Operating Procedure
Office of Research and Development
National Exposure Research Laboratory
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EPA/600/R-15/117 | May 2015 | www.epa.gov/ord
CairPol CairClip O3-NO2
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
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CITIZEN SCIENCE
Contents
CairPol CairClip O3-NO2 1
Pollutants Measured 1
Ozone 1
Nitrogen Dioxide 1
What You Will Need 2
I mportant Considerations 2
Preparing the Device 4
Charging the Battery 4
Installing the Software 4
Configuring the CairClip 6
Routine Data Collection 9
Collecting Data 9
Retrieving Data 10
Processing Data 11
Maintenance and Storage 12
Changing the Filter 12
Storing the CairClip 12
For Additional Help 13
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CairPol CairClip O3-NO2
The CairPol CairClip Os-NO2 is a lightweight, portable sensor for measuring
ozone (Os) and nitrogen dioxide (NCb) in parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms
per cubic meter (ug/m3) 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 Os and NC>2 data using the CairClip sensor for your monitoring project.
Pollutants Measured
Ozone
Ozone is a gas that occurs both in the Earth's upper atmosphere and at ground level. Ozone
produced naturally in the upper atmosphere (stratospheric) is "good" ozone that protects us
from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ground-level (tropospheric), or "bad," ozone is an
air pollutant that is harmful to breathe and that damages crops, trees, and other vegetation.
Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of respiratory problems, particularly in children and elderly
people, and aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Ground-level ozone is produced by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can result from unburned petroleum-based fuels, in
the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle
exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOX and
VOCs that stimulate the formation of ground-level ozone.
Nitrogen Dioxide
NO2 is a highly reactive gas that can irritate the lungs and cause bronchitis (inflammation of
large and small airways in the lungs), pneumonia (inflammation of lung air sacs), and other
respiratory (breathing) problems. NO2 pollution occurs both as a result of natural atmospheric
processes and as a result of human activities. As a product of fuel combustion, NO2 can form
quickly from automobile emissions, often increasing NO2 concentrations significantly near major
roadways. Power plants and other industrial processes also emit NO2. In addition, it contributes
to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution, both of which are linked to
adverse respiratory effects.
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What You Will Need
CairClip Os-NCb 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
*t* 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 CairClip Os-NO2 data sheet for details (Figure 1).
*!* 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.
«J* 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.
*t* 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.
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Figure 1
POL
MINIATURE AIR QUAUTY MONITORING 5V5TFMS
P049D,OZ.Tcchnical Data Sheet O3-NO2.160S 12
Technical Data Sheet CairCHp Oj-NO2
ffj 001111 r-n I [ironi1 lo modifications)
Range
Limit of detection (1-21
Repeatability at zero " Jl
Repeatability al 40 «-» of range "''
Linearity11'-1
Uncertainty
Short term zero drift
Rise time (T10-90)"-2'
Fall time (Tl 0-90) «"
Effect of interfering species (l)
Temperature effect on sensitivity Uh
Temperature effect on zero I2)
Maximum exposure
.Annual exposure limit (1 hour average)
Operating conditions
Recommended storage conditions
Power supply Wl
Communication interface
| Dimensions
Weight
Protection
lilectrical certification
Parameters Set up / Downloading
0-250 ppb (0 - 240 ppb analog)
20 ppb
+/- 7 pph
- - 1?%
= H)%
:-.W'o can lead to a deteriomi itHKff its perfvivtance s
Any use of it it- sensor not complying witli the conditions specified in herein, induding exposures, even ^lort ones ,lu cnvironmaus oiricr limn xmbiaii air. (o dry and /
or devoid of oxygen air or odicr atmosplicrc nol composctl in inajixrity of air, even Jurine^ciilibriition. will invalidalclticwarrajity.
Main optima
Cair'l'ub: automMiiy 21 days
CairMel: wireless communication & ball cry powered by wlnr panel
Sofl ware: CairSoft. CairMip. CuiWeb
Office: CA1RPOL
ZAC du Capra
55, avenue F.mile Antoine
30340 Mejannes les Ales - France
SARL au capital de 354 2006 - N° Siren: 492 976 253
Tel: +33 (0)4 66 S3 37 56
Fax: +33 (0)4 66 61 82 53
info@cairpol.com
Web site: www.caiqxjl.com
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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 (Figure 2). 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
Installing the Software
The CairSoft software must be downloaded from the CairPol Web site and installed on a
computer as follows before taking measurements.
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Procedure: Install Software
1. Go to the CairPol Web site
(www.cairpol.com') and
click the 'Downloading'
link.
ft Home
i', About us
0 News / Exhibitions / Press
Softwares
Download CairSoft V4.1 (for USB CairSens)
^irpol.com,/index.php?Dption=com_content&view=c!rtitle&id:=53B(Itemid=152Sdang=
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
'Downloads' folder.
3. Use extraction software,
such as WinZip, to extract
the three files in the
'Cairsoftv4.1.zip' file.
ft Home
'
0 News / Exhibitions / Press
Contact
~ir'_ . .'.i i :-. u:c :_:.:._. i_
Name
I* 'i CairsoftDriver
! ': framework
! 'I Setup_CairsoftV4.1
Type
Application
Application
Application
Compressed size
1,757 KB
2,862 KB
2,963 KB
Password ...
No
No
No
Size Ratio Date modified
2,291 KB 24% 11A6/2009 3:16 PM
2,891 KB 1% 10/22/2009 7:58 AM
2,988 KB 1% 1/15/2014 1:20 PM
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Open File - Security Warning
4. Double click the
'Setup_CairsoftV4.1' file,
and click 'Run' on the
Security Warning screen
to begin the setup.
The publisher could not be verified. yVe you sure you wart to
run this software?
i» 11 Name: ,.,wnloads\cairsoftv4.1 (l)\Setup_Cair5oftV4.1,exe
Publisher: Unknown Publisher
Type: Application
From: C:\Users\Sam\Downloads\cairsoftv4.1 (l)\Setup_...
[2 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 B^it^M
*
Select the language to use during the
nstallaton; %
English
<^_
K f Cancel
J Setup - Cairsoft
6. Click 'Install1 to begin the
installation.
Read v to In stall
Setup is now ready 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 setbngs.
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:
*t* 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)
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Set the data logging time interval
Modify the screen (display)
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. Connect the CairClip to the computer using the USB cable as
shown above in Figure 2.
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.
3. Modify any of the parameters by clicking the buttons on the
main CairSoft screen shown in Figure 6.
4. On each parameter modification screen shown on the
following pages, click <^ to accept your changes or X to
cancel and close that screen.
Figure 4
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Name
Norn / M&ne: liltlli**:
Date and Time
Wednesday, Apnl 08,2015
Zone de changement dheure ", US
DaySgfit zone
flag AM/PM
* AM
PM
EU 08:57:59
Set Data Logging
C Cairsoft: Set data loggi
Intefvalle de mesure / Time interval measuring device
1 min
© 15 min
1 heure /hours
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Screen
Graphic
(used for retrieving
and saving data)
Oroo* S, NOi U»d
UOO 2000 0200 0800
Tim
Intervalle de mesure /
I imo interval measuring davica
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.
Collecting Data
Data are collected continuously from the moment the CairClip is on (plugged in or battery
charged). The device can log and store ^ 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.
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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
5.
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).
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.
ppb
W*i3
*
X
Intervalle de mesure /
Time interval measuring device
1 nun
60
f Ozone & HQ2 Ltit\\
50
* 40 --
o
2 30 -
4
I 20 -^
O
10 --
1400
2000
0200
0800
1400
Time
Figure 8
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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 Os-NCb 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
timestamp 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.
INSERT PAGE LAYOUT
From Other Existing
La From Text Sources* Connections
Gel External Data
:
IL0
FORMULAS
[?J Connections
fitfresh
AJI-
Conneetions
D
1 Numeroapparetllage COVQ10613Q002
2 Time 03- HOJMS/m3 Level (ppb)
3 11/17/2013 2h44PM, 0
4 11/17/2013 2MSPM 0
5 11/17/2013 2h46 PM 0
-5 J1/17/JJOU JM7PM
^ 11/1 7/2013 2h4SPM 0
I1/17/7GU2M9PM 0
11/17/2013 2h50 PM 0
0|
10 U/17/2013 JhSl PM
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.
PAGE LAYOUT
81 H *>' C*
HOME INSERT
[Q From Access
[® From Web
From Other Existing
L| From Text Sources- Connections
Get External Data
IP1 @
10 PI
FORMULAS
® Connections
H] Properties
Refresh
AII-
Connections
E8
B
1 Numero appareillage CDV0106130002
2 Time 03-N02 Hg/m3 Level {ppb}
11/17/2013 14:44
11/17/2013 14:45
11/17/2013 14:46
11/17/2013 14:47
11/17/2013 14:48
11/17/2013 14:49
11/17/2013 14:50
11/17/2013 14:51
Figure 10
Find and Replace
Replace
Find what h
Replace with: :
Figure 11
11
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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
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.
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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 Os-NCb data sheet, http://www.cairpol.com/images/pdf/O3-NO2/
technical%20datasheet%20o3-no2%2015072013.pdf, 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.
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r/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 thai contains a minimum of
50% postconsumer fiber content processed chlorine free
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