Qualisair qCR Kit

NOTE:  It is important not to obstruct the exhaust vents of the sampler or the inlet of the calibration rig during the test.

NOTE: The upper tube on the calibration rig has air flow guide tubes inserted around the inner wall. DO NOT TOUCH THE GUIDE TUBES.

NOTE: Ensure the sampler is calibrated using fresh or charged cells.

Observe all hygiene procedure where the calibration is to be performed.

It is recommended that suitable gloves and other PPE suitable for use in the calibration environment are worn during the calibration procedure.

Technician

1

Check the calibration date of the Qualisair™ qCR Calibration Kit to ensure it is current.

Note: This device is for use only by qualified personnel with suitable training and experience. Please contact Cantium Scientific Limited for further details.

2

Prior to starting calibration work, ensure the kit contents are complete as listed below:

1. Padded Kit Hard Case

2. Spares Pack

3. MicroBio Adapter
   For using the calibration rig on MicroBio range of samplers

4. Drill 0.7mm Carbide
   For clearing holes on 400 x 0.7mm anodised aluminium heads

5. Drill 1.0mm Carbide
   For clearing holes on 220 and 400 x 1.0 mm stainless steel heads

6. Contact Plate 55mm (Rodac plate)

7. Petri dish 90mm Clear

8. Calibration Rig
   Includes Testo anemometer and thermometer

9. Greisinger GPB 3300 Digital Barometer (no longer supplied)

10. Instruction Leaflets for Barometer (no longer supplied) (9) and Anemometer (8)

11. WIHA Precision ESD Hex Screwdriver 2.0mm - For springs and head screws on MB1, MB2 and Qualisair samplers

12. WIHA Precision ESD Pozidriv Screwdriver PZ1 x 60mm - For opening enclosures of MB1 and MB2 and head screws on older MB1 and MB2 samplers

13. WIHA Screwdriver Slotted 50mm x 2.5mm ESD - For MicroBio MB1 and MB2 flow adjustment

14. Mini Clamps (x 2)

15. O-Ring Plastic Pick Tool
    For removal and fitting of head seals on post 2017 MB2 samplers

16. Operating Manual (not shown in picture)

17. Factory calibration certificate (not shown in picture)

3

Examine qCR kit calibration certificate to ensure date of use is within the certificate date range. If not, then stop work and send the qCR kit for calibration.

Note: The Barometer is for indication only and does not form part of the calibration computations. Since 2022, the barometer is not supplied and does not form part of the process.

4

Ensure sufficient spares are within the Spares Pack.

1. 55m Contact plate springs (x 10)

2. MicroBio head retaining springs

3. MicroBio MB2 head seals

4. 90mm Petri dish springs

5. M3 x 3mm screws for head retaining springs

6. M3 x 8mm screws for MB2 support plates

7. MicroBio MB1 and MB2 battery contacts

5

Calibration and validation should be carried out in a controlled environment and on a level surface.  Air movement around the calibration zone should be minimised and ideally carried out in normal atmospheric pressure of 1013 mbar at 20°C.

6

Ensure the sampler has a fresh/charged battery pack.

7

If the sampling head mount of the sampler has an O-ring seal for air tightness, then ensure this is in good condition. Particularly for post 2017 MicroBio MB2 models. Replacement seals are supplied with MB2 models and contained in the spares pack of the Qualisair™ qCR kit along with an O-ring pick tool.

8

Check all the holes in the sampling head are clear. If not, then supplied in the Qualisair™ qCR kit are 1.0mm and 0.7mm drills to assist in removing any blockages.

9

Insert either 90mm petri dish or 55mm contact plate, depending on the configuration of the sampler.

10

If calibrating a MicroBio model of sampler, then the MicroBio adapter ring must be fitted onto the MicroBio sampling head before fitting the calibration rig. Qualisair™ models will not require the adapter.

11

Place the calibration rig onto the top of the sampling head, or on top of the adapter ring, then clamp using the supplied mini quick-clamps. Only light pressure is required - do not over tighten. Ensure the faces of the clamps fit in the recesses on the calibration rig to ensure stability.

12

Switch on the anemometer on the calibration rig by pressing the power button. The display on the anemometer may be angled to make viewing easier.

Note: The temperature reading is indicative only and does not form part of the calibration computations

13

Open the Sampler Calibration Certificate Template spreadsheet and save with a file name that refers to the serial number of the air sampler being calibrated. Before commencing calibration measurements, complete all necessary fields in the spreadsheet.

Check the calibration factors M and C match those stated on the Qualisair™ qCR kit calibration certificate and all details under ‘qCR Kit Calibration Parameters’ are correct.

Full details on using the certificate template can be found in Using the calibration certificate spreadsheet.

1. Serial number

2. Previous certificate suffix / cert number

3. Calibration date

4. Calibrated by

5. If appropriate: PO number / Service number / Assets number

6. Model

7. Flow Rate required

8. Sampling head holes

9. Sampling head hole diameter

10. Plate fitted

14

Now perform general visual inspection and required remedial action taken for the sampler and record finding on the certificate spreadsheet.

1. Sampling head

2. Battery box lid

3. Battery contacts

4. Keypad surface / buttons operation

5. Plate spring condition and remedial action taken

6. Head spring condition and remedial action taken

7. Enclosure

8. Battery pack - used samplers cells or lab cells

15

Start the sampler to sample at least 400 litres for a 100 litre per minute sampler and 1000 litres for a 180 or 200 litres per minute sampler. Please refer to the sampler operating manual for instructions on how to do this.

16

Wait 30 seconds for the anemometer to stabilise.

17

Every 10 seconds take a measurement from the anemometer until 12 readings have been taken. Record these in the Inspection column of the Measurements table on the certificate spreadsheet. Then allow the sampler to complete the sample. It is normal for readings taken to vary from the Anemometer Target value indicated on the Qualisair™ qCR calibration certificate. Read Using the calibration certificate spreadsheet for full details of using the spreadsheet.

18

The spreadsheet computes the flow rate in Litres Per Minute from the twelve readings and performs statistical computation on the measurements to produce a confidence range of the measured flow rate.

Based on the flow rate determined, the spreadsheet also computes a theoretical value for the d50 particle cut-off size and the inlet hole jet velocity for the sampler.

19

If the flow rate is within allowable range, the spreadsheet will indicate ‘PASS’, otherwise it will indicate if the flow needs increasing or decreasing.

The flow should be adjusted so that the required target velocity as indicated by the spreadsheet is achieved, then repeat the procedure from step 15 above.

The method of adjustment depends on the model of sampler.
Refer to MicroBio Flow Rate Adjustment

20

The spreadsheet will again indicate a PASS or FAIL condition. If FAIL, then the air sampler should be removed from service and sent for further testing or repair by an approved service agent.

21

If PASS is achieved, then a calibration label should be applied to the sampler. As a minimum this must include calibration date, next due date and the technician's initials.