AAF International Shield Detecting Unit User Manual

Better Air is Our Business

®

Read and Save These Instructions!

NOTE: 1. Read and understand all operating instructions before

installing and using the SAAFShield Detecting Unit
Real-time Reactivity Monitor.

2. Save this manual for future reference.

This instruction manual provides important information on the
installation and operation of the SAAFShield Detecting Unit Real-time
Reactivity Monitor. These instructions must be carefully followed in
order to operate the unit safely and correctly. If there are any
questions regarding the use or care of this unit, please contact
AAF at 888-AAF-2003 or by email at [e-mail] for
assistance.

Detecting Unit Real-time Reactivity Monitor

Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance Instructions

Table of Contents

1.0 Principles of Operations

2.0 Components

3.0 Installating Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCMs)

4.0 Installing the Detecting Unit

5.0 Troubleshooting

6.0 Connecting to the Reading Unit

7.0 Spare Parts List

1.0 Principles of Operation

The SAAFShield Detecting Unit is the non-powered, sensing side
of the SAAFShield system that utilizes Quartz Crystal Microbalance
(QCM) technology to measure metal corrosion due to reactions
with the environment. The SAAFShield Detecting Unit works in
combination with the SAAFShield Reading Unit as part of a system
that monitors atmospheric corrosion in real-time or on a periodic
basis.

The SAAFShield Detecting Unit’s oscillator Printed Circuit Board
(PCB) consists of specially marked tracking where electromagnetic
induction effects are significantly reduced in order to produce the
most stable and accurate frequency reading. As the metal-coated
QCM corrodes, the frequency of oscillation changes. The Detecting
Unit has built-in non-offgassing EVA foam spacers to prevent
unwanted movement of the QCMs within the enclosure.

2

Figure 1 — SAAFShield™Detecting Unit with internal components labeled

Cutouts for
airflow

Outside casing

EVA foam

spacers

2.0 Components

Figure 1 shows the SAAFShield Detecting Unit with the internal
components labeled.

The SAAFShield Detecting Unit Real-time Reactivity Monitor includes
the following components:

• (1) Oscillator Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

• (3) Connector slots for Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) PCBs

• (1) Black plastic thermoplastic case with airflow zones and
protective cage

• (1) Connector slot for interfacing with the SAAFShield Reading

Unit

• (3) QCM PCBs (packaged separately)

IMPORTANT: To open the QCM PCB package prior to installation,
please carefully follow the instructions supplied below. Mishandling
the QCM PCB can cause irreparable damage.

Ribbon cable connector slot

(connects to Reading Unit)

Oscillator

PCB

Connector slots

(connects to QCM-PCB)

QCM PCBs

3.0 Installing Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)

Tools Required:

• Philips head screwdriver

• Scissors, exacto knife, or razor blade

Instructions:

1) Ensure that the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protected bag

contains the appropriate QCM (Gold, Silver, Copper) that you would
like to install. See Figure 2.

2) Carefully cut open the ESD bag and remove any protective

packaging around the QCM PCB.

3) The QCM-PCB has a protective black foam backing – do not

remove this foam.

4) You will need to remove the plastic protective banding from the

QCM to expose the reactive elements on the QCM. Carefully cut one
end of the plastic protective banding as shown in Figure 3 with a razor
blade or exacto knife.

CAUTION. In some instances, the plastic band material may be tightly
adhered to the metal cap. This is done to provide a tight seal on the
cap and ensure complete protection of the QCM reactive element
during shipment. Please do not force open the metal cap. Doing so
may cause irreparable damage to the QCM’s reactive element within
making the device non-operational. It is advised that the metal cap be
gently removed from the QCM and handled carefully at all times.

Figure 3

Figure 2