USER’S GUIDE
SKC
ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICULATE
AIR MONITOR
MODEL SKC EPAM-5000
DOC# HD50706
SKC Inc.
863 Valley View Road
Eighty Four, PA 15330
Phone: (724) 941-9704
Fax: (724) 941-1369
Manufactured By: Environmental Devices Corporation
Model
SKC EPAM-5000
User’s Guide
Licenses, Copyrights and Trademarks
This documentation contains trade secrets and confidential information
proprietary to Environmental Devices Corporation (EDC). The software
supplied with the instrumentation, documentation and any information
contained therein may not be used, duplicated or disclosed to anyone, in
whole or in part, other than as authorized in a fully executed EDC End User
License or with the express written permission of EDC.
© 1999 Environmental Devices Corporation. All rights reserved throughout
the world.
Haz-Dust
™
is a registered trademark of Environmental Devices Corporation.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
ii
Safety Notice
Repair of instrumentation supplied by Environmental Devices Corporation
(EDC) should only be attempted by properly trained service personnel, and
should only be conducted in accordance with the EDC system documentation.
Do not tamper with this hardware. High voltages may be present in all
instrument enclosures. Use established safety precautions when working with
this instrument.
The seller cannot foresee all possible modes of operation in which the user
may attempt to utilize this instrumentation. The user assumes all liability
associated with the use of this instrumentation. The seller further disclaims
any responsibility for consequential damages.
iii
Warranty
Environmental Devices Corporation (EDC) warrants only non-expendable
products (expendable items include batteries disposable filters and cassettes
or other consumables), parts and labor, for a period of one year from date of
shipment to the original purchaser. The warranty covers only product parts
and labor that failed due to normal operation of the instrument and not due to
abuse or negligence. The product will be delivered in accordance to its
published specifications and free from defects in materials or workmanship.
If a product fails to conform to this one year limited warranty it may be
returned to the factory for repair or replacement of the defected part(s). EDC
must be notified of all returning warranty repair products, either in writing or
by telephone. Shipping and insurance cost will be prepaid by the purchaser.
EDC makes no other express warranty and disclaims any implied warranty of
fitness or merchantability.
iv
Table of Contents
Licenses, Copyrights and Trademarks ...................................................................................................................ii
Safety Notice .........................................................................................................................................................iii
Warranty................................................................................................................................................................iv
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................................v
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the SKC EPAM-5000 .............................................................................................. 1-1
Introduction to the SKC EPAM-5000 ............................................................................................................... 1-2
Overview of the SKC EPAM-5000 ................................................................................................................... 1-4
Real-Time Dust Monitoring Principles .............................................................................................................. 1-6
Features .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-7
Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-8
Components........................................................................................................................................................ 1-9
Chapter 2 - Operating Parameters of the SKC EPAM-5000 ............................................................................. 2-1
Turning the SKC EPAM-5000 On and Off........................................................................................................ 2-2
Using the Menu .................................................................................................................................................. 2-3
Setting the Date and Time .................................................................................................................................. 2-4
Setting the Alarm................................................................................................................................................ 2-5
Clearing the Memory.......................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Chapter 3 - Operating the SKC EPAM-5000 ...................................................................................................... 3-1
Selecting the Particle Size..... ............................................................................................................................. 3-2
1.0um Dust Particulates...................................................................................................................................... 3-3
2.5um Dust Particulates..................................... .................................................................................................3-4
10um Dust Particulates………………………………………………………………………………………...3-5
Auto-Zero ......................................................... ..................................................................................................3-6
Manual-Zero....................................................................................................................................................... 3-7
Sampling............................................................................................................................................................. 3-9
Location Codes................................................................................................................................................. 3-12
Reviewing Stored Data..................................................................................................................................... 3-13
Chapter 4 - DustComm Pro V.1.2.......................................................................................................................... 4-1
Introduction to DustComm Pro V.1.2 ................................................................................................................ 4-2
Installing DustComm Pro................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Loading DustComm Pro..................................................................................................................................... 4-4
Menu Selections ................................................................................................................................................. 4-5
File Menu Command ......................................................................................................................................... 4-6
Downloading Data.............................................................................................................................................. 4-8
DustComm Pro Window .................................................................................................................................. 4-11
Translating Data into ASCII Text File. ............................................................................................................ 4-14
Generating a Plot.............................................................................................................................................. 4-15
Data Plot Menu Selections ............................................................................................................................... 4-16
Editing a Title................................................................................................................................................... 4-17
Applying a Correction Factor........................................................................................................................... 4-18
Inability to Download....................................................................................................................................... 4-19
Chapter 5 - Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 5-1
Checking the Calibration Span........................................................................................................................... 5-2
Checking the Flow Rate ..................................................................................................................................... 5-5
Adjusting the Flow Rate..................................................................................................................................... 5-7
Battery Maintenance........................................................................................................................................... 5-8
Cleaning the Sensor Optics .............................................................................................................................. 5-11
v
Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 6-1
If Instrument Does not Respond......................................................................................................................... 6-2
If Memory Full Appears on Display .................................................................................................................. 6-4
Flow Rate Not Achievable ................................................................................................................................. 6-5
Inability to Download Data to PC ...................................................................................................................... 6-6
Appendix A - Menu Screens ...................................................................................................................................A-1
Appendix B - NIOSH/OSHA Particulate Air Monitoring Reference .................................................................B-1
Appendix C - Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................................C-1
Appendix D - SKC EPAM-5000 Accessories ........................................................................................................D-1
vi
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Model SKC EPAM-5000
Introduction to Model SKC EPAM-5000
Chapter Overview
Introduction
In this chapter
This chapter gives a complete overview of Model SKC EPAM-5000.
This chapter:
• Introduces and describes EPAM-5000.
• Explains operating principles of the EPAM-5000.
• Identifies features, specifications and components of EPAM-5000.
This chapter contains the following topics.
Introduction to the EPAM-5000 1-2
Overview of the EPAM-5000 1-4
Real-Time Dust Monitoring Principles 1-6
Features 1-7
Specifications 1-8
Components 1-9
Chapter 1
Topic See Page
1 -
1
Introduction to the SKC EPAM-5000
Introduction
The SKC EPAM-5000 is a high sensitivity real-time particulate monitor
designed for ambient environmental and indoor air quality applications. This
unit combines traditional filter techniques with real-time monitoring methods.
These techniques combined overcome limitations of all other aerosol
monitoring products.
Figure 1.2. Picture of the Haz-Dust.
Continued on next page
1 -
3
Introduction to the SKC EPAM-5000, Continued
Comparison of
methods
Description of
traditional
method
Advantages of
traditional
method
Description of
real-time
method
1
The traditional and real-time dust monitoring methods are described below.
Air is drawn by a vacuum pump through a 47mm diameter membrane filter
EPA FRM Style. The fibers and particles collected on the membrane filter
must be counted or weighed in a laboratory for further analysis.
• EPA or OSHA compliance reference method.
• High level of specificity and accuracy.
• Collection of dust particles, which are available for further chemical
analysis.
Dust particles are drawn into the sensor head and are detected once every
second. Dust concentrations are instantaneously calculated and displayed on
the SKC EPAM-5000’s LCD. All data points are stored in memory for later
analysis.
Advantages of
real-time
method
1
• Immediate estimations of the concentration of a contaminant, permitting
on-site evaluations.
• Provision of permanent 24-hour records of contaminant concentrations
using continuous monitors.
• Internal audible alarm to warn workers of approaching hazardous
situations.
• Reduction of number of manual filter tests.
• Reduction of number of laboratory analyses.
• Provision of more convincing evidence for presentation at hearings and
litigation proceedings.
• Reduced cost of obtaining individual results.
1
“The Industrial Environment - It’s Evaluation & Control”, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, CDC,
NIOSH, 1973.
1 -
4
Overview of the SKC EPAM-5000
Ease of use
General
Information
• The user controls all functionality and programming using menus displayed
on a high contrast LCD.
• A 24-hour rechargeable battery capacity.
• Automatic clean air purging of sensor for increased stability and accuracy.
• Internal temperature compensation for ambient use.
• The LCD displays real-time concentration in milligram per cubic meter
(mg/m
3
) in accordance with EPA or OSHA Reference Methods.
• Statistical information of TWA, STEL, Max and Min levels can be viewed
instantly.
• The SKC EPAM-5000 is calibrated using Arizona Road Dust (ARD)
against NIOSH method 0600 for Respirable dust with a +
• The calibration of the SKC EPAM-5000 can be adjusted to compensate for
changes in particle composition and distribution.
10% accuracy.
Figure 1.4. Diagram showing breathing zones of Inhalable, Thoracic, and Respirable dust
particles.
Continued on next page
1 -
5
Overview of the SKC EPAM-5000, Continued
DustComm Pro
Software
DustComm Pro supplied software is designed for more detailed analysis of
sampled data. Pull down menus provide for a user friendly environment
to store and analyze data and print management ready reports
Data can easily be exported in comma-delimited ASCII Text Files
importable into spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel and Lotus
1-2-3.
DustComm Pro Software is used for downloading the information on
Windows XP, 2000, NT, and ME PCs.
The data plots provided with DustComm Pro enable:
· Detailed statistical analysis.
· Creation of graphics and charts.
· Mathematical correction of particle characteristics when aerosol
significantly differs from calibration dust.
1 -
6
A
Real-Time Dust Monitoring Principles
Principles
• The SKC EPAM-5000 uses the principle of near-forward light scattering of
an infrared radiation to immediately and continuously measure the
concentration in mg/m
3
of airborne dust particles.
• This principle utilizes an infrared light source positioned at a 90-degree
angle from a photo detector.
• As the airborne particles enter the infrared beam, they scatter the light. The
amount of light received by the photo detector is directly proportional to the
aerosol concentration.
• A unique signal processes internally and compensates for noise and drift.
This allows high resolution, low detection limits and excellent base line
stability.
Figure 1.5. Diagram showing the principle of near-forward light scattering used in the SKC
EPAM-5000.
Light Scattering vs. Gravimetric Filter
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
Response
0
Relative Optical
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Gravimetr ic Filter Weight
RD = Arizona Road Dust
RTD = Real-Time Dust
ARD
ARD
0.1
Filter
Figure 1.6. Graph illustrating the principle of near-forward light scattering.
1 -
7
Features
Introduction
Real-time
display of
Functional
features
The EPAM-5000 provides a unique combination of features to provide
superior data quality, ease of use, and flexibility to the user. Below is a
partial list of distinctive features.
• Particulate exposure levels.
• TWA, STEL, Min, and Max levels.
• PM 1.0, PM 2.5, PM 10, or TSP.
• Stored data by location code.
• Calibrated to NIOSH methods for lung damaging particles.
• In line concurrent filter samples for gravimetric analysis.
• High sensitivity of 0.001 to 20 mg/m
3
(1 µg/m3 – 2000 µg/m3).
• Interchangeable size-selective sampling inlets.
• Internal air sampling pump.
• Auto purging sensor.
• Easy user access to rechargeable battery and internal filter.
Operational
features
Data
management
• On-screen programming of sampling and data storage parameters.
• Real-time clock.
• User selectable audible alarm.
• In-field zero and span check of instrument calibration.
• Choice of 1 second, 1 minute, 10 second, or 30 minute averaging/storage
intervals.
• Up to 15 months of sample/record time.
• Memory storage of up to 21,600 data points, which can be, distributed into
a maximum of 999 location files.
• Data translation to ASCII text files, importable into Excel or Lotus 1-2-3.
• DustComm Pro software offers comparative graphical and statistical
analysis.
1 -
8
Specifications
Introduction
Specifications
Display: Large alphanumeric LCD- 4 line, 20-character display
Operation: Four key splash proof membrane switch – menu driven
Calibration: NIOSH gravimetric method
Sensing range: .001-20.0 mg/m
Particle size range: 0.1-100 µm
Precision: +/- 0.003 mg/m
Accuracy: +/-10% to NIOSH #0600 using ARD
Sampling flow rate: 1.0 – 4.3 liters/minute
Filter cassette: 47mm disposable EPA FRM Style
Alarm output: 90db at 3ft.
Recording time: 1 sec. To 15 months
Sampling rate: 1 sec., 10 sec., 1 min., and 30 min.
Data storage: 21,600 data points
Security code: 4-digit combination
Memory & time storage: > 10yrs
Real-time clock & data display
Data display: concentration in mg/m
& TWA, MAX, MIN, STEL, DATE/TIME
Digital output: RS-232
Operating Temperature: -10
Storage Temperature: -20 to 60
DustComm Pro software: Windows
Power: Rechargeable battery
Operating time: >
Charging time: 22 hours
Humidity: 95% non-condensing
Dimensions (case): 14.0” x 6.0” x 10.0”
Weight: 12 lbs.
The EPAM-5000 meets the following specifications.
3
.01-200.0 mg/m3 (optional)
3
(3 µm/m3)
3
o
C to 50oC
o
C
™
driven for graphical and data translation
24 hours
1 -
9
Components
Components
The following components ship with the SKC EPAM-5000.
• SKC EPAM-5000 Monitor.
• Rechargeable battery pack.
• Battery charger.
• Trimming tool.
• EPAM Media CD-ROM Includes: DustComm Pro Software and Instruction
Manual.
• RS232 9-pin serial cable (female to male).
• TSP Sampling inlet (1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, or 10 µm sampling inlet optional.
• Flow Audit Measuring Device Adapter
• Flow Audit Measuring Device.
Figure 1-7 EPAM-5000
Flow Audit
Measuring
Device
Trimming tool
RS232 9-pin
serial cable
Sampling Inlet
Sampling
Inlet
Sleeve
Battery
Charger
DustComm Pro
Software
And Manual
1 -
10
Chapter 2 - Operating Parameters of the SKC EPAM-5000
Operating Parameters of the EPAM-5000
Chapter Overview
Introduction
In this chapter
This chapter describes the steps involved in starting the EPAM-5000 and
configuring its operating parameters.
Note: The EPAM-5000 is preprogrammed with default settings of 1
minute Sampling rate. If user desires not to change default settings then
the user only needs to turn unit on and press enter button to run monitor.
This allows for immediate sampling for emergency response.
This chapter contains the following topics.
Turning the EPAM-5000 on and off. 2-2
Using the Menu. 2-3
Setting the Date and Time. 2-4
Setting the Alarm. 2-5
Clearing the Memory. 2-6
Chapter 2
Topic See Page
2 -
1
Turning the SKC EPAM-5000 On and Off
Introduction
Power-On
Power-Off
Keypad
Power can be supplied to the SKC EPAM-5000 either from its internal
battery or from the provided AC power transformer (Battery Charger).
Note
: THE BATTERY SHOULD BE FULLY CHARGED before each use. To
charge battery use the EDC supplied charger only. LED indicator on battery
holder will turn green when the battery is fully charged. Charge time is
approximately 22 hours and will run for approximately 24 hours. To check
battery status see Page 5-8.
Press the ON/OFF key to turn the EPAM-5000 monitor on.
Result:
The unit will turn on and the Title Screen will appear.
Press the ON/OFF key a second time to turn the SKC EPAM-5000 off.
Up
Arrow
Down
Arrow
ENT
I/O
Figure 2.1. Diagram of Key Pad on EPAM-5000.
Keypad
Legend
Enter
Button
On/Off
Button
2 -
2
Using the Menu
Introduction
Accessing the
main menu
Using the menu
The EPAM-5000 menu appears on the 4x20-character liquid crystal display
(LCD).
Note:
Press ENTER from the Title Screen to access the Main Menu.
The EPAM-5000 is operated using the following menu selections.
<ON/OFF>
<ENTER>
< → >
< ↑ >
< ↓ >
See Appendix A for menu option flow charts.
Selection Function
Turns the EPAM-5000 on and off.
Activates the selected option.
Selection Arrow located on the LCD
display. Indicates the selected menu
option.
Scrolls the Selection Arrow up one
line in a menu list.
Scrolls the Selection Arrow down
one line in a menu list.
EPAM-5000
Particulate
Air Monitor
E.D.C. Ver 1.5 2/99
Figure 2.2. The Title Screen of the EPAM-5000.
→ Run
Review Data
Special Functions
Span Check
Figure 2.3. The Main Menu of the EPAM-5000.
2 -
3
Setting the Date and Time
Introduction
Date and Time
settings
View settings
The date and time are pre-set by the factory to Eastern Standard Time and are
maintained by an internal clock. It may be necessary to change the date and
time due to local time zones or daylight savings time.
Note:
It is important that the system date and time are correct for accurate
record keeping.
Time is entered and displayed in military time format.
Date is entered and displayed in European format (i.e., MON 17-DEC-01).
Follow the steps in the table below to check the unit’s date and time.
Step Action
1
2
3
4
Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
Select Date/Time.
Select View Date/Time.
Result:
Press ENTER to return to the View Date/Time Screen.
The unit’s current date and time will display.
Change settings
Follow the steps in the table below to change the unit’s date and time.
Step Action
1
2
3
4 Enter the correct date and time using the steps in the table below.
5
Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
Select Date/Time.
Select Set Date/Time.
Increase the value of the selected digit.
Decrease the value of the selected digit.
Select the next digit or field.
Update the selected date and time.
Return to the Date/Time screen without
To... Press...
< ↑ >
< ↓ >
ENTER
Press ENTER when the correct information has been entered.
To... Select...
Set Date/Time
Cancel
saving changes.
2 -
4
Setting the Alarm
Introduction
Alarm settings
Using the alarm
An audible alarm can be set to alert the worker of approaching threshold
limits.
The concentration level must be set to the defined agency standard for the
particulate type being sampled.
Note:
See Appendix B for a partial listing of the most common dust
particulates and their corresponding concentration levels.
Follow the steps in the table below to set the alarm level.
Step Action
1
2
3 Enter the appropriate concentration level using the table below.
Increase the value of the
Decrease the value of the
Select the next digit.
4
5 To run unit with alarm select Alm-Continue, or Alm-overwrite to
Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
Select Set Alarm.
To... Press...
< ↑ >
selected digit.
< ↓ >
selected digit.
ENTER
Press ENTER after the last digit is entered.
activate alarm setting in run mode.
Result:
The alarm has been set and the Main Menu appears.
2 -
5
Clearing the Memory
Introduction
Clearing
memory
The memory of the EPAM-5000 can be cleared at any time.
Note:
All data points in all locations will be deleted from memory.
Follow the steps in the table below to clear the memory of the EPAM-5000.
Step Action
1
2
3
4
Select Special Functions from the Main Menu.
Select System Options.
Select Erase Memory.
Select Yes to clear memory.
Note:
memory.
Selecting No will cancel the process without clearing
2 -
6
Chapter 3 - Operating the SKC EPAM-5000
Operating the SKC EPAM-5000
Chapter Overview
Introduction
In this chapter
This chapter describes and diagrams operation procedures of the EPAM-
5000.
This chapter contains the following topics.
Selecting the Particle Size: 3-2
1.0 micron Dust Particulates 3-3
2.5 micron Dust Particulates 3-4
10 micron Dust Particulates 3-5
Auto-Zero 3-6
Manual-Zero 3-7
Sampling 3-9
Location Codes 3-12
Reviewing Stored Data 3-13
Chapter 3
Topic See Page
3 -
1
Selecting The Particle Size
Introduction
The inlet system of the SKC EPAM-5000 can be configured to sample TSP,
PM 1.0, 2.5, 10.0 µm dust particulates. The following pages detail the
selection process for each of these particle types. Impactor Sleeve holds one
optional accessory.
Figure 3-1. Picture: A) Impactor Jet, B) Impaction cup, and C) Impactor
Sleeve. For TSP sampling use impactor sleeve without impactor.
One Size Selective Inlet is provided with EPAM-5000. Impactors are engraved
on bottom of jet.
3 -
2
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