TSI Instruments P-TRAK Ultrafine Operation manual

P-TRAK®ULTRAFINE
PARTICLE COUNTER
MODEL 8525
OPERATION AND SERVICE MANUAL
(TRAKPRO™ DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE ENCLOSED)
P/N 1980380, REVISION M
JULY 2013

P-TRAK®ULTRAFINE
PARTICLE COUNTER
MODEL 8525
OPERATION AND SERVICE MANUAL
(TRAKPRO™ DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE ENCLOSED)
P/N 1980380, REVISION M
JULY 2013
SHIP TO/MAIL TO:
TSI Incorporated
500 Cardigan Road
Shoreview, MN 55126-3996
USA
U.S.
Technical Support:
[phone]/[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
E-mail:
[email protected]
E-mail address:
[e-mail]
Website:
http://www.tsi.com
INTERNATIONAL
Technical Support:
(001 651) 490-2811
Fax:
(001 651) 490-3824
E-mail:
[email protected]

ii
Copyright ©
TSI Incorporated / 1999–2013 / All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA
Fax No.
[phone]
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY (effective June 2011)
(For country-specific terms and conditions outside of the USA, please visit www.tsi.com.)
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 24
months, or if less, 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 and exceptions:
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. Pumps are warranted for hours of operation as set forth in product or operator’s
manuals;
c. 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;
d. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others or on
anyfuses, batteries or other consumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's
warranty applies;
e. 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 byanyperson
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. WITH RESPECT TO
SELLER’S BREACH OF THE IMPLIED WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, SAID
WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO CLAIMS OF DIRECT INFRINGEMENT AND EXCLUDES
CLAIMS OF CONTRIBUTORY OR INDUCED INFRINGEMENTS. BUYER’S EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY SHALL BE THE RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE DISCOUNTED FOR
REASONABLE WEAR AND TEAR OR AT SELLER’S OPTION REPLACEMENT OF
THE GOODS WITH NON-INFRINGING GOODS.
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 LIABILITYOR 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 THE CASE OF SOFTWARE, SELLER WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE
DEFECTIVE SOFTWARE OR IF UNABLE TO DO SO, WILL REFUND THE PURCHASE
PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR LOST
PROFITS OR 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 factoryshall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be
returned, if at all, at Seller's risk of loss.

iii
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 maynot 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 [phone] (USA) or (001 651) 490-2811
(International).
Trademarks
TSI, TSI logo, and P-Trak are registered trademarks of TSI Incorporated. TrakPro is a
trademark of TSI Incorporated. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

iv
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v
CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION ..................................................................VII
1 UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION ............................ 1
Unpacking the P-Trak®Ultrafine Particle Counter ........................1
Optional Accessories.....................................................................4
Spare/Replacement Parts.............................................................5
2 SETTING UP................................................................................. 7
Supplying Power to the P-Trak®Particle Counter.........................7
Installing the Batteries................................................................7
Using the AC Adapter ................................................................ 8
Charging and Installing the Alcohol Wick......................................9
Cautions Before Proceeding......................................................9
Locating and Identifying Components......................................10
Filling the Alcohol Fill Capsule.................................................10
Installing the Cartridge into the P-Trak Particle Counter .........12
Cleaning Up and Final Cautions..............................................13
Attaching the Inlet Screen Assembly, Sample Tube, and
Telescoping Probe to the Instrument.......................................13
Instrument Software and Communications Setup.......................15
Setting up TrakPro™Data Analysis Software .........................15
Connecting the P-Trak Particle Counter to the Computer.......16
Setting up the Communications Port .......................................16
Connecting the Optional Portable Printer....................................17
3 OPERATION............................................................................... 19
Overview......................................................................................19
Turning the Instrument On ..........................................................19
Tilting the Instrument...................................................................20
Daily Zero Check.........................................................................21
P-Trak Particle Counter Keypad..................................................21
Main Menu...................................................................................22
Particle Concentration..............................................................22
Sample Mode...........................................................................22
Recording and Saving a Single Data Point.............................. 23
Changing the Location Label ..............................................24
Setup Mode..............................................................................24
Statistics..............................................................................24
Logged Test Statistics .....................................................25
Single Point Statistics ...................................................... 26
Log Interval.......................................................................... 26
Audio ...................................................................................27
Time/Date............................................................................28
Programming Time/Date Using TrakPro Software..............29
Backlight..............................................................................29
Clear Memory......................................................................30

vi Contents
LOG MODE..............................................................................31
Log Mode 2 and 3........................................................................32
Sample Protocol for Log Mode 2 or 3..........................................35
Memory Considerations...............................................................38
Particle Sampling Configurations ................................................38
Sampling Through Inlet Screen, Tube, and Probe Assembly..39
Sampling Through Inlet Screen and Sample Tube..................39
Sampling Through Inlet Screen Assembly Only ......................40
4 MAINTENANCE..........................................................................41
Maintenance Schedule................................................................41
Daily Zero Check.........................................................................42
Recharging the Alcohol Wick ......................................................42
Alcohol Cartridge.........................................................................42
Changing the Alcohol Wick ......................................................42
Removing the Wick from the Cartridge....................................43
Re-assembling the Alcohol Cartridge.......................................44
Cleaning Inlet Screen Assembly .................................................45
5 TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................47
6 CONTACTING CUSTOMER SERVICE......................................51
Technical Contacts......................................................................51
Returning the Model 8525 P-Trak Particle Counter for Service..52
A SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................53
B MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET: ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 55
Application Notes can be found on TSI’s web site:
http://www.tsi.com

vii
Safety Information
When operated according to the manufacturer’s instruction, this
device is a Class I laser product as defined by U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services standards under the Radiation Control
for Health and Safety Act of 1968. A certification and identification
label like the one shown below is affixed to each instrument.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
THIS PRODUCT IS IN COMPLETE
COMPLIANCE WITH 21 CFR
1040.10 AND 1040.11
There are no user-serviceable parts inside this instrument.
Performing services other than those described in this manual may
result in exposure to harmful (invisible) laser radiation. A warning
label like the one shown below is affixed to the internal laser device.
DANGER: INVISIBLE LASER
RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID
DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
WARNING: NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
THIS PRODUCT IS IN COMPLETE
COMPLIANCE WITH 21 CFR
1040.10 AND 1040.11

viii Safety Information
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1
Chapter 1
Unpacking and Parts Identification
Unpacking the P-Trak®Ultrafine Particle Counter
Carefully unpack the Model 8525 P-Trak Ultrafine Particle Counter
from the shipping container. Use the tables and illustrations below to
make certain that there are no missing components. Contact TSI
immediately if anything is missing or damaged.
Table 1-1
Model 8525 P-Trak Ultrafine Particle Counter With Inlet Probe Assembly,
Battery Pack, and Batteries
Qty.
Item Description
Part/Model
Reference
1
P-Trak Ultrafine Particle
Counter
N/A
1
Probe assembly,
consisting of
telescoping probe,
sample tube, and inlet
screen assembly
801622
801615
801616
1
Battery holder
801623
6
Battery, AA, alkaline
N/A
1
Carrying case
801613
(not shown)

Chapter 1
2
Table 1-2
Alcohol Fill Capsule with Storage Cap, Alcohol Cartridge, Alcohol Bottles and
Shoulder Strap
Qty.
Item Description
Part/Model
Reference
1
Alcohol fill capsule and
storage cap.
1083070
1
Alcohol cartridge
801624
16
30 ml alcohol bottles
(1 shown)
2918011

Unpacking and Parts Identification
3
Table 1-3
Mesh Storage Bag with Spare Wicks, Computer Cable, Zero Filters, and
DB9/DB25 Adapter
Qty.
Item Description
Part/Model
Reference
1
Mesh bag
N/A
2
Spare wick kit
N/A
1
Computer cable,
RJ45/DB9
800563
2
HEPA zero filter,
with adapter
801625
1
USB to RS-232
Converter
1102138

Chapter 1
4
Table 1-4
Calibration Certificate, Operation and Service Manual, TrakPro Software
Qty.
Item Description
Part/Model
Reference
1
Calibration Certificate
N/A
1
Operation and Service
Manual
1980380
1
TrakPro Software
1090014
Optional Accessories
The following table lists optional accessories available for the P-Trak
Ultrafine Particle Counter.
Quantity
Item Description
1
AC adapter for P-Trak particle counter
(115V only)
1
Portable printer

Unpacking and Parts Identification
5
Spare/Replacement Parts
The following items may be purchased as spare or replacement
parts.
Item Description
Part Number
Alcohol wicks with screens (Pkg. of 10)
8023
Tubing, sample, 4’ x 18”, Tygon
801615
Inlet screen assembly
801616
Alcohol, 16 qty., 30 ml bottles
2918011

Chapter 1
6
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7
Chapter 2
Setting Up
Supplying Power to the P-Trak®Particle Counter
The Model 8525 P-Trak Ultrafine Particle Counter may be powered in
one of two ways. The standard configuration instrument is sold with a
battery holder containing 6, AA alkaline batteries. An optional AC
adapter may also be used to power the instrument when operating in
a fixed location.
Installing the Batteries
To install the battery holder, first install the 6 individual
AA batteries into the pack, noting the battery polarity as marked
on the inside of the battery holder. Remove the battery
compartment door by pressing in and pulling out on the two
locking tabs. Next, install the battery pack (battery side down) into
the battery compartment as shown in Figure 2-1, putting the top
of the pack (the side with the two contacts extending from the
body of the pack) down first and snapping the rest of the pack in
place. Finally, replace the battery compartment door.
Figure 2-1: Install Battery Pack into Battery Compartment
CAUTION
Avoid forcing the battery pack into place. The
battery pack fits correctly in only one orientation.
When installed properly, the batteries will face
down into the compartment.

Chapter 2
8
Figure 2-2: The Back of the Instrument
1. On/Off switch
4. AC Adapter socket
2. Inlet quick-connect fitting
5. Headphone jack
3. Communications port
6. Alcohol cartridge
Using the AC Adapter
The AC adapter allows you to power the P-Trak particle counter
from an AC wall outlet. When using the AC adapter, the batteries
(if installed) will be bypassed. The AC adapter will not charge
the batteries.
The P-Trak particle counter has an internal, non-user accessible
battery that is used for battery back-up of logged data when the
instrument is turned off. Removing/changing the alkaline batteries
or disconnecting the AC adapter will not cause data to be lost.
This backup battery will last for years. TSI will install a new
battery, if necessary, when the unit is returned to the factory for
service.
1
2
3
4
5
6

Setting Up
9
Charging and Installing the Alcohol Wick
Cautions Before Proceeding
WARNING
Isopropyl Alcohol is hazardous material. Do not ingest
or allow alcohol to contact your eyes or skin. Refer to
the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) located in the
box of alcohol and in Appendix B of this manual for
handling precautions and first aid procedures.
Note: Always recap alcohol containers immediately to prevent
absorption of moisture and the escape of fumes.
C a u t i o n
The CO sensor in some models of TSI IAQ monitors may be
adversely affected when exposed to isopropyl alcohol vapors
released from TSI instruments utilizing condensation particle
counting (CPC) technology. For maximum performance, keep
CO sensors away from CPC-based instruments utilizing
isopropyl alcohol.
The P-Trak particle counter consumes high-purity isopropyl
alcohol at a rate of about 1 ml per hour. The alcohol is used to
grow microscopic particles in the air into larger droplets that are
easier to detect and count.
The isopropyl alcohol that is required to properly operate the
P-Trak particle counter must be very high purity "reagent grade"
alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol that is available from pharmacies, drug
stores, or other consumer outlets is low purity and usually
contains significant percentages of water and other substances
that can damage the P-Trak particle counter.
Note
It is essential to use isopropyl alcohol that is 99.5% pure or
better. Do not use isopropyl alcohol from any source other
than TSI or a TSI-approved supplier. Problems caused by
the use of unapproved alcohol are not covered under
warranty.
Maintaining an adequate alcohol supply inside the
Condensation Particle Counter is critical to its operation
and requires strict adherence to the directions that follow.

Chapter 2
10
Locating and Identifying Components
To add alcohol to the P-Trak particle counter, first identify and
locate the alcohol related components and accessories that are
included with the instrument (refer to Table 1-2, for more
information). You will need the following items:
Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol Fill Capsule
Storage Cap
Alcohol Cartridge
Isopropyl alcohol is supplied by TSI in 30 ml plastic bottles. The
alcohol fill capsule is located in the carrying case. The alcohol
cartridge will also be either in the P-Trak cartridge cavity or in the
alcohol fill capsule, whichever one is not holding the storage cap.
The storage cap should be either sealing the alcohol fill capsule
or inserted into the P-Trak cartridge cavity.
Filling the Alcohol Fill Capsule
1. Turn the P-Trak particle counter off.
2. Open the alcohol fill capsule by twisting the storage cap (or
alcohol cartridge) 18turn counter-clockwise. Set the storage
cap (or alcohol cartridge) down on a clean surface, with the
end standing up, as shown in Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-3: Alcohol Cartridge and Storage Cap

Setting Up
11
3. Open a bottle of alcohol. Invert the bottle and insert the
nozzle end into the alcohol fill capsule as far as possible to
make certain that you cannot inadvertently spray alcohol
anywhere except down into the capsule.
Figure 2-4: Alcohol Fill Capsule
4. Squeeze alcohol into the alcohol fill capsule until the liquid
level is even with the scribed fill-line near the base
(Figure 2-4). Recap the alcohol bottle.
5. Make certain the alcohol cartridge is clean! Insert the alcohol
cartridge into the alcohol fill capsule by aligning the groove
with the pin and turning 18turn (clockwise) until it locks into
place (Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5: Insert Alcohol Cartridge into Fill Capsule
Fill Line