Casella Apex2 User Manual

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Personal Air Sampling Pump

User Manual

HB4058-00.09

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Thank you for purchasing the Casella Apex2 personal sampling pump. We hope that
you will be pleased with the unit and the service that you receive from us. If you do
have any queries, concerns or problems, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:

[e-mail]

Casella prides itself on providing precision instrumentation since 1799, supplying
eminent figures including Darwin and Livingstone. A lot has changed in our 200 year
history but what does remain is our commitment to reliable, trustworthy and credible
solutions.

For more information or to find out more about Casella and our products, please visit
our website at:

http://www.casellasolutions.com

UK Office

Casella

Regent House

Wolseley Road

Kempston

Bedford

MK42 7JY
[phone]
[phone]

[e-mail]

United States
Casella Inc.

415 Lawrence Bell Drive
Unit 4
Buffalo
NY 14221
USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

China
Ideal Industries China

No. 61, Lane 1000
Zhangheng Road
Pudong District
Shanghai 201203
China
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

India
Ideal Industries India PVT Ltd

229-230 Spazedge
Tower B, Sohna Road, Sector 47
Gurgaon 122001
Haryana
India
Phone: [phone]
Email:
[e-mail]

Page 3 of 28

1.0 Introduction

The Apex2 is the new generation of the personal sampling pump – combining class
beating performance with wearer acceptance and now with the addition of
Bluetooth® Smart giving an extra dimension of connectivity. Monitor the pump from
your mobile phone or tablet without having to disturb the wearer.

These are just some of the features of the Apex2

• Bluetooth® 4.0 (Low Energy) Wireless Connectivity

• Airwave App

• Clear full colour OLED display

• Motion sensor to track wearer activity and compliance

• Slim ergonomic design, smooth finish and protective rubber boot

• IP65 rated

• Inlet pressure sensing to establish filter loading and aid diagnostics

• Li Ion Batteries

• Impressive back pressure capability

• Gas Bag outlet

The Apex2 (Plus and Pro models) has the addition of Bluetooth® 4.0 wireless
connectivity and the Airwave App for your mobile device which enables you to
control and monitor the pump remotely. If you’re not using the App, then the colour
display gives all the run parameters ‘dashboard style’ and the use of colour makes
the interface more intuitive.

We have included a motion sensor which confirms that the pump is being worn and
its slim ergonomic design means that it’s less obtrusive to the wearer. The pump is
IP65 rated meaning greater protection against dust and water ingress and its smooth
finish means that it is easier to decontaminate. A protective rubber boot provides
added protection in a hostile working environment.

The Li Ion battery technology used in the Apex2 is low maintenance with no memory
effects and has very low self-discharge. Scheduled cycling is not required to prolong
the battery’s life. An accurate fuel gauge always shows the batteries state of charge
and remaining run time (in Pro and Plus models).

The Apex2 has a maximum flow rate of 5l/min and offers impressive back pressure
capability which ensures it operates reliably across a wide range of filter media. The
Apex2 includes a gas bag outlet to enable grab sampling.

Different models of the Apex2 provide features to address the requirements of
different applications. The supported functionality is illustrated in the following table
with the Standard, Plus and Pro models. All the Apex2 models offer the same flow
performance: The Standard Apex2 is the basic pump and the Plus and the Pro offer
greater functionality; the Pro version offering advanced programmability.

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2.0 Safety and Warnings

2.1 For all Apex2 Models

The Apex2 series of air sampling pumps are designed to be robust; however they

should not be dropped or subjected to mechanical shock.

Take care not to suck in water, solid materials or highly saturated or corrosive gases

into the pump as this may damage the pump and will invalidate the warranty.

The Apex2 pump contains no user serviceable parts and if a fault is suspected, the

pump must be returned to Casella or a Casella approved service centre.

The warranty DOES NOT extend to cleaning or general servicing of the instrument.

2.2 Disposal

2.3 Disclaimer

Do not attempt to use this equipment until you have thoroughly read the manual or have
been instructed by a Casella Engineer.

At the time of writing, this manual was completely up to date but due to continual
improvements the final operating procedures may differ slightly from those in the manual. If
there are any questions you are encouraged to contact Casella for clarification.

Casella seek continual advancement in their products and services. We reserve the right to
make changes and improvements to any information contained within this manual.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the information in this manual is correct, Casella will
assume no responsibility for loss, damage or injury caused by any errors in or omissions
from the information given.

Motion

Sensor

Bag

Outlet

Bluetooth®

PC

Download

Inlet

Pressure

Sensing

Run

Duration

Timer

Fully

Programmable

Timers

Apex 2  
Apex 2 Plus      
Apex 2 Pro

      

WEEE Notice: At the end of the instrument’s life please
do not throw away with the unsorted municipal waste.
Please recycle with a registered WEEE handler.

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3.0 Contents

Contents

1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Safety and Warnings ........................................................................................ 4

3.0 Contents ........................................................................................................... 5

4.0 Getting to know your Apex2 ............................................................................. 6

5.0 Charging the Apex 2 ......................................................................................... 7

6.0 Switching the Apex2 On and Off ...................................................................... 8

7.0 The Main Menu ................................................................................................ 8

8.0 Timer Programmes (Plus and Pro Models Only) .............................................. 9

9.0 Stopping and Pausing a Sampling Run .......................................................... 10

10.0 Locking and Unlocking the Apex2 ............................................................... 11

11.0 Motion Sensing ........................................................................................... 11

12.0 Bag Fill Mode .............................................................................................. 11

13.0 Low Flow Mode ........................................................................................... 12

14.0 Configuring the Apex2 ................................................................................. 13

15.0 Diagnostic Screens ..................................................................................... 15

16.0 Warning Messages ..................................................................................... 16

17.0 The Airwave App for Mobile Devices .......................................................... 16

17.1 Bluetooth® Connection and Security ....................................................... 17

17.2 The Dashboard View ............................................................................... 17

17.3 The Control Panel Data ........................................................................... 18

17.4 Connection Menu ..................................................................................... 18

18.0 The P.C Data Download Utility .................................................................... 19

19.0 Technical Specifications .............................................................................. 20

20.0 Declarations ................................................................................................ 21

21.0 Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................... 23

22.0 Servicing, Maintenance & Support .............................................................. 27

22.1 Servicing .................................................................................................. 27

22.2 Maintenance ............................................................................................ 27

22.3 Renewing the Inlet Filter .......................................................................... 27

22.4 Further Support ........................................................................................ 28

23.0 Part Numbers and Accessories. .................................................................. 28

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4.0 Getting to know your Apex2

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Bag

Inlet Nozzle

Scroll Up/Increase

Scroll Down/Decrease

Start/Stop/Enter

On/Off/Cancel

Status Indicator

OLED Colour

Display

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5.0 Charging the Apex 2

An intelligent combined docking station and charger, either single or 5-way is
required to charge the Apex2. Sampling history data from the Apex2 Plus and Pro
models is downloaded via USB using the same docking station. On the 5-way
charger, the ‘docking’ pocket with the USB symbol is the only pocket specifically
for downloading data, but ALL pockets can charge the Apex2. For downloading

data, the docking station must be powered.

The single way charger is powered using a PC18 universal power supply (2.1mm
power connector) and the 5 way version uses a PC28 adapter (2.5mm power
connector). A red LED will illuminate on the docking station to show that the power
is on.

If an Apex2 is switched off or is in ‘Stop’ mode and is placed in
the docking station, a ‘fast charge’ will automatically start. During
charge the Apex2 will display the battery charging icon plus the
batteries’ percentage state of charge. The Red LED will continue
to flash during the entire charging cycle.

The charging display will blank after the defined display timeout period. Pressing the
Power button will ‘wake’ the display for a further interval until timeout. Once fully
charged a solid blue LED will be shown for 10 minutes, after which time, the pump
will power off.

The charge time from empty to full is approximately 6 hours. Shorter charge times
will result in a reduced pro-rata run time.

If the pump is placed in the docking station whilst in Run mode, the pump will
continue to sample as normal and can be powered from the docking station for an
extended period of time. Batteries will not charge in this mode. Ensure the pump is
stopped before placing in the charger.

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6.0 Switching the Apex2 On and Off

To power on the Apex2 simply press and release the On/Off < > key. At power

up the pump will display the following screens;-

It then defaults to the Stop mode (Red Title bar) dashboard screens detailing data
from the last run;-

Tilt the pump forwards or backwards to automatically change the viewing angle of
the display. This means you can view the display from the front whilst it is in
operation and being worn by the user, or from the reverse, if you are wearing it
yourself.

To power off the Apex2 from any Stop mode screen, press and hold the On/Off
< > key for 3 seconds. Please note that the pump will not power off whilst a

sampling run or programme timer is active. If the button is released before the
shutdown sequence is complete, the pump will not power off.

7.0 The Main Menu

To access the main menu press the Down key

<>

once from the main dashboard

screen

<>
<>

<





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8.0 Timer Programmes (Plus and Pro Models Only)

Note – The duration and programmed sequence timer functions are only available

when ‘Advance’ mode has been enabled in the power-up configuration menu.

Select this option to resume a run with the current flow rate and
accumulated run data. You may exit at any point in the countdown. To
clear the run data choose ‘RESET’ and return to ‘START’.

<>
<>

< >

Select this option to reset the accumulated run time and volume to
zero. You may exit at any time during the countdown.

<>
<>

< >

Select this option to change the flow rate. Use the arrow keys to
change the flow and the enter key to accept.

<>
<>

< >

To perform a single point calibration, attach a sampling head or flow tube or
other flow-measuring device to the pump’s inlet nozzle then select this
option to calibrate.

<>
<>

< >

The

Run Duration timer

allows the pump to sample for a fixed period and

then automatically switch off when that time has elapsed. (Plus and Pro

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9.0 Stopping and Pausing a Sampling Run

<>
<>

< >

The

Programmable Sequence timer

allows 9 ‘on’ and ‘off’ events to
be set in sequence. These may be used to define daily or weekly
sampling sequences. For instance sampling may start in the morning
then automatically pause for a workers lunch or rest breaks. (Pro Model

Only)

<>
<>

< >

Time weighted average (TWA)

mode allows the pump to sample for a fixed
proportion of time over a specified total run time. The instrument calculates the
required ON/OFF cycle to automatically spread the total sample time evenly
over the entire run time (Pro Model Only). In this example the pump will
sample for 1 minute and then pause for one minute (50:50 on off ratio) this
pattern will continue for the total run duration of 8 hours.

To Stop or Pause a sampling run press and hold the Enter key

< >

and the countdown screens display. To exit the STOP operation
release the Enter

< >

key any time during the countdown. The

Dashboard display will be shown.

< >

Page 11 of 28

10.0 Locking and Unlocking the Apex2

11.0 Motion Sensing

12.0 Bag Fill Mode

Whilst pressing and holding the up key, press the

< >

key 3 times within quick succession to toggle between the
‘LOCK’ options.

The Full lock can only be set during ‘Run’ mode and is
denoted by a closed padlock icon. In this mode the keypad
is fully de-activated until it is unlocked again. The wearer
cannot stop or disturb the pump by any key presses.

Partial Lock mode is denoted by a half open padlock icon
and can be set in ‘Run’ or ‘Stop’ modes. In this mode the
wearer may stop and start the sampling pump but has no
no access to the Menu or other functions.

The Apex2 includes a Motion Sensor which reports
a motion index expressed as the amount of time
that the pump was moving. This ensures wearer
compliance and confidence in the validity of the
sample.

This allows the Apex2 to fill a gas bag and stop
automatically when it is full.

Use a suitable length of 5mm (nominal internal
diameter) tubing to connect the gas bag to the Apex2
outlet using the Luer type fitting.

Bag fill mode is automatically set by adjusting the flow
to <1l/min and starting the pump. It will automatically
stop filling the bag when the outlet flow sensor
pressure reaches 15mBar.

< >
< >
< >

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13.0 Low Flow Mode

This enables the instrument to be used with sorbent tubes at flows down to
5ml/min.

Connect the inlet of the Apex2 unit to a flow meter and calibrate to a flow rate of

1.5L/min. Stop the pump and disconnect the flow meter.
Connect the constant pressure regulator, the low flow adaptor and the sorbent

tube holder to the Apex2 pump. Connect this to your flowmeter. Break off both
ends of the sorbent tube and fit it in the holder with the arrow pointing towards the
pump. Start the pump and adjust the flow to the required rate, as indicated on the
flow meter, using the screw adjustment on the low flow adaptor. This set up is
now calibrated to your low flow rate.

Remove the sorbent tube and replace with a fresh one for the sampling operation.

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14.0 Configuring the Apex2

The Settings Menu is accessed by pressing and holding the

<> and

< >

keys

immediately after powering up the pump. Scroll through the items until the desired
function is highlighted. Confirm with the Enter

< >

key.

<>
<>

< >

Language: Supported
languages include English,
Portuguese, Brazilian, Spanish,
Italian, German and French

<>
<>

< >

Temperature Units

<>
<>

< >

Pressure Units

<>
<>

< >

Time and Date

<>
<>

< >

Display Contrast

As a power saving measure, it is recommended that while
the pump is running, the display does not need to be on. It
may ‘go to sleep’ after a user specified time-out interval and
will automatically ‘wake up’ following any key press. Set the
time in this screen here.

<>
<>

< >

Display Timeout
Period

Page 14 of 28

<>
<>

< >

Bluetooth Menu: It is possible
to turn the Bluetooth Radio On
or Off

Advanced Mode: When enabled,
advanced programming options
(Duration and Sequence timers) will
be available within the main menu.
Disabling advanced mode keeps the
user interface simple and quicker to
use.

It is possible to specify up to 9 On/Off times and days enabling the
Apexs2 to follow an automatic start and stop sampling regime.

<>
<>

< >

<>
<>

< >

<>
<>

< >

If the pump experiences an inlet blockage for more than 20
seconds it will automatically halt sampling. After one minute the
pump may re-start. The number of restart attempts before the
pump ends the current run is defined here.

<>
<>

< >

Information: Access details
of your Apex2 here: serial
number and the firmware
version loaded.

These screens show a range of engineering parameters. Press

<



>

to
toggle between the screens. This information is intended for routine
maintenance and to aid speedy fault diagnosis. See section 15 below

Sequencer

Blockage Retry

<>
<>

< >

Diagnostics

Page 15 of 28

15.0 Diagnostic Screens

The diagnostic screens provide information relating to the internal pump operation
and battery management.

The data includes:

• Cycles – The total number of charge cycles for the internal battery pack.
Lithium Ion battery technology is a robust and high performance battery
technology but like all batteries, the cells storage capacity will deteriorate with
use and time. Typically, Lithium Ion cell technology specifies 350 to 600 full
charge and discharge cycles based upon high charge and discharge rates.
However, if the cells are not fully (deep) discharged during normal usage and
are not subjected to extremes of temperature, a significantly greater cycle life
should be achieved. Typically this is the region of 800 plus cycles. The
battery technology and life is similar to that of a modern laptop P.C.

• Temp – Battery pack temperature. This should remain within a 0 to 45C range
during normal operation and charging.

• Volts – Voltage of the battery cells – both cells should be in range of 3 to 4.2v
and should remain within approximately 0.4 volts of each other.

• Capacity – Battery storage capacity: This is the fuel gauge’s most recent
estimation of the batteries storage capacity.

• Percentage – Represents the batteries storage capacity relative to a brand
new pack (2600mAH). <65% suggests battery aging or deterioration. Always
fully cycle the battery before considering the capacity and percentage values.

• Current I – Shows the present battery current. Typically 25mA at mid screen
brightness.

• Flow / Pressure – Shows the pumps current set flow rate and target control
pressure. Typically if the pump is set to 5L/m the pressure should report 8 to
12cmH20

Page 16 of 28

16.0 Warning Messages

The following warning messages are shown at power up. Any key press clears.

The following error messages may be displayed for other faults during normal
sampling applications:-

17.0 The Airwave App for Mobile Devices

The Airwave Application allows an instrument’s status and measurement progress to
be checked discretely without having to disturb the worker who may be performing a
critical task or be inaccessible.

It must be installed on a suitable mobile device which supports Bluetooth® 4.0
connectivity and running Android operating systems version 4.3 or higher.

Please download the latest version of the Airwave App from the downloads section
of the Apex2 web page http://www.casellasolutions.com/productblahdeblah (Correct
link)

It is recommended that the Apex2 is placed in Lock Mode to discourage the wearer
from tampering

Tap the icon on your mobile device to open the Airwave App.

Blockage Retry: If the pump cannot maintain the
target flow rate within 5% for more than 20
seconds (due to say a kinked tube or inlet
blockage) then it will automatically halt sampling.
After one minute the pump will attempt to re-start.
If the specified number of retry attempts are
unsuccessful, the pump will terminate the current
sampling run.

Page 17 of 28

17.1 Bluetooth® Connection and Security

With Bluetooth® enabled, Airwave compatible products will always broadcast their
basic status and dashboard data and will be visible on any number of local mobile
devices running the Airwave App.

However, it should be noted that Airwave compatible instruments such as the Apex2
will only accept connection and control request from a single known or ‘paired’
mobile device. This prevents an ‘unknown’ mobile device making a connection and
then interrupting an active measurement run.

To ‘pair’ a mobile device with a specific instrument, the Airwave App must be
activated on that mobile device and then used to connect to an Apex2 pump whilst it
is in ‘Stop’ mode. The identity of that last mobile device to connect during stop mode
is saved within the Apex2 and only this mobile device can connect to the instrument
whilst a run is active.

17.2 The Dashboard View

When the Airwave App is first opened it will
automatically scan for any Casella Airwave
compatible products within range (typically 25m
line of sight with no solid obstructions in the path).
For an instrument to appear in the list it must have
the Bluetooth® feature enabled.

The dashboard provides a condensed ‘snap shot’
of the vital measurement data and status from all
Airwave compatible instruments in range. Each
instrument will update and broadcast its dashboard
data approximately every 3 seconds.

To save power, the Airwave App stops scanning
once all instruments within range have been
detected. Press ‘SCAN’ in the top right of the
mobile device display to rescan for new
instruments.

Page 18 of 28

17.3 The Control Panel Data

17.4 Connection Menu

From the Dashboard view, ‘tap’ a specific
instrument to initiate a direct connection with that
instrument.

Whilst connected to an instrument a
comprehensive set of measurement results will be
displayed. It may be necessary to scroll up and
down to view all the available data.

From the Control Panel it is also possible to Start,
Stop or Pause a measurement run. Touch and
hold the appropriate icon in the lower part of the
mobile device’s display for 3 seconds during which
time a countdown will be displayed. Release at
any time during the countdown to abort the
operation.

The MENU contains a number of options to
facilitate the convenient transfer of the
measurement results via the device’s email or
clipboard services.

Page 19 of 28

18.0 The P.C Data Download Utility

The Apex 2 data download utility application is freely available on our website at:

http://www.casellasolutions.com/support/software

After downloading, run the setup.exe file to install the application.
This utility is used to download Apex2 run data into an Excel compatible file format to

allow you to collate data for your reports.
For downloading data from the Apex2 via the docking station, please refer also to

Section 4
With the download application open, the docking station powered and connected to a

USB port on your P.C, place a pump in the download pocket of the docking station.

Data files may be opened directly in MS Excel.

With the download application open,
the docking station powered and
connected to a USB port on your
P.C, place a pump in the download
pocket of the docking station. Click

to scan for the connected pump

Select a destination folder to

download your data file to.

Click the icon to commence
data downloading.

Page 20 of 28

19.0 Technical Specifications

Flow Performance

Flow Range ml/min 1000-5000
Low Flow Range

ml/min

5-500

Flow Control < ± 5% at calibrated point
Pulsation <10% @ 2l/min
Back Pressure

Capability

see separate table

Fault Detector Auto Restart

Operating

Display Colour OLED
Controls 4 buttons
Status Indicators Red/Green LED
Dimensions 112x37x102mm
Weight 480g

Environmental

Temperature

Operation, 0 - 45°C
Storage, -10 - 50°C
Humidity 30-95% RH (non-

condensing)

Barometric Pressure Auto-correcting

Electrical

Battery

Type Li ion
Battery Level Indicator Yes
Battery Life >9hours
Chargers

Single or 5-way

Charge time Typically <6hrs

Approvals EN1232 Compliant

ISO 13137 Compliant

Ingress Protections: IP65

Page 21 of 28

Flow Performance

5.0 l/min

16" (41cm) H20 for 8 hours

11" (28cm) H20 for 9.6 hours

4.0 l/min 25" (64cm) H20 for 8 hours

3.0 l/min 39" (101cm) H20 for 8 hours

2.0 l/min

59" (150cm ) H20 for 8 hours

16" (40cm) H20 for 26 hours

4" (10cm) H20 for 26 hours

1.0 l/min 96" (240cm) H20 for 8 hours

20.0 Declarations

WIRELESS BLUETOOTH 4.0 CONNECTIVITY

All models support wireless connection via Bluetooth® 4.0 (Low energy or Smart).
This connectivity is compatible with mobile and PC devices that support Bluetooth®

4.0 only.
TX power: 0 dBm to -23 dBm

Receiver sensitivity: -93 dBm
Range: Typically >25m line-of-sight and depending on local RF
conditions.

The instrument contains a Bluetooth® Low energy wireless transmission module,
BLE113 from Bluegiga technologies. The Bluetooth® Qualified Design IDs for this
module are:-

Bluetooth Controller QDID: B021015, Bluetooth Smart Software: QDID B018942
Copies of the modules regional approvals certificates may be obtained from Casella

or Bluegiga.

This product contains an FCC and Industry Canada certified Bluetooth® Low energy
wireless transmission module:-

FCC IDENTIFIER: QOQBLE113
Industry Canada IC:5123A-BGTBLE113(Single)

Producer: BlueGiga Technologies Inc.
Model: BLE113 Bluetooth smart module
Modular Type: Single Modular

Page 22 of 28

FCC CONFORMITY STATEMENT

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation

RADIATION EXPOSURE STATEMENT:

The product complies with the FCC portable RF exposure limit set forth for an
uncontrolled environment and is safe for intended operation as described in this
manual.

CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Casella declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements
and other relevant provisions of applicable EC directives. A copy of the
EU Declaration of Conformity for this product may be obtained by clicking on the
Product compliance documentation link at www.casellasolutions.com.

WEEE - INFORMATION FOR EU MEMBER-STATES ONLY

The use of the WEEE symbol indicates that this product may not be treated as
household waste. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help
prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human
health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of
this product. For more detailed information about recycling of this product,
please contact your local waste disposal service or contact the agent where you
purchased the product.

Page 23 of 28

21.0 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the Standard, Plus and Pro models?

We recognise that different users have different requirements and that is why we
have created 3 different models. Please see the table below for further details. If
you just want a basic version of the pump, i.e. without Bluetooth® and programming
BUT with the same GREAT PERFORMANCE the Apex2 standard is the pump you
need but if you would like greater functionality including the ability to remotely view
the worker, please review the options.

The fuel gauge will show estimated run duration based on current mode – ie it will be
much longer when stopped.

2. I would like to upgrade models is this possible?

If you have bought a Plus Model but would like greater programming and timer
capability it is possible to upgrade the firmware. Please contact
[e-mail]. If you have bought the Standard Apex2, this is
not possible.

Apex2 Apex2 Plus Apex2 Pro

Flow Range ml/min 500-5000 500-5000 500-5000
Back Pressure Capability
Battery Li Ion Li Ion Li Ion
Battery Life >9hrs* >9hrs* >9hrs*
Display Type Colour Colour Colour

Motion Sensor

  

Bag Outlet

  

User Lock

  

Pump Status Indicator

  

Fuel Gauge Battery level icon **Fuel Gauge **Fuel Gauge

Bluetooth® Wireless ..

 

Airwave Mobile App ..

 

PC Download ..

 

Run Duration Programme ..

 

Delay Timer Programme .. ..



Timer Programme .. ..



TWA Mode .. ..



See Separate Table

* Depending on flow rate and media

**The fuel gauge gives estimated usage based on parameters from the current/last run

Page 24 of 28

3. What program options are there for the Apex2?

With the Apex2 Plus model you can set ‘Run Duration’. This means that the pump
will run for the designated time you choose, say 8 hours, from when the pump is
started.

The Apex2 Pro has ‘Run Duration’ and other options. This includes a ‘Timer’ facility
where you indicate a start and a finish time for a particular day. Also there is a
‘TWA’ mode. This means ‘Time Weighted Average’ and allows the pump to operate
for a fixed percentage of a specified sample time. The Apex2 calculates the required
on/off cycle automatically to spread the total exposure time over the entire sample
time.

4. Is there an intrinsically safe version?

Casella has a long history of producing intrinsically safe equipment. The Apex2 is no
exception and has been specifically designed to be capable of meeting the very
latest revisions of the IEC standard. Certification is expected within 6 months of
launch.

5. Will there be a model suitable for the mining industry?

Absolutely! As with the I.S. version, the Apex2 has been specifically designed to
meet the latest ATEX standards. Certification is expected within 6 months of launch.
The Mining model will have similar functionality to the standard Apex2 but with the
addition of a Motion Sensor and the ability to download run data.

6. What is the recommended service interval for the Apex2?

Casella recommends annual factory maintenance and recalibration for accurate and
reliable operation. The Apex2 pump logs usage and a reminder will appear after
2500 hours if this comes sooner than 1 year. For further information about servicing,
please contact [e-mail]

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7. How do I know what filters and accessories I need for my application?

Filters and accessories do depend very much on your application. Please visit

http://www.airsamplingsolutions.com or contact [e-mail] for

further information. The website has a hazard search which returns recommended
methods and the equipment required.

8. Why include a motion sensor?

Sometimes workers are resistant to being monitored and feel that wearing the pump
hampers their work. There have been examples of workers taking the equipment off
and leaving it running in a cupboard and picking it up again at the end of a shift to
hand it in to the Occupational Hygienist. The motion sensor tracks the amount of
movement and gives an index to the Occupational Hygienist who can then tell if the
sample is a valid one. If the pump has not been moving all day, it’s quite likely it’s
been taken off.

9. Is wearer acceptance a problem then?

It can be – workers’ may not always see the benefit of being monitored and only see
that wearing a pump will be an unnecessary encumbrance rather than the long term
goal of protecting their health. To try and combat this, the Apex2 has been designed
to be less obtrusive to the wearer. It’s a smaller, slimmer, lighter design which makes
moving around easier: sitting, standing, climbing. The sturdy clip can be fitted to a
variety of belts and harnesses and the rubber boot guards against knocks and rough
treatment.

10. What is the battery life and charge time and what’s the benefit?)

The Apex2 incorporates Li Ion batteries for greater battery life. You can be confident
that you can get to the end of the shift without running out of charge. Battery life
does depend on the application and factors like the flow rate and the back pressure
must be taken into account. It is difficult to give a definitive answer as to ‘how long
will the charge last’ because it does depend on the individual sample. We can only
give guidance.

11. What is the pulsation value and why is it so important?

When choosing a pump, you should ensure that the pulsation value given is <10% to
ensure confidence in your results. (ISO13137)

Pulsations in air flow can affect the size cut performance of size selective sampling
heads such as cyclones. Pulsations can also make the filter vibrate which means
there is a potential to lose sample. There is also evidence that pulsation may affect
low flow gas/vapour sampling in retention of sample.

With every cycle of the pump air is drawn in and then exhausted. The resulting air
flow will not be completely smooth and includes an alternating, or pulsating
component due to the pumps rotation. The Pulsation performance is expressed as
the ratio of the pulsating components amplitude to the mean (steady) flow rate. A

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smaller pulsation ratio percentage indicates a smoother flow of air. The Apex2
incorporates an elastomeric cavity to absorb and minimize these flow pulsations.

12. What is the flow control and why is that so important?

During the sample run a number of factors can slow the pump, e.g. a loaded filter or
the voltage across the battery dropping which means that the flow rate would drop
also. If this happens you would not know for sure the volume of air drawn through
the pump over the sampling period and this would affect the accuracy of your results.
The Apex2 has flow control built into the circuitry so that it monitors and maintains
flow accuracy meaning that you have confidence in your calculations.

The Apex2 conforms to ISO13137:2013 which states that flow control be ±5% for
ambient temperatures +5 to 40oC and pressures of 850 to 1255mBar. This is the
international standard specifying performance requirements for personal sampling
pump and it is vital that your personal sampling pump conforms to this standard.

13. What is back pressure?

This is the resistance to flow caused by the filter media as opposed to free flow of air
through the pump (like having a sock over your vacuum cleaner, the pump has to
work a bit harder!) It is measured in inches or cm of water. The smaller the pore size
of your filter, the greater the back pressure and the harder the pump has to work. As
well as being a drain on the battery the pump needs to be powerful enough
overcome the resistance. Another factor is the flow rate and it is the combination of
flow rate and filter media that determines the back pressure.

Having a pump that is capable of dealing with a wide variety of flow rates and filter
media is really important and the Apex2 has class beating back pressure capability.
Please see the below table for typical back pressures exerted by particular filter
media.

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22.0 Servicing, Maintenance & Support

22.1 Servicing

Casella’s in house service department offers a comprehensive range of repair and
calibration services designed to maintain a fast and efficient back-up for all our
products. The Service Department is operated under the scope of our BSI
registration for products manufactured by us. We will however, undertake the repair
of other manufacturer’s equipment.

For further information please contact our service department at our UK
headquarters [e-mail] or via approved servicing
distributors. We will be happy to provide quotations for individual repairs or provide
annual maintenance under contract.

22.2 Maintenance

The Apex2 Personal Air Sampling Pump is designed to provide long and reliable
service. Routine maintenance should be minimal.

Avoid leaving the battery pack in a discharged condition for extended

durations

Do not operate without an inlet filter. Ingested dirt and dust particles may

cause internal damage, malfunction or erratic flow
Replace the inlet filters regularly
Keep the instrument body clean

22.3 Renewing the Inlet Filter

The filter element should be replaced every 3 months. The pump running time and
the operating environment can reduce this time considerably.

7.1 Remove the inlet nozzle

7.2 Discard the filter element

7.3 Fit a new filter element

7.4 Fit and tighten the Inlet nozzle, hand tight only.

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22.4 Further Support

Please visit our website http://www.casellasolutions.com or email us at

[e-mail]

23.0 Part Numbers and Accessories.

Apex2 Models

Apex2 Apex2 Standard Pump
Apex2Plus Apex2 Plus Pump
Apex2Pro Apex2 Pro Pump
Apex2 Accessories
209055b/KIT Single Docking Station for Apex2 Pump inc. PSU

& USB Cable

209058b/KIT 5-Way Docking Station for Apex2 Pump inc. PSU

& USB Cable
209025C Protective Rubber Boot
Apex2 Kits
APEX2KIT 5-Way Apex2 Standard Kit
APEX2PLUSKIT 5-Way Apex2 Plus Kit
APEX2PROKIT 5-Way Apex2 Pro Kit