SOFTWARE or otherwise use it on more than one computer or
computer terminal at the same time.
2. COPYRIGHT. The SOFTWARE is owned by TSI and is protected by United
States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Therefore, you must
treat the SOFTWARE like any other copyrighted material (e.g., a book or musical
recording) except that you may either (a) make one copy of the SOFTWARE solely
for backup or archival purposes, or (b) transfer the SOFTWARE to a single hard
disk provided you keep the original solely for backup or archival purposes.
3. OTHER RESTRICTIONS. You may not rent or lease the SOFTWARE, but you
may transfer the SOFTWARE and accompanying written material on a permanent
basis, provided you retain no copies and the recipient agrees to the terms of this
Agreement. You may not reverse-engineer, decompile, or disassemble the
SOFTWARE.
4. DUAL MEDIA SOFTWARE. If the SOFTWARE package contains multiple types
of media, then you may use only the media appropriate for your single-user
computer. You may not use the other media on another computer or loan, rent,
lease, or transfer them to another user except as part of the permanent transfer
(as provided above) of all SOFTWARE and written material.
5. U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. The SOFTWARE and
documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or
disclosure by the Government is subject to the restrictions set forth in the “Rights
in Technical Data and Computer Software” Clause at 252.227-7013 and the
“Commercial Computer Software - Restricted Rights” clause at 52.227-19.
6. LIMITED WARRANTY. TSI warrants that the SOFTWARE will perform
substantially in accordance with the accompanying written materials for a period
of ninety (90) days from the date of receipt.
7. CUSTOMER REMEDIES. TSI’s entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall
be, at TSI’s option, either (a) return of the price paid or (b) repair or replacement of
the SOFTWARE that does not meet this Limited Warranty and which is returned
to TSI with proof of payment. This Limited Warranty is void if failure of the
SOFTWARE has resulted from accident, abuse, or misapplication. Any
replacement SOFTWARE will be warranted for the remainder of the original
warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer.
8. NO OTHER WARRANTIES. TSI disclaims all other warranties, either express or
implied, including, but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the SOFTWARE and the
accompanying written materials.
9. NO LIABILTY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. In no event shall TSI be liable
for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, special, incidental,
consequential or indirect damages for personal injury, loss of business profits,
business interruption, loss of information or any other pecuniary loss) arising out
of the use of, or inability to use, this SOFTWARE.
Trademarks Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Acknowledgments TSI Incorporated acknowledges the significant contributions of Richard C. Flagan of
the California Institute of Technology and Kevin Horton of AEA Technology for their
research and support in developing SMPS system software.

Safety
vii
This section gives instructions to promote safe and proper
operation of the Model 3936 Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS
system), samples of warnings found in this manual, and
information on labels attached to system instruments.
Laser Safety
The Model 3936 Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer and Model 3010,
3022/3022A, and 3025/3025A Condensation Particle Counters
(CPC) are Class I laser-based instrument. During normal operation,
you will not be exposed to laser radiation. However, you must take
certain precautions or you may expose yourself to hazardous,
optical radiation in the form of intense, focused, invisible light.
Exposure to this light can cause blindness.
Take these precautions:
 Do not remove any parts from SMPS system instruments unless
you are specifically told to do so in this manual.
Do not remove any instrument housing when power is applied.
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments, or procedures other than those
specified in this manual may result in exposure to hazardous optical
radiation.
Electrical Safety
The Model 3080 Classifier; Models 3010, 3022, 3022A, 3025, and
3025A CPCs; and Model 3081, 3083, and 3085 DMAs have high-
voltage points within their cabinets/cases. Only a qualified
technician should perform service or maintenance.

viii Model 3936 SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer)
WARNING
High voltage is accessible in several locations within these instruments.
Make sure you unplug the power source before removing the cover or
performing maintenance procedures. Don’t apply power to the
Model 3080 Classifier unless you have a DMA high-voltage cord
connected and the DMA properly grounded through the baseplate.
Chemical Safety
CPCs use n-butyl alcohol (butanol) as a working fluid. Butanol is
flammable. Butanol is also toxic if inhaled. Refer to a material
safety data sheet on butanol and take these precautions:
Use butanol only in a well-ventilated area.
Butanol vapor is identified by its characteristically strong odor
and can easily be detected. If you smell butanol and develop a
headache, or feel faint or nauseous, leave the area at once.
Ventilate the area before returning.
!
Caution
Butanol is flammable. Butanol is also potentially toxic if inhaled. Use
butanol only in a well-ventilated area. If you smell butanol and
develop a headache, or feel faint or nauseous, leave the area at
once. Ventilate the area before returning.
!
WARNING
Although the CPC is appropriate for monitoring inert process gases such
as nitrogen or argon, it should not be used with hazardous gases such
as hydrogen or oxygen. Using the CPC with hazardous gases may
cause injury to personnel and damage to equipment.

Safety ix
Radiation Safety
The Model 3080 Electrostatic Classifier contains a Model 3077
Aerosol Neutralizer with a Krypton-85 source. Under normal
circumstances, you will not come into contact with hazardous
radiation. However, take these precautions when using the
Neutralizer in an Electrostatic Classifier or in another instrument:
Do not remove any parts from the Electrostatic Classifier unless
you are specifically told to do so in the Electrostatic Classifier
manual.
Corrosive materials can degrade materials that are a part of the
Neutralizer. Do not operate the Classifier or other instrument
with chemicals that corrode 303, 304, or 316 stainless steel,
copper, silver solder, or epoxy.
Do not operate the Electrostatic Classifier or other instrument
in temperatures above 50°C. Temperatures above 50°C may
cause the Neutralizer to leak, causing radioactive
contamination.
The Neutralizer has a half-life of 10.4 years. Keep all Neutralizer
packing materials. After 10 years, TSI recommends you return
the Neutralizer to the manufacturer and order a new
Neutralizer.
Install and remove the Neutralizer using directions in
Electrostatic Classifier manual (if applicable).
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments, or procedures other than those
specified in this manual may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.
Labels
External and internal advisory labels and identification labels are
attached to the CPC, the Aerosol Neutralizer, and the Electrostatic
Classifier. Refer to individual product manuals for descriptions and
locations of these labels.

x Model 3936 SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer)

Contents
xi
Manual History...........................................................................iv
Warranty......................................................................................v
Safety ........................................................................................vii
Laser Safety ..........................................................................vii
Electrical Safety ....................................................................vii
Chemical Safety ...................................................................viii
Radiation Safety.....................................................................ix
Labels ....................................................................................ix
About This Manual....................................................................xv
Purpose.................................................................................xv
Related Product Literature ....................................................xv
Reusing and Recycling ..........................................................xv
Submitting Comments .........................................................xvi
Chapters
1 SMPS System Overview..................................................... 1-1
Product Description ............................................................ 1-1
How the System Operates ................................................... 1-2
2 Unpacking the SMPS System ............................................ 2-1
Packing Lists....................................................................... 2-1
Unpacking Instructions....................................................... 2-2
3 Setting Up SMPS Hardware ............................................... 3-1
Cabling Connections ........................................................... 3-1
Connections to the Electrostatic Classifier........................ 3-1
BNC Cable..................................................................... 3-1
Power Cable .................................................................. 3-2
Cabling the CPC to the Computer..................................... 3-2
Applying Power Sequence.................................................... 3-2
Recommended Mode of Operation ....................................... 3-4
Underpressure and Overpressure Modes .......................... 3-4
Typical Mode of Operation ................................................ 3-4
Plumbing Connections ........................................................ 3-4
Connecting the Model 3010 CPC ...................................... 3-4
Model 3010 with Nano DMA .......................................... 3-4
Model 3010 with Long DMA........................................... 3-6
Connecting the Model 3022 CPC ...................................... 3-7
Model 3022 with Nano DMA .......................................... 3-7
Model 3022 with Long DMA........................................... 3-8

xii Model 3936 SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer)
Connecting the Model 3025 CPC ...................................... 3-9
Model 3025 with Nano DMA .......................................... 3-9
Model 3025 with Long DMA......................................... 3-10
4 Operating SMPS Hardware ................................................ 4-1
Before You Begin................................................................. 4-1
Selecting Flowrates ............................................................. 4-1
Impactor as a Flowmeter .................................................. 4-4
Setting Flowrates ................................................................ 4-5
Underpressure Mode ........................................................ 4-6
Overpressure Mode .......................................................... 4-6
SMPS System Check ........................................................... 4-6
5 Maintaining and Troubleshooting the SMPS System....... 5-1
Maintenance Recommendations.......................................... 5-1
Troubleshooting .................................................................. 5-2
Problems and Solutions.................................................... 5-2
Testing for Leaks .............................................................. 5-2
System Plumbing .......................................................... 5-3
6 Service ............................................................................... 6-1
Technical Contacts.............................................................. 6-1
Returning the SMPS System for Service .............................. 6-1
Appendixes
A Specifications ....................................................................A-1
B Theory of Operation ..........................................................B-1
Introduction ........................................................................B-1
History ................................................................................B-1
Impaction Theory and Operation .........................................B-2
Electrostatic Classifier ........................................................B-4
Charging Theory .................................................................B-7
Particle Mobility Theory.....................................................B-11
Condensation Particle Counter..........................................B-15
CPC Theory ....................................................................B-16
Particle Counting............................................................B-18
Operating at Higher Concentrations ...............................B-19
The Data Measurement Process ........................................B-21
References ........................................................................B-23

Contents xiii
C Calculation of the Geometric Mean and Geometric
Standard Deviation for Number, Surface, and
Volume Distributions ..................................................C-1
Index
Index ........................................................................................ I-1
Figures
1-1 SMPS System Shown with a Model 3085 Nano DMA and
Model 3025A CPC.......................................................... 1-1
3-1 Model 3010 CPC with Nano DMA...................................... 3-5
3-2 Model 3010 CPC with Long DMA ...................................... 3-6
3-3 Model 3022 CPC with Nano DMA...................................... 3-7
3-4 Model 3022 CPC with Long DMA ...................................... 3-8
3-5 Model 3025 CPC with Nano DMA...................................... 3-9
3-6 Model 3025 CPC with Long DMA .................................... 3-11
4-1 Classifier LCD Display ...................................................... 4-1
4-2 Schematic Flow Diagram of the Classifier with LDMA ...... 4-2
4-3 Schematic Flow Diagram of the Classifier with NDMA....... 4-3
B-1 Classifier Shown with Impactor Installed on Inlet.............B-3
B-2 Cross-Sectional View of an Inertial Impactor
[Hinds, 1982].................................................................B-3
B-3 Flow Schematic for the Electrostatic Classifier with
LDMA ............................................................................B-5
B-4 Flow Schematic for the Electrostatic Classifier with
NDMA ...........................................................................B-7
B-5 Bipolar Particle Charge Distribution in Air
[Wiedensohler and Fissan, 1988] ...................................B-8
B-6 Collector Rod Voltage as a Function of Particle
Diameter for Normal Operating Conditions of the
DMA............................................................................B-14
B-7 Models 3022 and 3022A Flow Schematic .......................B-15
B-8 Models 3025 and 3025A Flow Schematic .......................B-16
B-9 Graph of the CPC Counting Efficiency Curves ................B-18

xiv Model 3936 SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer)
B-10 Transfer Function of the Electrostatic Classifier
[Knutson and Whitby, 1975]........................................B-22
Tables
2-1 Main Components of the SMPS System ............................ 2-1
2-2 Model 390087 Interface Pack Packing List........................ 2-2
2-3 Model 1035900 Inlet Impactor Packing List ...................... 2-2
4-1 Recommended Operating Parameters ............................... 4-4
4-2 Impactor ∆P and 50% Cut Size vs. Flowrate ...................... 4-5
5-1 Maintenance Schedule...................................................... 5-1
5-2 SMPS System Problems and Solutions.............................. 5-2
A-1 SMPS Specifications ......................................................... A-1
B-1 Midpoint Mobilities, Midpoint Particle Diameters, and
Fraction of Total Particle Concentration that
Carries +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, and +6 Elementary Charges
as a Function of Mobility ...............................................B-9
B-2 Coefficients for Equation B-2..........................................B-10
B-3 Coincidence Levels .........................................................B-20

About This Manual
xv
Purpose
This is an installation and operations manual for the Model 3936
Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS system).
Related Product Literature
The following TSI product manuals may be of use as references to
the SMPS system.
Aerosol Instrument Manager Software for SMPS
Instruction Manual (part number 1930104) TSI Incorporated
Model 3010 Condensation Particle Counter Instruction
Manual (part number 1933010) TSI Incorporated
Model 3022 Condensation Particle Counter Instruction
Manual (part number 1933022) TSI Incorporated
Model 3022A Condensation Particle Counter Instruction
Manual (part number 1933763) TSI Incorporated
Model 3025/27 Condensation Particle Counter Instruction
Manual (part number 1933025) TSI Incorporated
Model 3025A Condensation Particle Counter Instruction
Manual (part number 1933762) TSI Incorporated
Model 3080 Electrostatic Classifier Instruction Manual
(part number 1933792) TSI Incorporated
Reusing and Recycling
As part of TSI Incorporated’s effort to reduce the impact on the
communities in which its products are manufactured and used:
This manual uses recyclable paper.
This manual has been shipped, along with the instrument, in a
reusable carton.

xvi Model 3936 SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer)
Submitting Comments
TSI values your comments and suggestions on this manual. Please
use the comment sheet on the last page of this manual to send us
your opinion on the manual’s usability, to suggest specific
improvements, or to report any technical errors.
If the comment sheet has already been used, please mail, fax or
email your comments on another sheet of paper to:
TSI Incorporated
500 Cardigan Road
Shoreview, MN 55126
USA
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

CHAPTER 1
SMPS System Overview
1-1
This chapter contains an introduction to the Model 3936 Scanning
Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS system) and a brief explanation of
how the system operates.
Product Description
The SMPS system, shown in Figure 1-1, is a system that measures
the size distribution of aerosols in the size range from 5 nm to
1000 nm.
Particles are classified with an Electrostatic Classifier and their
concentration is measured with a Condensation Particle Counter
(CPC). The SMPS system also uses a personal computer and
custom software to control individual instruments and perform
data reduction.
Figure 1-1
SMPS System Shown with a Model 3085 Nano DMA and Model 3025A CPC
The SMPS system can be used in applications like these:
 Basic aerosol research
 Nanometer-particle research
 Atmospheric aerosol studies

1-2 Model 3936 SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer)
 Pollution studies
 Smog chamber evaluations
 Aerosol dynamics
 Combustion studies
 Engine exhaust studies
 Materials synthesis
 Filter efficiency testing
 Nucleation/condensation studies
 Inhalation toxicology studies
 Characterizing sprays, powders, and other generated aerosols
 Detecting small changes in rapidly changing aerosol systems
How the System Operates
The Model 3936 SMPS system measures the number size
distribution of particles using an electrical mobility detection
technique. The SMPS uses a bipolar charger in the Electrostatic
Classifier to charge the particles to a known charge distribution.
The particles are then classified according to their ability to traverse
an electrical field, and counted with a Model 3010, 3022, 3022A,
3025, or 3025A Condensation Particle Counter (CPC).
The entire system is automated. Data analysis is performed using a
computer system with customized software. The Aerosol Instrument
Manager®Software for SMPS collects and stores sample data. Data
can be displayed in graphs and tables and can be exported to other
applications.
For a detailed theory of operation, refer to Appendix B.

CHAPTER 2
Unpacking the SMPS
System
2-1
Use the information in this chapter to unpack the various
components of the Model 3936 SMPS system.
Packing Lists
Table 2-1 gives the main components of the system. Please consult
individual product manuals, with the exceptions of the Interface
Pack, for packing lists.
The system number that you ordered determines the model of DMA
and CPC that you received. For model number 3936XYY:
X YY
L = Model 3081 Long DMA
N = Model 3085 Nano DMA
R = Model 3083 Radial DMA
10 = Model 3010 CPC
22 = Model 3022A CPC
25 = Model 3025A CPC
Table 2-1
Main Components of the SMPS System
Qty Description
1 Model 3080 Electrostatic Classifier
1 Model 3081, 3083, or 3085 DMA
1 Model 3010, 3022A, or 3025A
Condensation Particle Counter
1 Model 390087 SMPS Interface Pack:
Aerosol Instrument Manager Software (390062)
SMPS Accessory Kit (1035989)
1 Model 1035900 Inlet Impactor
Table 2-2 gives a packing list for the SMPS Accessory Kit, which
includes all the necessary cabling and tubing to configure the
SMPS system. Table 2-3 gives a packing list for the Inlet Impactor.

2-2 Model 3936 SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer)
Table 2-2
Model 1035989 SMPS Accessory Kit
Qty Description Part Number
1 Coaxial cable 101144
1 Fitting adapter assembly 1035992
1 Flow equalizer assembly 1036014
1 Inlet filter assembly 1036015
1 Vacuum grease 5-gram container 1701000
1 SMPS instruction manual 1933796
Table 2-3
Model 1035900 Inlet Impactor Packing List
Qty Description Part Number
1 Impactor, including: 1030669
1 0.0457 cm diameter nozzle 1502295
1 0.0508 cm diameter nozzle 1502296
1 0.071 cm diameter nozzle 1508111
Unpacking Instructions
Individual instruments in the system come fully assembled with
protective coverings on the inlets and electrical connections. To
avoid contaminating the instrument or the environment the
instruments are monitoring, do not remove the protective covers
until you are ready to install the instruments.
If anything is missing or appears to be damaged, contact your TSI
representative, or contact TSI at 1-800-874-2811 (USA) or 001-
[phone]. Chapter 6, “Service,” gives instructions for
returning the SMPS system to TSI Incorporated.