TSI Instruments ALNOR 9880 User manual

Anemometers
Intrinsically Safe
Air Velocity Meter
Model 9880

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
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 twenty-four (24) 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 subject 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 Customer Service department at [phone] (USA) and
(1) 651-490-2811 (International).

Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE Setup...........................................3
Unpacking ..........................................................3
Installing the Batteries........................................3
CHAPTER TWO Operation....................................5
Extending The Probe..........................................5
Measuring Velocity.............................................6
Switching On The Power....................................6
Selecting Battery Life / Velocity Display .............7
Selecting The Sensor Response........................7
Batteries.............................................................8
CHAPTER THREE Maintenance.........................11
Probe Tip..........................................................11
Cases...............................................................12
Storage.............................................................12
Calibration........................................................12
Probe Replacement..........................................12
CHAPTER FOUR Troubleshooting ....................13
APPENDIX A Standard Velocity vs. Actual
Velocity...........................................................17
APPENDIX B Specifications...............................21

3
CHAPTER ONE
Setup
This chapter guides you through unpacking and
installing batteries in your Model 9880. See chapter
two for a detailed description of the operating
functions.
Unpacking
Carefully unpack the instrument and accessories
from the shipping container. Check the individual
parts against the list of components in Table 1; if
any are missing or damaged, notify TSI
immediately.
Table 1: List of Components
Qty Item
1
Model 9880
1
Carrying Case
4
AA Alkaline batteries
1
Operation and Service Manual
Installing the Batteries
Install batteries by loosening the screw in the
battery access cover located on the back of the
instrument. Insert four AA-size alkaline batteries in
the battery tubes according to the polarity under the

4
battery access cover. Replace the battery access
cover and tighten the screw.
If the batteries are installed incorrectly, damage to
the Model 9880 will not occur, but the instrument
will not function.
WARNING
The Model 9880 is only listed for intrinsic
safety when operating with four AA-size
alkaline batteries. Batteries of other types
(NiCd, carbon-zinc, etc.) are NOT acceptable
for use in a hazardous environment.

5
CHAPTER TWO
Operation
This chapter thoroughly explains how to operate
the Model 9880.
Extending The Probe
The Model 9880 contains a retractable velocity
probe which is shipped in its retracted position. To
expose the probe to the flow for air velocity
measurements, grasp the black tip of the probe
which is visible in the center of the top of the
instrument. Pull firmly straight up on the probe.
Once fully extended to its three-inch length the
probe can rotate 90°to facilitate measuring air from
many directions.
To retract the probe, align the sensor window so
that you can view straight through the window
from the front of the instrument. Once the window
is aligned to the front, grasp the probe tip and push
firmly straight into the instrument case. Always
store the probe in its retracted position when not in
use in order to protect the sensor.
The Model 9880 is designed to stand either upright
or on its sides in air velocities of up to several
hundred feet per minute. This can be useful for

6
making face velocity measurements in a cleanroom
bench or a fume hood.
As you handle the probe, take care not to bump it
against duct walls or other objects. The probe has
been made as rugged as possible, but can be
damaged by careless handling.
Measuring Velocity
For highest accuracy, it is important with the
Model 9880 to properly align the probe to the flow.
Orient the probe so that the air being measured
flows straight through the sensor window in the
direction indicated by the arrow at the tip of the
probe. The arrow at the tip of the probe should
point downstream.
Switching On The Power
Turn on the Model 9880 using the ON/OFF switch.
The Model 9880 will display battery life for the
first five seconds. This number represents the
approximate battery life remaining, and will range
from less than 0% for low batteries to something
over 100% for a short time while the “surface
charge” of new batteries burn off.
After five seconds the Model 9880 will display
velocity in the selected units. Units available for

7
display are standard feet per minute (S fpm) and
standard meters per second (S m/s), depending on
what units were ordered when the meter was
purchased. The units of measure cannot be changed
in the field.
Selecting Battery Life / Velocity Display
The BATT/VEL switch on the instrument allows you
to determine remaining battery life without turning
the unit off. With the unit on, slide the switch to
BATT to read the approximate percentage of battery
life remaining. Slide the switch to the VEL position
to read the current velocity.
Selecting The Sensor Response
The Model 9880 has a FAST/SLOW RESPONSE
switch for setting the display averaging time. In the
slow response mode, the Model 9880 displays the
average velocity measured during the past 12
seconds. This is a running average, so the display is
still updated once per second. In the fast response
mode, the meter displays the average velocity
measured during the past 3 seconds. The way the
Model 9880 averages velocity is by saving the
velocity measured each second into separate
locations in memory. Every second, a new reading
is taken and the oldest is thrown out. Depending on
the position of the sensor response switch, either

8
the last 3 readings or all 12 readings will be
averaged for display purposes.
Batteries
The Model 9880 continuously monitors its battery
supply voltage. When the battery life falls below
15%, the battery indicator (BAT) in the upper left
corner of the display will blink on and off. This
indicates a low battery condition and means you
should install fresh batteries. Battery life for a fresh
set of alkaline batteries is approximately 25 hours.
Once the BAT indicator begins to blink, you still
have a few minutes to complete the measurement
you are making. While the indicator is blinking, the
meter operates normally.
If the battery voltage falls below 5.0 VDC, the
display will read “LO” and the BAT indicator will
be on continuously. Batteries must then be replaced
before velocity readings can be taken.
If you do not install fresh batteries and the voltage
falls below 2 VDC, the display will go blank.

9
WARNING
Alkaline batteries are the only batteries
approved for the Model 9880. Substitutions of
other types will nullify the intrinsic safety rating
of the meter.

11
CHAPTER THREE
Maintenance
The Model 9880 requires very little maintenance to
keep it performing well.
Probe Tip
Periodically inspect the probe tip to ensure that it is
clean. Dust and oil deposits on the tip and sensor
decrease the accuracy of the Model 9880.
CAUTION
The meter must be switched OFF for cleaning.
Do not use high-pressure air, strong solvents,
or brushes to clean the sensor tip; damage to
the sensor could result.
To remove dust, blow it off with a gentle stream of
air or rinse it off with a gentle stream of water. To
remove a combination of dust and oil, rinse the
probe tip in isopropyl alcohol and them blow it off
with a gentle stream of air. (Do not use isopropyl
alcohol which contains Lanolin.) Never use heat to
dry the probe.
Touching the probe with any object is not
recommended. Allow the sensor to dry thoroughly
before use.

12
Cases
If the instrument case or storage case needs
cleaning, wipe it off with a soft cloth and isopropyl
alcohol or a mild detergent. Never submerse the
Model 9880.
Storage
When storing the Model 9880 for more than a
month, it is recommended that you remove the
batteries to prevent damage due to leaking batteries.
Calibration
To maintain a high degree of accuracy in your
velocity measurements, TSI recommends that you
return your instrument to the factory for annual
calibration. For a nominal fee, we will calibrate the
unit and return it to you with a certificate of NIST
traceability. This annual checkup assures you of
consistently accurate readings; it is especially
important in applications where strict calibration
records must be maintained.
Probe Replacement
If your probe becomes damaged, the Model 9880
should be returned to TSI Incorporated. Please call
Customer Service to obtain an RMA number and
return instructions.

13
CHAPTER FOUR
Troubleshooting
Table 2 lists the symptoms, possible causes, and
recommended solutions for common problems
encountered with the meter.If your symptom is not
listed, or if none of the solutions solve your
problem, please contact TSI.
WARNING
There is a five-pin connector on the
Model 9880 which is visible when the battery
cover is removed. This connector is meant for
factory calibration purposes only and must not
be used in a hazardous environment.
Table 2: Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
No display
Unit not
switched on
Switch unit on
Low or dead
batteries
Replace
batteries
Dirty battery
contacts
Clean battery
contacts

14
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
No display Batteries
installed
incorrectly
Check battery
alignment
against
illustration
inside battery
cover
BAT
is blinking Batteries are
getting low
Replace
batteries
Display reads
“LO” and the
BAT indicator
is on
Batteries are
low
Replace the
batteries
Dirty battery
contacts Clean the battery contacts
Velocity
reading
fluctuates
badly
The flow is
fluctuating
Reposition the
probe in a less
turbulent section
of the flow or
set the
RESPONSE
switch to SLOW

15
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
Velocity
reading blinks
2000 fpm or
10.16 m/s
The velocity
exceeds 2000
fpm or
10.16 m/s
Use an
alternative
method to
measure the
velocity
Sensor may be
damaged
Contact TSI
Display
indicates greater
than 10 fpm
(0.05 m/s) in
zero flow
condition
Sensor may be
damaged
Contact TSI

17
APPENDIX A
Standard Velocity vs. Actual Velocity
Since thermal sensors are sensitive to changes in air
density and air velocity, all thermal-anemometers
indicate velocities with reference to a set of
standard conditions. For TSI instruments, standard
conditions are defined as 70°F (21.1°C) and
14.7 psia (101.4 kPa). Other manufacturers may
use different values.
Standard velocity is the velocity the air would be
moving if the temperature and pressure were at
standard conditions. It is usually the most useful
measure of air flow because it defines the heat-
carrying capacity of the air.
Actual velocity is the velocity at which a
microscopic particle of dust would be traveling if it
were in the airstream.
Because actual air density is rarely equal to air
density at standard conditions, actual velocity
usually differs from standard velocity.
In some instances, actual air velocity rather than
standard velocity may be of interest. To obtain the
value for actual velocity, multiply your standard

18
velocity readings (as indicated by the meter) by the
following density correction factor:
Act Vel Std Vel. . . . TP =+
+





460
460 70 14 7.
Where
T = Ambient temperature in °F
P = Ambient pressure in psia
If you use metric units, the equation becomes:
Act Vel Std Vel. . . . TP
m
m
=+
+





273
273 211 1014 ..
Where
Tm= Ambient temperature in °C
Pm= Ambient pressure in kPa