
MRK-D-0034 V2.0
Aeroqual AQM 65 User Guide
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4.4.7.2
Check the auto zero calibration flow rate of the Particle Monitor
The Particle Monitor executes an automatic zero calibration every 720 minutes (12 hours). The auto
zero process resets a parameter in the modules settings. The value that is changed is the H0
parameter.
NOTE:
The Particle Profiler does not have this feature.
The auto zero procedure on the Particle Monitor causes the baseline to be adjusted. Negative
readings on the Particle Monitor are often a result of the auto zero cycle failing to work correctly.
The zero cycle works by switching off the sample pump and switching on a zero pump. The flow rate
during the zero cycle is reversed and is a positive flow out through the inlet. The flow rate is
approximately 0.2 to 0.6 LPM.
This flow rate does not need to be set to a specific value but it is important that the flow rate is at least
0.2 LPM positive flow out from the inlet.
Figure 4-17 When measuring the sample flow of the Particle Monitor a vacuum is measured. When
measuring the zero flow a positive pressure is measured.
The auto zero can be executed manually by temporarily changing one of the module settings. Once
the auto zero cycle is complete the setting needs to be returned back to the original setting.
Go to the Diagnostic and Advanced app in Connect software.
Select Module settings from the list on the left column
Locate the Particle Monitor settings, these will be either PM10.0 or PM2.5
Locate the TIMA parameter (it should be 720).
Change this value to 1 by clicking in the cell and typing 1, then save the setting change.
This will cause the auto zero to start. The flow will change from 2.000 LPM negative flow into the inlet
to approximately 0.2 to 0.6 positive flow out from the inlet.
You will need to change the port on the flow meter to measure this flow as shown in Figure 4-16.
If no flow is measured there may be an issue with the zero cycle or zero pump. See Appendix 1 for
trouble shooting.
Measure the positive flow coming out from the inlet and record this in the journal.
The zero cycle takes approximately 6 minutes to complete.
NOTE:
Once the flow has been measured the TIMA parameter must be set back to 720