EPA/600/R-15/115 United States Environmental Protect Agency NM-VOC Citizen Science Operating Procedure Office of Research and Development National Exposure Research Laboratory ------- EPA/600/R-15/115 | May 2015 | www.epa.gov/ord CairPol CairClip NM-VOC Citizen Science Operating Procedure Ron Williams National Exposure Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27711 Amanda Kaufman ORISE Participant Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Oak Ridge, TN, USA 37831 Sam Garvey Alion Science and Technology Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE Contents CairPol CairClip NM-VOC 1 What Are VOCs? 1 What You Will Need 1 I mportant Considerations 1 Preparing the Device 3 Charging the Battery 3 Installing the Software 4 Configuring the CairClip 5 Routine Data Collection 8 Collecting Data 8 Retrieving Data 9 Processing Data 10 Maintenance and Storage 11 Changing the Filter 11 Storing the CairClip 11 For Additional Help 12 ------- ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE CairPol CairClip NM-VOC The CairPol CairClip NM-VOC is a lightweight, portable sensor for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in parts per billion (ppb) in applications such as personal exposure and indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring. It uses a micro fan to actively sample air. The CairClip can run on battery power for approximately 24 hours, but it can also operate continuously for much longer periods when plugged into a power source. This operating procedure explains what you need to do to collect quality VOC data using the CairClip NM-VOC for your monitoring project. What Are VOCs? VOCs are common pollutants in both indoor and outdoor environments. They are emitted as gases from many common household and office products including paints, floor wax, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, pesticides, building materials, home furnishings, copiers and printers, permanent markers, and glues and adhesives. Automotive fuels are also made up of organic chemicals, increasing VOC concentrations near roadways and urban areas. All of these products and sources can release organic compounds during use and sometimes during storage. VOCs are toxic air pollutants which contribute to ozone formation and associated environmental and climate effects. Some are toxic air pollutants that cause cancer and contribute to other serious short- and long-term health problems. What You Will Need CairClip NM-VOC air sensor USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable (mini-USB to standard USB) One 100-240 V/5 V 0.8-1.0 A AC adapter One EU (European Union)/US (United States) electricity converter One red dongle ('switch') - stops the fan and maintains the device in standby mode One green dongle ('plug') - plugs the port to prevent clogging when operated on battery power Two filters (CairPol patented, approximately 15 mm in diameter) CairSoft software (version 4.1 or later) - see "Installing the Software" A sensor case - for portable applications (optional) Computer running the Windows 7 operating system at a minimum Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Software (2003 or later) Important Considerations *> The CairClip is delivered already calibrated and does not need recalibration for 1 year as long as the sensor maintains certain operating conditions. Abrupt changes in environmental conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity (RH), can affect sensor performance. Refer to the NM-VOC data sheet for details (Figure 1). 1 ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE AIR Figure 1 POL MINIATLJRC AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEMS P062C.OZ.Technical Data Sheet NM-VOC.160812 Technical Data (dm Sheet CairClip NM-VOC il prone to modifications) Range Species detected Detector Calibration gas Gas sampling Limit of detection (ll) Repeatability at zero (2- s> Repeatability at 80% of range p J) Linearity <2 " Uncertainty Short term zero drift m Short term span drift ^ Long term /ero drift (2' Long tenn span drift ^ Rise time (Tl 0-90) p> Fall time (T 10-90) P> Hmnidity response P' ^ Humidity effect <: '' Tcniperauire effect on sensitivity t: !> 'I'eniperatnre effect on zero <- J> hiterfereiits Maximum exposure Annual exposure limit Operating conditions Recommended temperature and humidity storage Power supply Standard charge Capacity (USB) Communication interface Dimensions Weight Protection Waterproof Electrical certification Parameters Set up / Downloading 0-16 ppm ^ (isobutylene) (0-15.3 ppm analog) ionization potential < 10.6 eV pro Isobutylene Dynamic air sampling using micro-fan to maintain constant airflow to the sensor 1 0 ppb ( isobutylene) ± 1 0 ppb (isobutylene) ± 15% (isobutylene) < 10% <30%"-4' < 0.5% / 24H < 0.5% / 24H < 15% /month < 15% /month <60s <60s < 0.2 ppm (8) 90% RH < - 0.5% of the signal / RH % <1%/°C < 1 .5 ppb / °C Heavy compounds, silicone. NHj. H;S 20 ppm 40000 ppm (1 hour average) or 6000 hours - 20°C to 40°C / 0 to 90% RH (non-condensing), 1013 mbari 200 mbar 5°C to 20°C / 10 to 90% RH (non-condensing) 5 VDC / 200 inA (rechargeable by USB via PC or 220 V-l 10 V with adapter) •1 hours 4 hours (batters' fully charged) USB, UART Analog (UART & 4-20 mA / 0-5 V converter) Diameter: 32mm - Length: 62mm 55g IP42 (according IEC60529) No (tjjj) Conform to UL Sid. 61010-1 r f bins Certified to CSA Std. C22.2 N°. 61010-1 » * 40B9M CairSoft ' Exposure to more than 16 ppm may affect the sensor irrtn'ersibly ; the product warranty does not apply in this case. ' Pure atr at 20 °C, 0% RH. 1013 mbar 1 Value possibly affected if the de\ice is not regularly fully recharged: USB: each 4 hours, incorporated in a Catrtub: each 10 days (continuous monitoring) 4 On the oasis of recommendations of the Directive 1008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of?l May 100S on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe for and its enlargement to other gases Any use of the sensor not complying wuh the conditions specified in herein, including exposures, even short ones .to environments other than ambient air. to dry and / 01 di-\irnl of oxvpen an or othi-t almosphfic nol composed in infinity of all even duiinu callbiation will invalidate thr wanantv Main options CairTub: autonomy 10 days CairNet: wireless communication & battery powered by solar panel Software: CairSoft. CairMap, CairWeb Office: CAIRPOI. 7-AC du Capra 55, avenue Emile Antoine J0340 Mejannes les Ales - France SARL an capital de 354 200€ - N° Siren : 492 976 253 Tel: +33 (0)4 66 83 37 56 Fax: +33 (0)4 66 61 82 53 info(S caijpol.com Web site: \vww.caiipol.com ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE If the CairClip is regularly exposed to dust, change the removable filter on the back of the device every 4 months (see Maintenance section). Change the filter more often if the sensor is exposed to large amounts of dust. Do not allow the device to remain in standby mode (battery almost depleted) and/or to discharge itself completely. Insert the red dongle for long-term storage to prevent depletion of the battery. The internal clock time can be set using the CairSoft software. However, the time stamping of data is performed using the internal clock of the computer to which data are downloaded. Preparing the Device The CairClip must be powered on continuously for proper operation. In other words, either its lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery must have sufficient charge, or it must be plugged into a power source such as a fully-charged or plugged in computer. You must also download and install the CairClip software and then configure your device. The following procedures will prepare your device for data collection. Charging the Battery The sensor can be charged by connecting it directly to a power source or by connecting it to a USB port of a computer, which is connected to a power source (Figure 2). It takes approximately 4 hours to charge the device. When fully-charged, the CairClip can operate for more than 24 hours. It is strongly recommended that the sensor battery be recharged frequently, preferably after each 24 hours of operation. This is important, especially if the battery is nearly depleted, which causes the unit to switch to standby mode (indicated by the warning triangle shown in Figure 3). Figure 3 ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE Installing the Software The CairSoft software must be downloaded from the CairPol Web site and installed on a computer as follows before taking measurements. Procedure: Install Software 1. Go to the CairPol Web site (www.cairpol.com') and click the Downloading link. 2. Click 'Softwares' [1] and then select 'Download CairSoft V4.1 (for USB CairSens)' [2] (or latest version) to begin the software download. A file named 'Cairsoftv4.1.zip' is created in the computer's 'Downlead's folder. Softwares Download Can Soft V4.1 (Tor USB CairSens) ;airpol.com/lndex,p!ip?apl!tin=com_conlent&view=artLcle&id=538diemid=152&.1.i . . ^ Home i; About us fi) News i ExtitortiDns / Press fljh Contact ^E2^ - - : • Sotnrai^ ^fi^^^ Softwares u---. i j.i • ;: 'I irSofiV4 1 ;•.. !.'•:.[ .'.^.•'...••i;l -^^^— 2 I 3. Use extraction software, such as WinZip, to extract the three files in the 'Cairsoftv4.1.zip' file. Name [• 'I CairsoftDriver !• 1 framework 0 Setup_CairsoftV4.1 Type Compressed size Password ... Application Application Application 1,757 KB No 2,862 KB No 2,963 KB No Size Ratio 2,291 KB 24% 2,891 KB 1% 2,988 KB 1% Date modified 1116.-20093:16PM 10/22/2009 7:58 AM 1/15/2014 1:20 PM ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE 4. Double click the 'Setup_CairsoftV4.1' file, and click 'Run' on the Security Warning screen to begin the setup. Open File - Security Wa The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software? Name: ,,.wnloads\cairsoftv4,l (l)\Setup_CairsoftV4.1,exe Publisher: Unknown Publisher Type: Application From: C:\Users\Sam\Downloads\cairsoftv41 (i)\Setup_,., EsS Always ask before opening this file This file does not have a valid digital signature that verifies its publisher. You should only run software from publishers you trust. How can I decide what software to run7 5. Select the desired language using the drop- down menu, and click 'OK'. Select Setup Language Select the language to use during the installation; English 6. Click 'Install' to begin the installation. I Setup - Cairsoft Ready to Install Setup is now readv to begin installing Cairsoft on your computer. Click Install to continue with the installation, or dick Back if you want to review or change any settings. Additional tasks: Additional icons: Create a desktop icon Configuring the CairClip Once you have downloaded and installed the CairSoft V4.1 software, you must configure your device for collecting data. The following options are available for customizing the CairSoft software: <* Assign a device name *> Set the date and time (can be used to set the device's internal clock, but time of data collection is recorded using the clock of the computer (where data are downloaded) ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE *J* Set the data logging time interval *t* Modify the screen (display) *J* Modify how data are retrieved and saved (see "Routine Data Collection") These settings should, if desired, be customized before acquiring data. Note that the CairClip is manufactured in France, so options on the software screens are in both French and English or, in some instances, just French. Procedure: Configure Software 1. 2. 3. 4. Connect the CairClip NM-VOC to the computer using the USB cable as shown above in Figure 2. Start the CairSoft software by clicking the CairSoft icon (Figure 4) that was created on the desktop during software installation. The login screen shown in Figure 5 will then display for a few seconds. Modify any of the parameters by clicking the buttons on the main CairSoft screen shown in Figure 6. On each parameter modification screen shown on the following pages, click ^'/ to accept your changes or ^ to cancel and close that screen. ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE Name Date and Time Wednesday, Apt 08.2015 Q- Zone de changement dheure US ,$> EU 08 57 59 Has AH/PH •*• AM B PM Set Data Logging c Calrsoft:SetdatalQgg|ng Intervalle de mesure / Time interval measuring device a 1 mil ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE Screen Screen Time '.; • Heure + Affichage de la pollution au-de!a de100^/m3 Time + A/erf display beyond 5&pb Graphic (used for retrieving and saving data) ]*u • — • DCiMl »» »W 1 XI 1 , 60 , I "°" i30- S 20 - ID 1400 2000 0200 0900 1400 Tm es li= Routine Data Collection The CairClip should be sheltered from rain when deployed outdoors. While orientation has no effect on data, make sure the active air-sampling inlet (fan) is not blocked and avoid any obstructions to the exit of air through the lateral hole (Figure 7). If operating on battery power, the green dongle should be inserted to keep the mini USB/dongle port from clogging. It is also recommended that the sensor not be touched at all immediately prior to and during measurements. Lateral Figure Collecting Data Data are collected continuously from the moment the CairClip is on (plugged in or battery charged). The device can log and store 1 data point every minute for 20 days (28,800 data points) or 1 data point every 15 minutes for 300 days (108,000 data points) before previously recorded data are overwritten. Make sure you have selected the desired data-logging interval, as described above in "Configuring the CairClip." The CairClip automatically saves data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file. 8 ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE Retrieving Data To avoid losing data, it is recommended that data be exported every 3 days at a minimum during data collection. Use the procedure below to retrieve the data using the CairSoft software. Procedure: Retrieve Data 1. Connect the CairClip sensor to the computer using the USB cable. 2. Click the CairSoft icon to launch the software. The login screen then displays for a few seconds, as described in the section "Configuring the CairClip." 3. Click the Graphic button (see Figure 6). 4. Choose the time period for the data you want to retrieve from the drop-down menu ([1] in Figure 8), and confirm your selection by pressing the green Check button [2]. Options for time periods are 1, 3, 6, and 20 days (jours). 5. Double click the Excel logo [3] below the graph display area in Figure 8, and save the file in the desired location. Be sure to include the date in the file name for easy identification. Irilorvnlln do mesure / Time interval measuring device 1 mm ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE Processing Data The CairClip automatically saves its data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file in a two-column format with date/time in one column and measured total VOC concentration in parts per billion (ppb) in the other, as shown in Figure 9. The CairClip, however, uses a time stamp format that will need to be modified. As shown in Figure 9, the hours and minutes in the time stamp contain "h" for hour, which needs to be replaced with a colon. The following procedure will guide you through modifying the time stamp. Microsoft Excel 2013 is used to illustrate this procedure, but the process is similar in versions of Excel back to 2003. PAGE LAYOUT FORMULAS onncttions ft From Web gPwpntw _ From Other existing Roftsh \J3 From Ted Source- Connections All- UEdrUmks bti External Data Connection: < A A & >: 1 Numero apparel Mage CDVOI06130QC2 Time 11/17/2013 2K44PM 11/17/2013 7K45PM 11/17/2013 2H46PM U/i7/M13IM7PM 11/17/2013 2h48 PM 11/17/2013 2M9PM 11/17/2013 2h50PM 11/17/2013 2h5I PM voc wg/m3 Level (ppb) 0 0 0 Figure 9 Procedure: Format Data 1. 2. Click on the A in the column index to highlight all of column A. Hold down the Ctrl key and press the F key to open up the Find and Replace window (Figure 11). 3. In the Find and Replace window, click the Replace tab. 4. Enter "h" in the Find what: field. 5. Enter ":" (colon) in the Replace with: field, and then click Replace All. g HOME From Access 1_@ From Web HI From Text Sources- Connections Get External Data INSERT & From Other PAGE LAYOUT 0 r Existing FORMULAS onnections £J Properties Refresh All * Connections Time Numero appareillage CDV0106130002 11/17/2013 14:44 11/17/2013 14:45 11/17/2013 14:46 11/17/201314:47 11/17/2013 14:48 11/17/2013 14:49 11/17/2013 14:50 11/17/2013 14:51 VOC ng/m3 Level (ppb) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Figure 10 Find and Replace Find Find what h Replace wrtrt : Figure 11 10 ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE Maintenance and Storage Changing the Filter If the CairClip is regularly exposed to dust, the manufacturer recommends changing the removable filter every 4 months. The filter comes premounted in its holder and is removed and replaced from the back of the device as a single unit (Figure 12). Procedure: Change Filter 1. 2. 3. Insert the red dongle (provided with the sensor) into the CairClip, as shown in Figure 13. The dongle prevents the small fan inside the device from turning. Remove the filter/filter holder assembly from the back of the CairClip by gently pulling the filter holder with your fingers. Place a new filter/filter holder assembly into the opening and gently press until it is secure. 4. After changing the filter, remove the red dongle and reconnect the mini USB cable. Front view showing filter Back view of holder T Figure 13 Storing the CairClip It is recommended that the red dongle is connected to the unit to maximize storage time. Connecting the red dongle stops the sensor's fan, which reduces the CairClip's power consumption, decreases its frequency of recharging, and consequently increases its storage time up to 150 days (battery fully-charged). It is strongly recommended that data be downloaded before extended periods of storage. 11 ------- CITIZEN SCIENCE For Additional Help CairClip User Manual, CairSoft Software, and Sensor Datasheets. P058C.MLLCairClip user manual.160512, CairPol, Mejannes les Ales, France, www.cairpol.com. CairPol CairClip NM-VOC data sheet, http://www.cairpol.com/images/pdf/COVNM/ technical%20datasheet%20nmvoc%2015072013.pdf, last accessed May 13, 2015. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html, last accessed May 13, 2015. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, What Are the Six Common Air Pollutants?, http://www.epa.gov/airguality/urbanair/, last accessed May 13, 2015. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA's Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists, http://www.epa.gov/heasd/airsensortoolbox/, last accessed May 13, 2015. The purpose of this document is to provide general operating guidelines, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not assume any liability regarding any aspect of its use. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by EPA. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of EPA and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. EPA assumes no liability associated with any errors in the suggested procedures, errors potentially made by the instrument in question, user misuse of the instruments or data collected, or costs due to any damage the instrument might experience under any circumstance or use. This user guide is specific to the make/model and version number of the instrument identified in the document and is not generalizable to any other sensor. The users should understand that they should develop operating guidelines specific to their own research needs, and any general document of this nature would be limited in meeting their full need. 12 ------- £EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency PRESORTED STANDARD POSTAGE & FEES PAID EPA PERMIT NO. G-35 Office of Research and Development (8101R) Washington, DC 20460 Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 Recycled/Recyclable Printed on paper that contains a minimum of 50% postconsumer fiber content processed chlorine free ------- |