RE: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

July 28, 2006

Rob:

I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without nary a

problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) and

the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carrying

the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great too, I

just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative

implication there.

For what it is worth....

--

Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP

President

KERNTEC Industries, Inc.

Bakersfield, California

www.kerntecindustries.com

> Dear group,

>

> I am considering a DC powered pump with AOC sampling in

> mind. Two pumps I am examing are the Zefon bio-pump and the Buck

> Bioaire. I am considering these two pumps primarily because of

> their size.

>

> At first glance this seems like a simple decision. The Buck Bioaire

> is about $100 less, lighter (by about 3oz using the manufactures

> product guides) and allows for a variety of flow rates between 5 and

> 20 lpm (yes I am planning on using only 15 lpm until I find another

> use for it).

>

> The bio-pump does have a case which saves me from having to get one

> for the bioaire.

>

> My mian concern for both pumps is the ability to primary calibrate

> them. We have a nice DC powered dry-cal that makes in field

> calibration (espcially when there is no power) a breeze.

>

> Any thoughts?

>

> Rob Whitesell, CIE, CMR

> MMTS Environmental

>

> FAIR USE NOTICE:

>

> This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been

> specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material

> available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political,

> human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

> We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as

> provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title

> 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit

> to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included

> information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to:

> http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted

> material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use',

> you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

>

July 28, 2006

- How do you get a primary calibration of your Zefon pumps?

Tom Walsh

LSU - OES

Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

Rob:

I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without nary a

problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) and

the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carrying

the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great too, I

just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative

implication there.

For what it is worth....

--

Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP

President

KERNTEC Industries, Inc.

Bakersfield, California

www.kerntecindustries.com

> Dear group,

>

> I am considering a DC powered pump with AOC sampling in

> mind. Two pumps I am examing are the Zefon bio-pump and the Buck

> Bioaire. I am considering these two pumps primarily because of

> their size.

>

> At first glance this seems like a simple decision. The Buck Bioaire

> is about $100 less, lighter (by about 3oz using the manufactures

> product guides) and allows for a variety of flow rates between 5 and

> 20 lpm (yes I am planning on using only 15 lpm until I find another

> use for it).

>

> The bio-pump does have a case which saves me from having to get one

> for the bioaire.

>

> My mian concern for both pumps is the ability to primary calibrate

> them. We have a nice DC powered dry-cal that makes in field

> calibration (espcially when there is no power) a breeze.

>

> Any thoughts?

>

> Rob Whitesell, CIE, CMR

> MMTS Environmental

>

> FAIR USE NOTICE:

>

> This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always

been

> specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such

material

> available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental,

political,

> human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues,

etc.

> We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material

as

> provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with

Title

> 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without

profit

> to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included

> information for research and educational purposes. For more information go

to:

> http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use

copyrighted

> material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair

use',

> you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

>

July 28, 2006

Group, If you are good with keeping things clean, BioSlide Pump (A.P. Buck, Inc.) use slides coated with adhesive surface, which are cheaper than buying those cassettes. Ideally, keep each slide in separate container. Do be careful with packaging those glass slides before shipping them to labs. Wei Tang QLABrowmath wrote: Dear group,I am considering a DC powered pump with AOC

sampling in mind. Two pumps I am examing are the Zefon bio-pump and the Buck Bioaire. I am considering these two pumps primarily because of their size.At first glance this seems like a simple decision. The Buck Bioaire is about $100 less, lighter (by about 3oz using the manufactures product guides) and allows for a variety of flow rates between 5 and 20 lpm (yes I am planning on using only 15 lpm until I find another use for it).The bio-pump does have a case which saves me from having to get one for the bioaire.My mian concern for both pumps is the ability to primary calibrate them. We have a nice DC powered dry-cal that makes in field calibration (espcially when there is no power) a breeze.Any thoughts?Rob Whitesell, CIE, CMRMMTS Environmental Wei Tang, Ph.D.Lab Director QLAB5 DriveCherry Hill, NJ

08003www.QLABusa.com

July 28, 2006

Please visit Ian's website and share your comments with people who need them. I am sure we can all use that. Wei Tang QLAB http://www.iaqcomparisons.com/prd_detail.php/Pumps/High+Volume/Portable/bio-pump http://www.iaqcomparisons.com/prd_detail.php/Pumps/High+Volume/Portable/bioaire-pump " N. Walsh" wrote: - How do you get a primary calibration of your Zefon pumps?Tom WalshLSU - OES-----Original Message-----From: iequality [mailto:iequality ] On BehalfOf GeyerSent: Friday, July 28, 2006 8:34 AMTo: iequality Subject: Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaireRob:I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without nary aproblem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) andthe battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carryingthe unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire

looks great too, Ijust have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negativeimplication there.For what it is worth....-- Geyer, PE, CIH, CSPPresidentKERNTEC Industries, Inc.Bakersfield, Californiawww.kerntecindustries.comOn 7/27/06 12:45 PM, "rowmath" <robert.whitesellmmtesting> wrote:> Dear group,> > I am considering a DC powered pump with AOC sampling in> mind. Two pumps I am examing are the Zefon bio-pump and the Buck> Bioaire. I am considering these two pumps primarily because of> their size.> > At first glance this seems like a simple decision. The Buck Bioaire> is about $100 less, lighter (by about 3oz using the manufactures> product guides) and allows for a variety of flow rates between 5 and> 20 lpm (yes I am planning on using only 15 lpm

until I find another> use for it).> > The bio-pump does have a case which saves me from having to get one> for the bioaire.> > My mian concern for both pumps is the ability to primary calibrate> them. We have a nice DC powered dry-cal that makes in field> calibration (espcially when there is no power) a breeze.> > Any thoughts?> > Rob Whitesell, CIE, CMR> MMTS Environmental> > > > > > > > > FAIR USE NOTICE:> > This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not alwaysbeen> specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making suchmaterial> available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental,political,> human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues,etc.> We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any

such copyrighted materialas> provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance withTitle> 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed withoutprofit> to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included> information for research and educational purposes. For more information goto:> http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to usecopyrighted> material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fairuse',> you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.>

July 28, 2006

Tom:

The Zefon comes with a rotometer - a secondary standard. I attach the Zefon

rotometer to my Bios Dry-Cal DC Lite calibrator and check it. (Calibrating

the secondary standard against a primary standard, then using the secondary

standard in the field is an accepted practice.) I don't believe there is an

easy way to directly connect/calibrate the Zefon pump, other than to

cannibalize their rotometer, or use a Zefon AOC cassette with tubing, and

attached these between the Zefon pump and the primary calibrator; which

shouldn't be all that hard to do now that I think of it. However, my MO is

to regularly check the secondary against the primary, and go with it.

> - How do you get a primary calibration of your Zefon pumps?

>

> Tom Walsh

> LSU - OES

>

> Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

>

> Rob:

>

> I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without nary a

> problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) and

> the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carrying

> the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great too, I

> just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative

> implication there.

>

> For what it is worth....

This E-mail scanned for spam and viruses by ATG Internet.

July 28, 2006

-I suggest you look at SKC. I have a couple of associates that believe

their SKC pumps are better than the Buck or Zefon pumps.

I use the Zefon bubble tube to calibrate my sampling pumps. It is a

low tech, but effective primary calibration device that is affortably

priced

Summers MS CIE

MoldDog Environmental Services

Treasure Island, Florida

-- In iequality , " N. Walsh " wrote:

>

> - How do you get a primary calibration of your Zefon pumps?

>

> Tom Walsh

> LSU - OES

>

> Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

>

> Rob:

>

> I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine

without nary a

> problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50

samples) and

> the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for

carrying

> the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great

too, I

> just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative

> implication there.

>

> For what it is worth....

> --

> Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP

> President

> KERNTEC Industries, Inc.

> Bakersfield, California

> www.kerntecindustries.com

>

> > Dear group,

> >

> > I am considering a DC powered pump with AOC sampling in

> > mind. Two pumps I am examing are the Zefon bio-pump and the Buck

> > Bioaire. I am considering these two pumps primarily because of

> > their size.

> >

> > At first glance this seems like a simple decision. The Buck Bioaire

> > is about $100 less, lighter (by about 3oz using the manufactures

> > product guides) and allows for a variety of flow rates between 5 and

> > 20 lpm (yes I am planning on using only 15 lpm until I find another

> > use for it).

> >

> > The bio-pump does have a case which saves me from having to get one

> > for the bioaire.

> >

> > My mian concern for both pumps is the ability to primary calibrate

> > them. We have a nice DC powered dry-cal that makes in field

> > calibration (espcially when there is no power) a breeze.

> >

> > Any thoughts?

> >

> > Rob Whitesell, CIE, CMR

> > MMTS Environmental

> >

> > FAIR USE NOTICE:

> >

> > This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not

always

> been

> > specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such

> material

> > available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental,

> political,

> > human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice

issues,

> etc.

> > We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted

material

> as

> > provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance

with

> Title

> > 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed

without

> profit

> > to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included

> > information for research and educational purposes. For more

information go

> to:

> > http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use

> copyrighted

> > material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair

> use',

> > you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

> >

July 29, 2006

As the pressue drop over the cassette should be accounted for, one can take a

well sealed wall cavity adapter over the Air-O-Cell and calibrate off the tube

from that into whatever - rotometer, Bios drycalc, etc. (versus jury-rigging a

rotometer to the air-O-Cell calibration adapter). The old wall cavity adapters

actually slide over the whole cassette and were good for this. However, I

normally do what does.

No matter what way is used to calibrate (except perhaps ultrasonic or a wire

anemometer) pressure drop can affect the measured flow vs actual. AT 15 LPM,

this can be 1 LPM off but is usually <0.5 LPM and the relative variance of the

pump flow (volume) is <<< variance of the spores in the air.

I have used an Air-O-Cell (AOC) Pump, a gilair, vane pumps, piston pumps, etc.

I will honestly say, the AOC pump with a good charged battery is sweet and the

timer is wonderful. [i believe there is a Zefon person on the list; I may not

be quoted without my permission in writing].

If you have a very good pump (piston for instance), you can also install a

critical orifice from Millipore or similar and just check the pressure drop.

These are great to make sampling more idiot proof.

Tony

...........................................................................

" Tony " Havics, CHMM, CIH, PE

pH2, LLC

PO Box 34140

Indianapolis, IN 46234

cell

90% of Risk Management is knowing where to place the decimal point...any

consultant can give you the other 10%â„

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not be copied or distributed without this statement.

Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

>

> Rob:

>

> I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without

> nary a problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50

> samples) and the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is

> great for carrying the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck

> Bioarire looks great too, I just have not had the opportunity to use

> one; therefore, no negative implication there.

>

> For what it is worth....

This E-mail scanned for spam and viruses by ATG Internet.

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been

specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material

available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political,

human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as

provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17

U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to

those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information

for research and educational purposes. For more information go to:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted

material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you

must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

August 1, 2006

I didn't know that the Bio-Pump is sensitive to pressure change. I've seen the Buck pump connect to a non-bubble tube type primary calibration device. If you don't want to use bubble tube (primary) for Bio-Pump, I am going to offer a suggestion. This is just a suggestion NOT a recommendation. Check this with Zefon before using it. (1) Connect the "Flow Indicator" (in a upright position as it should be on Bio-Pump) to a pump that is NOT sensitive to back pressure. Calibrate (or verify) the "Flow Indicator" by using a Dry-Cal. The "Flow Indicator" simulate the back pressure of an AOC cassette, therefore, it's just like doing a calibration on a regular pump with an AOC in line. With a regular pump, you can use a Dry-Cal without a significant drop in the flow rate. If the Dry-Cal says 15 LPM and the "Flow Indicator" is also on 15 LPM

line, then the Flow Indicator is verified. It is not going to know it's on a Bio-Pump or not. (2) If the "Flow Indicator" is not correct, I would get a new one. Some people would probably just draw a new line on it to indicate the new 15 LPM line. (3) Use the verified (or calibrated?) "Flow Indicator" to calibrate the Bio-Pump. Wei Tang QLAB " N. Walsh" wrote: The Zefon instruction manual states the following:1. " A Flow Indicator is supplied with the pump for easy calibration.Bio-Pump may also be calibrated using the optional Air-O-Cell Bubble Tubefor precise calibration." DO NOT calibrate Bio-Pump with any other device.The impeller fan-type motor is very sensitive to pressure changes and mustbe calibrated using customized low resistance methods."2. "About the Flow Indicator - The flow indicator supplied with the Bio-Pumphas been specially designed and calibrated to show an airflow rate of15L/min. This flow indicator has been designed to simulate the naturalback-pressure of the Air-O-Cell cassette, therefore it simulates in-linecalibration. DO NOT attempt to verify calibration of the flow indicator withany device other than the Air-O-Cell Bubble tube. Attempting to calibratethe Bio-Pump or the flow indicator with any other device will show

anincorrect flow rate."Taking into account the above, I remain befuddled on how to achieve aprimary calibration using a Bios Dry-Cal on either the Zefon pump or therotometer. If I'm reading Zefon's instructions correctly (and I havediscussed this at length with the Zefon rep) here's my problem:- You can't directly calibrate the Zefon pump directly with Dry-Cal becauseof it's sensitivity to back pressure. - And since the Zefon rotometer is designed to work only "in-line" with theZefon pump, if you calibrate the Zefon rotometer using another pump the flowwill be off when you use it to check the Zefon pump.So how the heck does one get around these limitations?I really like the Zefon system for the reasons most have stated, and I haveno problem with using the primary calibration of the rotometer as my gauge,but I can't seem to grasp how y'all rationalize that the calibration methodsyou suggest are

acceptable.BTW, I understand that the ever changing spore distribution creates a muchlarger margin of error and that I could achieve what I want with added timeand effort (i.e., bubble tube and a stopwatch) ... I'd just like toeliminate as much error as feasible, in this case flow rate, with the leastamount of effort and expense.Please be detailed in your response if possible, as I am rather slow:). Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire> > Rob:> > I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without narya> problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) and> the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carrying> the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great too, I> just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative> implication there.> > For what it is worth....This E-mail scanned for spam and viruses by ATG Internet.FAIR USE NOTICE:This site contains copyrighted material the

use of which has not always beenspecifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such materialavailable in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental,political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justiceissues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any suchcopyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site isdistributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest inreceiving the included information for research and educational purposes.For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml.If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of yourown that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyrightowner. Yahoo!

Groups Links Wei Tang, Ph.D.Lab Director QLAB5 DriveCherry Hill, NJ

08003www.QLABusa.com

August 2, 2006

http://www.zefon.com/store/catalog/miniBuck_IAQ_Primary_Flow_Calibrator-p-595.html Does this mean that the Dry-Cal is different from The mini-BUCK™ Calibrator, which can be used with Bio-Pump? We need to contact Zefon. Wei Tang QLAB " N. Walsh" wrote: The Zefon instruction manual states the following:1. " A Flow Indicator is supplied with the pump for easy calibration.Bio-Pump may also be calibrated using the optional Air-O-Cell Bubble Tubefor precise calibration." DO NOT calibrate Bio-Pump with any other device.The impeller fan-type motor is very sensitive to pressure changes and mustbe calibrated using customized low resistance methods."2. "About the Flow Indicator - The flow indicator supplied with the Bio-Pumphas been specially designed and calibrated to show an airflow rate of15L/min. This flow indicator has been designed to simulate the naturalback-pressure of the Air-O-Cell cassette, therefore it simulates in-linecalibration. DO NOT attempt to verify calibration of the flow indicator withany device other than the Air-O-Cell Bubble

tube. Attempting to calibratethe Bio-Pump or the flow indicator with any other device will show anincorrect flow rate."Taking into account the above, I remain befuddled on how to achieve aprimary calibration using a Bios Dry-Cal on either the Zefon pump or therotometer. If I'm reading Zefon's instructions correctly (and I havediscussed this at length with the Zefon rep) here's my problem:- You can't directly calibrate the Zefon pump directly with Dry-Cal becauseof it's sensitivity to back pressure. - And since the Zefon rotometer is designed to work only "in-line" with theZefon pump, if you calibrate the Zefon rotometer using another pump the flowwill be off when you use it to check the Zefon pump.So how the heck does one get around these limitations?I really like the Zefon system for the reasons most have stated, and I haveno problem with using the primary calibration of the rotometer as my gauge,but

I can't seem to grasp how y'all rationalize that the calibration methodsyou suggest are acceptable.BTW, I understand that the ever changing spore distribution creates a muchlarger margin of error and that I could achieve what I want with added timeand effort (i.e., bubble tube and a stopwatch) ... I'd just like toeliminate as much error as feasible, in this case flow rate, with the leastamount of effort and expense.Please be detailed in your response if possible, as I am rather slow:). Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire> > Rob:> > I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without narya> problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) and> the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carrying> the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great too, I> just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative> implication there.> > For what it is worth....This E-mail scanned for spam and viruses by ATG

Internet.FAIR USE NOTICE:This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always beenspecifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such materialavailable in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental,political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justiceissues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any suchcopyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site isdistributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest inreceiving the included information for research and educational purposes.For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml.If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of yourown that go

beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyrightowner.

August 2, 2006

Yes,

the mini-Buck calibrator is simply an automated, digitally timed bubble meter,

which Zefon qualifies a an acceptable calibration method because it does not

have the back-pressure problem of the Dry-Cal. I believe (someone correct me if

I’m wrong) the Dry-Cal works by measuring the precise time required for

the piston to traverse a known distance and calculates the flow. In re-reading

the BIOS Dry-Cal manual, the problem is not too much back pressure, but not

enough. When there is insufficient back pressure to create a steady flow, you

get pulsation which throws the Dry-Cal reading off – this appears to be the

case w/ the Zefon pump.

Wei,

I think you described the method (I believe) suggested previously about

calibrating the Zefon “Flow Indicator”/rotometer, which is what I’m

already doing, but it doesn’t mean I like trusting that the Zefon

rotometer actually simulates an AOC cartridge. However, I don’t so

dislike it that I can justify giving up the Zefon pump just yet or getting out

the knee pads to buy a fancy bubble meter like the mini-Buck.

Oh

well, good discussion though.

From:

iequality [mailto:iequality ] On Behalf Of Wei Tang

Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006

10:25 AM

To: iequality

Subject: RE: Zefon

bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

http://www.zefon.com/store/catalog/miniBuck_IAQ_Primary_Flow_Calibrator-p-595.html

Does this mean that the Dry-Cal is different from The mini-BUCK™

Calibrator, which can be used with Bio-Pump? We need to contact

Zefon.

Wei Tang

QLAB

" N.

Walsh " wrote:

The Zefon instruction

manual states the following:

1. " A Flow Indicator is supplied with the pump for easy calibration.

Bio-Pump may also be calibrated using the optional Air-O-Cell Bubble Tube

for precise calibration. " DO NOT calibrate Bio-Pump with any other

device.

The impeller fan-type motor is very sensitive to pressure changes and must

be calibrated using customized low resistance methods. "

2. " About the Flow Indicator - The flow indicator supplied with the

Bio-Pump

has been specially designed and calibrated to show an airflow rate of

15L/min. This flow indicator has been designed to simulate the natural

back-pressure of the Air-O-Cell cassette, therefore it simulates in-line

calibration. DO NOT attempt to verify calibration of the flow indicator with

any device other than the Air-O-Cell Bubble tube. Attempting to calibrate

the Bio-Pump or the flow indicator with any other device will show an

incorrect flow rate. "

Taking into account the above, I remain befuddled on how to achieve a

primary calibration using a Bios Dry-Cal on either the Zefon pump or the

rotometer. If I'm reading Zefon's instructions correctly (and I have

discussed this at length with the Zefon rep) here's my problem:

- You can't directly calibrate the Zefon pump directly with Dry-Cal because

of it's sensitivity to back pressure.

- And since the Zefon rotometer is designed to work only " in-line "

with the

Zefon pump, if you calibrate the Zefon rotometer using another pump the flow

will be off when you use it to check the Zefon pump.

So how the heck does one get around these limitations?

I really like the Zefon system for the reasons most have stated, and I have

no problem with using the primary calibration of the rotometer as my gauge,

but I can't seem to grasp how y'all rationalize that the calibration methods

you suggest are acceptable.

BTW, I understand that the ever changing spore distribution creates a much

larger margin of error and that I could achieve what I want with added time

and effort (i.e., bubble tube and a stopwatch) ... I'd just like to

eliminate as much error as feasible, in this case flow rate, with the least

amount of effort and expense.

Please be detailed in your response if possible, as I am rather slow:).

Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

>

> Rob:

>

> I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without nary

a

> problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) and

> the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carrying

> the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great too, I

> just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative

> implication there.

>

> For what it is worth....

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August 2, 2006

, Thanks for the information. It is indeed good discussion and useful information for people to choose different equipments and setup before they buy and can read about them on the manual. I can see why Ian wanted to set up the website. http://www.iaqcomparisons.com/ Wei" N. Walsh" wrote: Yes, the mini-Buck calibrator is simply an automated, digitally timed bubble meter, which Zefon qualifies a an acceptable calibration method because it does not have the back-pressure problem of the Dry-Cal. I believe (someone correct me if I’m wrong) the Dry-Cal works by measuring the precise time required for the piston to traverse a known distance and calculates the flow. In re-reading the BIOS Dry-Cal manual, the problem is not too much back pressure, but not enough. When there is insufficient back pressure to create a steady flow, you get pulsation which throws the Dry-Cal reading off – this appears to be the case w/ the Zefon pump. Wei, I think you described the method (I believe) suggested previously about calibrating the Zefon “Flow Indicator”/rotometer, which is what I’m already doing, but it doesn’t mean I like trusting that the Zefon rotometer actually simulates an AOC cartridge. However, I don’t so dislike it that I can justify giving up the Zefon pump just yet or getting out the knee pads to buy a fancy bubble meter like the mini-Buck. Oh well, good discussion though. From: iequality [mailto:iequality ] On Behalf Of Wei TangSent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:25 AMTo: iequality Subject: RE: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire http://www.zefon.com/store/catalog/miniBuck_IAQ_Primary_Flow_Calibrator-p-595.html Does this mean that the Dry-Cal is different from The mini-BUCK™ Calibrator, which can be used with Bio-Pump? We need to contact Zefon.

Wei Tang QLAB " N. Walsh" wrote: The Zefon instruction manual states the following:1. " A Flow Indicator is supplied with the

pump for easy calibration.Bio-Pump may also be calibrated using the optional Air-O-Cell Bubble Tubefor precise calibration." DO NOT calibrate Bio-Pump with any other device.The impeller fan-type motor is very sensitive to pressure changes and mustbe calibrated using customized low resistance methods."2. "About the Flow Indicator - The flow indicator supplied with the Bio-Pumphas been specially designed and calibrated to show an airflow rate of15L/min. This flow indicator has been designed to simulate the naturalback-pressure of the Air-O-Cell cassette, therefore it simulates in-linecalibration. DO NOT attempt to verify calibration of the flow indicator withany device other than the Air-O-Cell Bubble tube. Attempting to calibratethe Bio-Pump or the flow indicator with any other device will show anincorrect flow rate."Taking into account the above, I remain befuddled on how to achieve aprimary calibration

using a Bios Dry-Cal on either the Zefon pump or therotometer. If I'm reading Zefon's instructions correctly (and I havediscussed this at length with the Zefon rep) here's my problem:- You can't directly calibrate the Zefon pump directly with Dry-Cal becauseof it's sensitivity to back pressure. - And since the Zefon rotometer is designed to work only "in-line" with theZefon pump, if you calibrate the Zefon rotometer using another pump the flowwill be off when you use it to check the Zefon pump.So how the heck does one get around these limitations?I really like the Zefon system for the reasons most have stated, and I haveno problem with using the primary calibration of the rotometer as my gauge,but I can't seem to grasp how y'all rationalize that the calibration methodsyou suggest are acceptable.BTW, I understand that the ever changing spore distribution creates a muchlarger margin of error and that I could

achieve what I want with added timeand effort (i.e., bubble tube and a stopwatch) ... I'd just like toeliminate as much error as feasible, in this case flow rate, with the leastamount of effort and expense.Please be detailed in your response if possible, as I am rather slow:). Re: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire> > Rob:> > I have several Zefon units. They have worked and worked fine without narya> problem, they are easy to use, I can sample all day (40 to 50 samples) and> the battery seems to hold up real well, and the case is great for carrying> the unit and about 10 AOC cassettes. The Buck Bioarire looks great too, I> just have not had the opportunity to use one; therefore, no negative> implication there.> > For what it is worth....This E-mail scanned for spam and viruses by ATG Internet.FAIR USE NOTICE:This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always beenspecifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such

materialavailable in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental,political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justiceissues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any suchcopyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law.In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site isdistributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest inreceiving the included information for research and educational purposes.For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml.If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of yourown that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyrightowner.

August 2, 2006

To continue with the tread regarding pump calibration.....

Zefon or others, it really comes down to...How precise do you need to be? Wei was correct in stating that the samplers, Zefon, Buck, or others, are biased towards specific particle behavior or size, and they under-represent what is actually there; therefore there will be small differences They are quantitative, but not wholly precisely accurate. These samples do represent a good reasonable estimation of aerosol concentration based on other similar devices of similar capture efficiency and similar precision. Regarding fungal spores, the difference between 400 s/m3 and 800 s/m3 is really no big deal in most instances, even though the results are 100% different; and I believe that most samplers will be within this ball-park given the range of variance of capture efficiency, media, flow rates, etc. This said, the difference between 400 s/m3 and 4,000 s/m3 is significant, and (correct me if I am wrong) all reasonably accurate samples should be able to pick up on this difference.

What I find amusing are those folks that split hairs between results of 5-min samples representing only 75 liters of air characterizing bio-aerosols that are highly variable and heterogeneous. The difference between 15-lpm and 15.5-lpm, or 14.5-lpm, is no big deal. It is maddening when folks compare one or two air sample results, and then make broad conclusions regarding “contamination” and/or possible health affects/injury. It is not relevant. Nor is a high degree of precision regarding flow rate. 15.00-lpm doesn’t really matter. It is minutia.

For what it is worth....

--

Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP

President

KERNTEC Industries, Inc.

Bakersfield, California

www.kerntecindustries.com

Yes, the mini-Buck calibrator is simply an automated, digitally timed bubble meter, which Zefon qualifies a an acceptable calibration method because it does not have the back-pressure problem of the Dry-Cal. I believe (someone correct me if I’m wrong) the Dry-Cal works by measuring the precise time required for the piston to traverse a known distance and calculates the flow. In re-reading the BIOS Dry-Cal manual, the problem is not too much back pressure, but not enough. When there is insufficient back pressure to create a steady flow, you get pulsation which throws the Dry-Cal reading off – this appears to be the case w/ the Zefon pump.

Wei, I think you described the method (I believe) suggested previously about calibrating the Zefon “Flow Indicator”/rotometer, which is what I’m already doing, but it doesn’t mean I like trusting that the Zefon rotometer actually simulates an AOC cartridge. However, I don’t so dislike it that I can justify giving up the Zefon pump just yet or getting out the knee pads to buy a fancy bubble meter like the mini-Buck.

Oh well, good discussion though.

From: iequality [mailto:iequality ] On Behalf Of Wei Tang

Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:25 AM

To: iequality

Subject: RE: Zefon bio-pump plus vs. Buck bioaire

http://www.zefon.com/store/catalog/miniBuck_IAQ_Primary_Flow_Calibrator-p-595.html

Does this mean that the Dry-Cal is different from The mini-BUCK™ Calibrator, which can be used with Bio-Pump? We need to contact Zefon.

Wei Tang

QLAB

" N. Walsh " wrote:

The Zefon instruction manual states the following:

1. " A Flow Indicator is supplied with the pump for easy calibration.

Bio-Pump may also be calibrated using the optional Air-O-Cell Bubble Tube

for precise calibration. " DO NOT calibrate Bio-Pump with any other device.

The impeller fan-type motor is very sensitive to pressure changes and must

be calibrated using customized low resistance methods. "

2. " About the Flow Indicator - The flow indicator supplied with the Bio-Pump

has been specially designed and calibrated to show an airflow rate of

15L/min. This flow indicator has been designed to simulate the natural

back-pressure of the Air-O-Cell cassette, therefore it simulates in-line

calibration. DO NOT attempt to verify calibration of the flow indicator with

any device other than the Air-O-Cell Bubble tube. Attempting to calibrate

the Bio-Pump or the flow indicator with any other device will show an

incorrect flow rate. "

Taking into account the above, I remain befuddled on how to achieve a

primary calibration using a Bios Dry-Cal on either the Zefon pump or the

rotometer. If I'm reading Zefon's instructions correctly (and I have

discussed this at length with the Zefon rep) here's my problem:

- You can't directly calibrate the Zefon pump directly with Dry-Cal because

of it's sensitivity to back pressure.

- And since the Zefon rotometer is designed to work only " in-line " with the