WO2007144835A2

WO2007144835A2 - Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007144835A2
Application number: PCT/IB2007/052238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Enrico Bompadre; Giacomo Forgione; Catherine M. RAMSAY
Original assignee: Biotrace Microsafe S.R.L.
Priority date: 2006-06-14
Filing date: 2007-06-13
Publication date: 2007-12-21
Also published as: EP2027248A2; WO2007144835A3; ITRM20060312A1; CN101495615A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for analysing a gas existing in the atmosphere. The apparatus according to the present invention is able to perform microbiological and particle samplings of the gas in a wholly free and simultaneous way. The apparatus comprises a microbiological sampler, a particle counter, a centralized sucting system, an electronic control board and a pneumatic line connected for the gas to be analyzed.

Description

"MICROBIOLOGICAL AND PARTICLE SAMPLING APPARATUS"

DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for the microbiological and particle sampling of a gas existing in atmosphere.

Introduction

Hereinafter in the description all the functional specifications of an apparatus for the microbiological and particle sampling according to the present invention will be described.

For only description simplicity, hereinafter in this description the apparatus according to the present invention will be continued to be referred to with the tradename "DualCapt ^®". Furthermore, the hardware and software features thereof will be illustrated. The apparatus according to the present invention is able to perform, in a wholly autonomous way, microbiological and particle samplings.

The apparatus according to the present invention comprises:

- an autonomous particle counter/sampler able to manage the information related to the sampling by means of a serial line RS485 MODBUS RTU. The technical specifications of the particle counter/sampler will be not described hereinafter as they are already known in the art.

- a microbiological sampler, or impactor, managed by an electronic control board which will be described in details.

To this purpose, according to the present invention, the apparatus provides: ^■ an impactor, for example of the Biocapt^® type;

^■ a centralized sucking system;

^■ an electronic control board;

^■ a pneumatic line; and

■ a particle counter/sampler. In particular, the pneumatic line shows an inlet section, for sucking the gas to be analysed.

Hereinafter in the description both the hardware and the software portions will be described in details. In particular a system, consistent with the specifications defined by the user in the User Requirement Specifications (USR) will be described and defined.

In particular:

^■ The functions and installations which have to be provided;

^■ the system's objectives will be explained. The apparatus called DualCapt, is a microbiological and particle sampler operating by means of centralized vacuum and controls RS485 MODBUS RTU.

The apparatus is constituted by two different types of samplers enclosed into a single case: ■ lmpactor Biocapt (which is wholly managed by the hardware and software described hereinafter);

■ Particle counter/sampler (which is managed only partially by the hardware and software described hereinafter).

The aim is to obtain a single apparatus able to perform, in a wholly free or simultaneous way, the biological and particle sampling in the position wherein it is installed or, by means of isokinetic probe for the particle sampling, and extension with plant impactor for the microbiological sampling, in remote position (maximum 3 metres) with respect to the installation place.

Additional advantages, as well as the features and the application modes of the present invention, will be evident from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, shown by way of example and not for limitative purposes, by referring to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a functional scheme of the apparatus according to the present invention; figure 2 is a scheme of a "DualCapt" connector used in the present invention; figures 3 to 9 are electrical schemes of the control board of the apparatus according to the present invention; figure 10 is a schematic view of the LED plate of the apparatus; figures 11 to 17 are mechanical drawings of the apparatus according to the present invention; and figures 18 and 19 illustrate some installation modes.

In the following description the above-mentioned figures will be referred to.

Figure 1 shows the functional scheme of the apparatus.

Functionality

The complete management of the apparatus takes place by means of a data line Modbus RTU RS485. This type of driver is a protocol of widely used standard type. This guarantees the whole compatibility with all SCADA packets and the main softwares of industrial type.

The apparatus as it is conceived can be easily applied independently from the utilized management software platform. Electronic control board

The function of the electronic control board is to manage wholly the microbiological sampling and partially the particle sampling.

The board manages the opening and closing of first means for intercepting the flow interposed, along the pneumatic line, between said inlet section and said microbiological sampler and comprising, by way of example and not for limitative purposes, an EV1 interception electrovalve.

As previously described, the particle sampling is performed by a wholly autonomous particle counter. If the two (particle and microbiological) samplings have to be managed simultaneously, and by using one single data line, one single pneumatic line and one single power supply, the function of the electronic control board, as far as the particle sampling is concerned, is to intercept the start and stop commands sent to the particle counter, by means of the configuration of ID2 address of the board (the board has two ID addresses: a microbiological address: ID1; and a particle address : ID2), to be configured equal to the one of the particle counter. This because in this way it is possible to manage the opening and closing of second means for intercepting the flow of the particle counter, interposed along ,the pneumatic line between said particle counter and said inlet section and comprising, by way of example and not for limitative purposes, an EV2 electrovalve.

As far as the particle counter management is concerned, the board allows to connect the modbus line and the particle counter power supply to a connector.

Qn the contrary, the management of the microbiological sampling is wholly managed by the electronic board.

As underlined in figure 1 , the microbiological sampler is characterized by a critical orifice OC, calibrated so as to allow sampling 28,7 l/min. The check of the sampling sonicity is guaranteed by pressure measuring means, comprising an absolute pressure sensor PA which measures the pressure downwards the critical orifice and it verifies that it is lower or equal to 47 Kpa, so as to guarantee that the measured sampling flow be equal to the one defined by the critical orifice. Said absolute pressure sensor PA measures the real atmospheric pressure to determine the real sucking flow, considering that for the principle of the critical orifice, the flow measurement is directly proportional to that of the barometric pressure. That is, being the pneumatic conditions equal, the sea level measurement results to be greater than the high altitude one. Thus, the sampler guarantees the maximum quality independently from the altitude. The correct measurement of the sucking flow determines a greater precision of the sampled volume.

In order to guarantee the maximum quality, an additional pressure measurement is performed upwards the critical orifice by means of the sensor of differential pressure DP, in this way, one is able to detect the load drops onto the line and to determine the exact measurement of the sucked flow.

This guarantees that in case the microbiological sampler is not connected directly to the instrument, but it is remotely controlled by nr. metres, the real measurement of the sucked flow allows calculating the sampled volume with extreme precision. In order to manage what said above, the electronic board is equipped with a microprocessor able to perform the described operations and with a firmware for managing data. The board has not clocks, that is a datary able to manage date and time, but a timer the function thereof is to count the seconds which have passed as from a known instant.

The electronic board has a jumper (Jumper JP2) which allows changing the logic of the biological sampling. Upon closing the circuit, the logic of the microbiological sampling is excluded and only the opening and closing of the EV1 electrovalve is managed, as it happens for the logic of the particle sampling.

Data

As previously explained, the management of the particle counter's data is wholly autonomous and it will not be described hereinafter.

The microbiological sampler is able to receive information related to the configuration (Input Data), and to provide information related to the sampling and to the apparatus (Output Data).

Furthermore, it is able to manage the Comnands.

Both input and output data are managed by means of the serial line RS485 Modbus RTU. Therefore, the sampler can operate only if it is connected to a SCADA software or the like.

DualCapt Technical Specifications

Sizes (LxPxH) 15.2 x 19.2 x 11.2 cm.

Weight: 5.5 Kg.

Power supply: 20 VAC (20-24 VAC 1.5A)

Case: Steel AISI 316 L

Signal connection and power AWG 21 cable with 4 colours, 2 twisted pairs supply: plus shielding.

Pneumatic connection: rilsan tube inner diameter 10 mm, outer 12 mm

Capacity: microbiological and particle 1.0 CFM (28.3

LPM)

Communication: RS-485 Modbus/RTU

Operating temperature: 0-50 ⁰C

Operating humidity: 10-90 %

Calibration frequency: Recommended at least once a year Technical Specifications of the microbiological sampler

Input data

Under Input Data all programmable settings are meant. However, the programming of the parameters is not possible during the sampling.

Sampling volume: from 1 to 9000 liters

Number of fractionations: from 1 to 99, 1 equals to a sampling without fractionations

Delay in the fractionations: From 1 to 7200 seconds (2 hours) (only if the number of fractionations is greater than 1)

Absolute Pressure Zero; from 1 to 1200 Kpa * 10

Absolute Pressure Span; from 1 to 1200 Kpa * 10

Gauge pressure Zero: from 0 to 350 Kpa * 10

Gauge pressure Span; from 0 to 350 Kpa * 10

Alarm sonicity delay; from 1 to 60 seconds

Output Data

Under Output data all information which the instrument is able to return during the sampling or the check phase are meant.

Sampled volume: expressed in liters

Sucking flow: expressed in liters per minute (liters * 10)

Current fractionation: expressed in number

Wait between fractionations: expressed in (decremental) seconds

Sampling status: 0 = still; 1 = sampling; 2 = waiting; 3 = in alarm (flow <> 20%); 4 = Loss pneumatic conditions: pressure > 47 KPa.

General status: 0 = Normal; 1 = Damage

Load drop onto the line: expressed in KPa * 10

Absolute pressure: expressed in KPa * 10

Set volume: expressed in liters

Set fractionation: expressed in numbers

Set wait: expressed in seconds

Reading of the calibration expressed in KPa * 10 values of the pressure sensors.

Commands

Under commands all operations which the instrument is able to perform are meant.

Microbiological start: Sampling start; Opening of the EV1 electrovalve. Microbiological stop: Sampling stop; Closing of the EV1 electrovalve. Particle start: Opening of the EV2 electrovalve.

Particle stop: Closing of the EV2 electrovalve.

N.B The values which are expressed in x * 10 show that the value is expressed as integer but to say the truth it has a decimal. Let's make an example: the value 352 KPa (x * 10) to say the truth will have to be transformed by the software into 350 / 10 that is: 35.2 KPa.

The programming and measuring information from the instrument field are managed by means of a data line: Modbus RTU RS485.

Electrical connections

The instrument has a 4-pin connector placed backwards, schematically illustrated in figure 2. The pin configuration of the connector is the following:

Pin 1 = 20 VAC

Pin 2 = 20 VAC

Pin 3 = N.A.

Pin 4 = A (TX+ / RX+) Pin 5 = B (TX- / RX -)

The apparatus is power supplied by a 20 VAC (20 -24 VAC max) 1.5A voltage by means of 2 wires. This voltage is used to power supply:

■ Biocapt control board;

■ Particle counter; ■ Line electrovalves;

^■ Cooling fan.

Operation logic

As described previously, the system according to the present invention is constituted by two distinct samplers enclosed into a single case. The case is made of stainless steel AISI 316L

The operation logic of the two samplers is wholly autonomous both in the configuration and in the sampling phase.

Hereinafter the logics involving the particle and microbiological sampling managed by the apparatus are described. For the complete management of the particle counter the instrument's operating manual is remitted to.

Microbiological sampling .

First of all the microbiological sampling will be faced as wholly managed by the electronic board of the apparatus.

The example illustrated hereinafter in the following table relates to a single system, but it is applicable to all instruments of the chain

N.B. It is not possible to perform the parameters' programming during the sampling phase.

Once set the parameters, they remain stored into the apparatus until they are modified. The microbiological sampling, unlike the particle one, interrupts automatically as soon as the set volume is reached.

At the end of the sampling, that is once obtained the set volume, the sampling interrupts and the sampling data persist for further 3 seconds before zeroing. This guarantees that on the software side the data be really acquired. When the sampling is started by means of the 'start' command, the instrument performs the following operations:

^■ Reading of the atmospheric pressure;

^■ Opening of the EV1 sucking electrovalve;

^■ Sonicity check: manifold pressure<= 47 KPa; ^■ Reading of the sucking flow;

^■ Calculation of the sampled volume;

^» Once obtained the volume to be sampled, the sampling stop and the electrovalve closure are performed.

In case the fractionations as set in figure 3 are required, the logic is the following: ^■ Reading of the atmospheric pressure;

^■ Opening of the EV1 sucking electrovalve;

^■ Sonicity check: manifold pressure <= 47 KPa;

^■ Reading of the sucking flow; ^■ Calculation of the sampled volume;

^■ Once obtained the 500 liters, the sampling stops: electrovalve closure and zero-setting of the sucking flow;

^■ Waiting for 600 seconds (10 minutes);

^■ Opening of the EV1 sucking electrovalve; ^■ Sonicity check: manifold pressure <= 47 KPa;

^■ Reading of the sucking flow;

^■ Calculation of the sampled volume.

^■ Once obtained 1000 liters, the sampling stop and the electrovalve closure are performed. The electronic board has a jumper JP2 which allows managing the board in the actuator mode. That is, if the jumper is present (closed circuit), when the particle counter/sampler and/or the microbiological sampler are switched on, the board manages only the relays without the microbiological sampling logic.

Particle Sampling As far as the particle sampling is concerned, the electronic control board function is to intercept the Start and Stop commands and to open and close the EV2 electrovalve. All other commands are managed directly by the particle counter.

Alarm Checks The microbiological sampler generates some alarms. During the sampling the following alarms are detected:.

^■ Sonicity alarm: Absolute pressure > 47 Kpa;

^■ Sucking flow alarm: ± 20% of the standard capacity.

Sonicity alarm

This alarm intervenes when the pressure detected downwards the critical orifice of the microbiological sampler, during the sampling step, is greater than 47 KPa and the alarm persistence time is greater than the set Sonicity alarm delay

If the alarm situation disappears before the set time has elapsed, the counting time of the alarm intervention zeroes.

During the sonicity alarm persistence phase, the sucking flow is set to 0 and consequently the sampled volume is not increased. This allows having a trace of the real sampling state, even if the same is interrupted only and exclusively at the end of the set alarm persistence time. This alarm interrupts the sampling. It is signalled with the code of the operative state = 4.

Sucking flow alarm This alarm intervenes when the measured flow is ± 20% of the standard one and the alarm persistence time is greater than 5 seconds.

If the alarm situation disappears before the set time has elapsed, the counting time re-sets.

This alarm interrupts the sampling and it is signalled with the code of the operative state = 3.

The other alarms detected by the sampler, in all phases, are those linked to the general status of the system, that is the malfunction of one of the following devices:

■ Microprocessor;

■ Serial device. These anomalies are signalled by flashing the Sampling led of the microbiological sampler, and when possible (operation of the serial device), it is signalled with the code of the general state = 1.

Black Out The apparatus according to the present invention manages also possible black-out situations. Obviously the black-out is interesting only if it intervenes during the sampling.

As far as the particle sampling is concerned, both the particle counter and the electronic board remember the last activation state: Switched-off or Switched-on. Upon the power supply reset, the particle counter and the electrovalve state of the particle counter return to the original state. For example: if the particle counter was switched-on and therefore the electrovalve was open, if the power supply is interrupted, upon the return of the same, the particle counter switches-on and the electrovalve opens. For the microbiological sampling, the behaviour must be different. If during the sampling step a black out intervenes, the sampling is interrupted. Upon the power supply return, the sampling is not reset.

Front panel The sampler's front panel is characterized by two series of leds which underline the logic status of the microbiological and particle sampling.

The two series are defined: o Viable

■ Power (on): it shows that DualCapt control board is power- supplied. ■ Sampling (on): The microbiological sampling is being performed.

■ EVmb (on): the electrovaive of the microbiological sampler is open. ■ EVpc (on): the electrovaive of the particle sampler is open. o Particle

■ Power (on): it shows that the particle counter is power- supplied.

^■ Count (flash): it shows that the particle counter is counting. ^■ Laser Status (on): The particle counter's laser is operating correctly.

^■ Flow Status (on): the sucking flow of the particle counter is in the correct operating range.

Rear panel On the rear panel there are:

Power supply connector

Inlet section connector (inlet centralized vacuum)

Forced cooling air ejection hole.

Critical orifice characterization

The critical orifice characterization has been made experimentally based upon the kind of used material.

At first, an orifice made of 1.9-mm2 brass has been used, by obtaining a flow measurement of about 30 l/min as result. The final definition of the critical orifice has been made based upon the following considerations:

^■ Obtaining a sucking flow of about 28.5 l/min;

^■ Using an anodized aluminium orifice.

Based upon what has been defined, from the tests made in laboratory, the critical orifice used for the microbiological sampler is composed as follows:

^■ Orifice with 0 1.8 mm2 ;

• Capacity 28.7 l/min at 100,6 KPa and 19.2°C.

„ - δ*V^ _ 28,7*V292,2 _ 28,7*17,094 _ , _S77 Pa 100,6 100,6 ' '

To the purpose of the effective measurement of the sampler's capacity, the barometric pressure is not influent since, before performing the real sampling, the instrument performs the measurement of the barometric pressure whereas as reference temperature it utilizes a constant equal to 17,094 (19,2°C). For the capacity calculation, the following formula is used:

_Λ ,, Pa-Pd

^{Q=a ~}πm

Wherein:

■ Q is the measured capacity;

■ a is the characterization constant of the critical orifice;

« Pa is the barometric pressure measured before the sampling;

■ Pd is the load drop onto the line during the sampling;

^■ 17.094 is the temperature constant at 19.2⁰C.

Interfaces

The instrument avails of only single type of interface: serial RS485 Modbus RTU and it is not equipped with keyboard and display. Pressure sensor calibration

The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises means for calibrating the pressure sensors.

The calibration module of the absolute and differential pressure sensors allows performing the alignment of the values based upon calibrated reference instruments. The alignment will be made based upon the equation formula of a straight line: y = (M -a)*x + b wherein:

• MPa = measure of the Absolute pressure sensor;

^■ aPa= Absolute pressure Zero; ^■ xPa = Absolute pressure angular coefficient;

^■ bPa = Absolute pressure offset;

■ MPd = measurement of the Gauge pressure;

^■ aPd= Gauge pressure Zero;

^■ xPd = Gauge pressure angular coefficient; ^■ bPd = Gauge pressure offset.

Gauge pressure sensor (Pd)

XPd₂ yPd₂ SPAN

XPd₁ yPΦ ZERO

Calculation of the angular coefficient Absolute pressure: xPa

^xPa2^~xPal yPd₀ -yPd_Λ Gauge pressure: xPd = - ^L ^xPd2^~xPd\

Offset calculation

Absolute pressure: bPa = yPa.

1

Gauge pressure: bPd = yPd.

Zero calculation

Absolute pressure: aPa = xPa.

1

Gauge pressure: aPd - xPd.

1

Calculation of the calibrated value

Absolute pressure: yPa = (MPa - aPa ) * xPa + bPa

Gauge pressure: yPd = (MPd - aPd) * xPd + bPd

The WIPa value must be the one really measured by the absolute pressure sensor. The MPd value must be the one really measured by the differential pressure sensor.

The calibration data can be entered only if the following procedure is performed after the instrument switch-on.

Sensors' calibration procedure

In fact, the procedure described hereinafter is valid for the absolute pressure sensor and for the gauge pressure sensor.

This procedure re-sets the previous calibration parameters and sets the default values. In this way the values of calibrated pressure coincide with those really read by the sensors.

In order to perform quickly the reset of the calibration parameters, please perform in sequence the items 1 , 2, 12.

1. Before switching-on the instrument, check that the JP2 jumper is not present onto the board. 2. Once the instrument has been switched-on, insert the JP2 jumper. A BEEP and the switching-on of the SAMPLING led will show that the sensor calibration mode is active.

3. Setting of the standard calibration values for the following fields:

■ xPal = O; ■ xPa2 =1000;

- xPd1 =0

■ xPd2 =300;

■ yPa1 = 0;

■ yPa2 = 1000; ■ yPd1 =0;

- yPd2 =300;

Setting these fields is important in order to make not necessary the calibration of all 4 parameters to perform the linearity calculation. This procedure is performed automatically by the processor and it does not require any intervention by the operator.

4. Connect a calibrated vacuum generator to the absolute pressure sensor and generate the maximum possible depression. Read the ZERO value of the Absolute pressure sensor Kpa*10. Serial command: ID,3, 0,0x80,0, 1 ,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in xPal . 5. Writing of the ZERO value of the Absolute pressure sensor. Enter the value read by the reference instrument kPa*10. Serial command: ID,6,0,0x80,Value,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in yPal

6. Disconnect the vacuum generator and let the sensor reading the barometric pressure. Read the SPAN value of the Absolute pressure sensor Kpa*10.

Serial command: ID, 3,0,0x82,0, 1 ,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in xPa2.

7. Writing of the SPAN value of the Absolute pressure sensor. Enter the value read by the reference instrument kPa*10. Serial command: ID,6,0,0x82,Value,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in n yPa2.

8. Read the barometric pressure. Read the ZERO value of the Differential pressure sensor Kpa*10. Serial command: ID, 3,0, 0x84,0, 1 ,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in xPd1. 9. Writing of the ZERO value of the Differential pressure sensor. Enter the value read by the reference instrument kPa*10. Serial command: ID,6,0,0x84,Value,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in yPdl

10. Connect a calibrated pressure generator to differential pressure sensor and generate a pressure of 30 KPa. Be careful not to generate higher pressures as they could damage the sensor permanently. Read the SPAN value of the Absolute pressure sensor Kpa*10. Serial command: ID,3,0,0x86,0,1,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in xPd2.

11. Writing of the ZERO value of the Absolute pressure sensor. Enter the value read by the reference instrument kPa*10. Serial command: ID,6,0,0x86,Value,CRC. The value is transmitted onto the serial port and stored in yPd2.

12. Remove the jumper JP2. Perform the procedure for calculating the angular coefficient and offset values of the absolute and differential pressure sensors. This procedure is performed automatically by the processor and it does not require any intervention by the operator.

Wait for 3 BEEPs and the switching-off of the SAMPLING led for confirming that the calibration has occurred.

Setting of default parameters

The setting of the default parameters must be made if the instrument is re- programmed and the registers' value is at full-scale. This procedure is performed automatically by the processor and it does not require any intervention by the operator.

Default parameters:

^■ Sampling volume = 1000 liters; ^■ Number of fractionations = 1 ;

^■ Wait between fractionations = 60 seconds;

^■ Sonicity alarm delay = 10 seconds;

■ Absolute pressure zero (yPal) = 0;

■ Absolute pressure span (yPa2) = 1000; ^■ Gauge pressure zero (yPd2) = 0;

^■ Gauge pressure span (yPd2) = 300;

^■ xPal = 0;

^■ xPa2 = 1000;

^■ xPd1 = 0; ^■ xPd2 = 300;

In this way the sensor calibration parameters will be the values really measured:

Calculation of the angular coefficient

Absolute pressure: xPa = 1

_oj yPd₂-yPd_λ 300-0 , Gauge pressure: xPd = ^ ^L = = 1 ^xPd2^~xPd\ ³⁰°-° Offset calculation.

Absolute pressure: bPa = yPa. = 0

Gauge pressure: bPd = yPd, = 0

Zero calculation.

Absolute pressure: aPa = xPa.

Gauge pressure: aPd = xPd,

Calculation of the calibrated value.

Absolute pressure: yPa = (MPa - aPd) * xPa + bPa ~ (MPa - 0) * 1 - 0 = MPa Gauge pressure: yPd = (MPd - aPd) * xPd + bPd = (MPd - 0) * 1 - 0 = MPd The IMPa and Wlpd values result to be those really measured by the sensors.

Serial commands

The following tables, only with the purpose of greater information completeness, show the main serial commands provided for the system according to the present invention.

MlWiMMiTjdllflM.MM instrument 3 0 0x6A 0 OxB x x Registers' Reading Note: DATA1 and DATA3 must be compulsory 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 3 will be generated.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received:

._. , _Q VoIh Flowh Fch Cntdh Statin Stat2h Dph Pah Volimph Fcimph Cntimph Crc _n- .

J J J J J J J J J J J h wherein: VOLH-L It expresses in hexadecimal (16 bit) the quantity of volume sampled in liters (at time of reading). When the instrument is not operating, the value is fixed to zero. FLOWH-L It expresses in hexadecimal (16 bit) the average flow. The data are expressed in (Kpa * 10). When the instrument is not operating, the value is fixed to zero. FCHJ- It expresses in hexadecimal (16 bit) the fraction of the sampling in progress. When the instrument is not operating, the value is fixed to zero. CNTDHJ- It expresses in hexadecimal (16 Bit) the time remaining after the pause (between the fractions) completion. When the instrument is not operating, the value is fixed to zero.

STAT1HJ- It expresses in hexadecimal (16Bιt) the operating state. O=StandBy 1=Sampling 2=Pause 3=Flow Error (+/-

20%) 4=Sonicity not guaranteed. STAT2HJ- It expresses in hexadecimal (16bit) the operating state. 0 = Normal 1 = Diagnostic Failure DPHJ- It expresses in hexadecimal (16bit) the pressure drop. The data are expressed in (Kpa * 10). When the instrument is not operating, the value is fixed to zero.

PAHJ- It expresses in hexadecimal (16bit) the reading of the absolute pressure. The data are expressed in (Kpa * 10).

This value is always available (also when the instrument is not operating).

VOLimpH_ L It expresses in hexadecimal (16 bit) the quantity of volume set in liters.

FCimpHJ. It expresses in hexadecimal (16 bit) the set sampling fractionations.. CNTimpH_

L It expresses in hexadecimal (16 Bit) the time of the set pause (between the fractions).

Note: After the instrument's power on / Reset the register STATUS2 includes the result of the SelfTest procedure (see Table2)

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 5 0 1 OxFF Sampling start

Note' DATA1, DATA2 and DATA3 must be compulsory 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 will be generated. In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 5 0 1 OxFF 0 crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 5 1 0 Sampling stop

Note: DATA1 , DATA2 and DATA3 must be compulsory 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 will be generated. In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 5 0 1 0 0 crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 0x7A VolumeH VolumeL x x Setting Volume to be Sampled

Note: DATA3 and DATA4 include the hexadecimal value to be programmed into the register VOLUME TO BE SAMPLED The admitted value ranges between 1 and 9000 liters and therefore the maximum value assumed by the pair DATA3JDATA4 is 0x2328. Different values generate an EXCEPTION CODE 3. The DATA1 byte must be 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 will be generated.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 0 0x7A VolumeH VolumeL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0 0x7A 0 1 Reading Volume to be Sampled

Note: DATA1 and DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 VolumeH VolumeL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 0x7C 0 Fraction, x Setting Number of Fractionations

Note; DATA3 and DATA4 include the hexadecimal value to be programmed into the register FRACTIONATIONS. The admitted value ranges between 1 and 99 and therefore the maximum value assumed by the pair DATA3_DATA4 is 0x0063. Different values generate an EXCEPTION CODE 3. The DATA1 byte must be 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 is generated.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 0 0x62 0 Fraction, crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0x7C 1 Reading Number of Fractionations

Note: DATA1 and DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 0 Frazion. Crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 OxIE PauseH PauseL x Setting Pause fractionations

Note: DATA3 and DATA4 include the hexadecimal value to be programmed into the register PAUSE BETWEEN FRACTIONATIONS. The admitted value ranges between 1 and 7200 and therefore the maximum value assumed by the pair DATA3 DATA4 is 0x1 C20. Different values generate an EXCEPTION CODE 3. The byte DATA1 must be 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 is generated.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 0 0x7E PauseH PauseL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0 0x7E 1 Reading Pause fractionations

Note: DATA1 e DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 PauseH PauseL Crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 0x80 ZeroPaH ZeroPaL x Setting Absolute pressure ZERO

Note: DATA3 and DATA4 include the hexadecimal value to be programmed into the register ABSOLUTE PRESSURE ZERO. The admitted value ranges between 1 and 1200 and therefore the maximum value assumed by the pair DATA3_DATA4 is 0x04B0. Different values generate an EXCEPTION CODE 3. The byte DATA1 must be 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 is generated..

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 0 0x80 ZeroPaH ZeroPaL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0x80 1 Reading Absolute pressure ZERO

Note: DATA1 e DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 ZeroPaH ZeroPaL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 0x82 SpanPaH SpanPaL x Setting Absolute pressure SPAN

Note: DATA3 and DATA4 include the hexadecimal value to be programmed in the register ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SPAN. The admitted value ranges between 1 and 1200 and therefore the maximum value assumed by the pair DATA3_DATA4 is 0x04B0. Different values generate an EXCEPTION CODE 3. The byte DATA1 must be 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 is generated.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 0 0x82 - SpanPaH SpanPaL crch crcl DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0 0x82 1 Reading Absolute pressure SPAN

Note: DATA1 e DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 SpanPaH SpanPaL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 0 0x84 ZeroPrH ZeroPaL x Setting Gauge pressure ZERO

Note: DATA3 and DATA4 include the hexadecimal value to be programmed in the register GAUGE PRESSURE ZERO. The admitted value ranges between 0 and 350 and therefore the maximum value assumed by the pair DATA3_DATA4 is 0x015E. Different values generate an EXCEPTION CODE 3. The byte DATA1 must be 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 is generated.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 0 0x84 ZeroPrH ZeroPrL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0 0x84 0 1 X X Reading Gauge pressure ZERO

Note: DATA I e DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 ZeroPrH ZeroPrL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 0 0x86 SpanPrH SpaπPrL x Setting Gauge pressure SPAN

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 Cl 0x86 SpanPrH SpanPrL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0 0x86 0 1 X X Reading Gauge pressure SPAN

Note: DATA1 e DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 SpanPrH SpanPrL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 6 0 0x88 RitalmH RitalmL x Setting sonicity alarm delay

Note: DATA3 and DATA4 include the hexadecimal value to be programmed in the register SONICITY ALARM DELAY. The admitted value ranges between 1 and 60 and therefore the maximum value assumed by the pair DATA3J3ATA4 is OxOO3C. Different values generate an EXCEPTION CODE 3. The byte DATAl must be 0 otherwise an EXCEPTION CODE 2 is generated.

In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 6 0 0x88 RitalmH RitalmL crch crcl

DEVICE FUNCTION DATA1 DATA2 DATA3 DATA4 CRCL CRCH COMMAND/FUNCTION instrument 3 0 0x88 0 1 X X Reading sonicity alarm delay

Note: DATA1 e DATA2 include the hexadecimal address to be read. In Reply to the above-mentioned command the following string will be received: instrument 3 2 RitalmH RitalmL crch crcl

Constructive specifications of the control board of the DualCapt sampler

Figures 3 to 9 are electrical schemes of the control board of the DualCapt apparatus.

LEP plate update

MODIFICATION OF LED DUALCAPT V1 SEQUENCE

The purpose of this modification is to invert the leds' position onto the plate shown in figure 10.

1 - J7 Connector

Move the following wires (remove DA and insert A)

From To

Pin 3 Pin 6

Pin 6 Pin 1

Pin 1 Pin 5

Pin 5 Pin 3

2 - Short-circuit the Leds onto the Cpu plate

3 - The red lines of the following image are to be considered leds' rheophores.

Mechanical drawings

Figures 11 to 17 are constructive mechanical drawings of the apparatus according to the present invention, shown by way of example.

At last, figures 18 and 19 show some of the installation and connection modes of the electronic control board.

The present invention has been sofar described according to a preferred embodiment thereof shown by way of example and not for limitative purposes.

It is to be meant that other embodiments may be provided, all comprised within the protection scope of the same, as defined by the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for microbiological and particle sampling in atmosphere, for the analysis of a gas, comprising:

• a single case including: - a microbiological sampler; and

■ a particle counter/sampler,

• a centralized sucking system;

• an electronic control board; and

• a pneumatic line, having an inlet section for sucking a flow of the gas to be analyzed.

2. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, further comprising first means for intercepting the flow to be analysed, said first means being positioned along said pneumatic line and interposed between said microbiological sampler and said inlet section.

3. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said first means comprises a first EV1 electrovalve for intercepting the flow.

4. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to claims 1 to 3, further comprising second means for intercepting the flow to be analysed, said second means being positioned along said pneumatic line and interposed between said particle sampler and said inlet section.

5. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said second means comprises a second EV2 electrovalve for intercepting the flow.

6. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic control board comprises means for controlling at least partially said microbiological and particle samplers.

7. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said control means comprises a microprocessor and a firmware for managing data.

8. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to claims 5 and 7, wherein said microprocessor is apt to control the opening and closing of said EV2 interception valve.

9. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic control board further comprises a timer.

10. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said microbiological sampler comprises a critical orifice OC, positioned along said pneumatic line.

11. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, further comprising pressure measuring means positioned substantially near said critical orifice.

12. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said pressure measuring means comprises a first absolute pressure sensor PA, positioned upwards said critical orifice, and a second differential pressure sensor DP, the latter positioned downwards of said critical orifice.

13. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, comprising means for calibrating said pressure sensors.

14. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said microbiological sampler comprises an extension with plant impactor apt to perform analyses in remote position with respect to the installation place of said case.

15. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said particle sampler comprises an isokinetic probe apt to perform analyses in remote position with respect to the installation place of said case.

16. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the any one of the preceding claims, further comprising man-machine interface means.

17. Microbiological and particle sampling apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said interface is of the Serial type RS485 Modbus RTU.