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PortaCount® FAQs and Troubleshooting

 

Have a question about your PortaCount® Respirator Fit Tester, or an issue you need to troubleshoot? You’ve come to the right place.

 

This page is your first port of call for common questions about the correct operation and maintenance of your PortaCount®.

 

There are generally three (3) reasons why your PortaCount® might not work:

 

  • Environment – not enough particles, low alcohol, moisture, room size wrong
  • Person – the operator has not set up the machine correctly (ie USB, power lead, twin tube not set up)
  • Machine – unit not working due to a fault and therefore requiring service

 

Listed below are our most frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips for commonly reported issues. Have a read and if you can’t find the answer your looking for, get in touch with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

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You’ve asked. We’ve answered. This section contains some common questions asked by our customers when it comes to using the PortaCount® Respirator Fit Tester.

Why is my unit displaying a red (!) mark?

Question

Why is my unit displaying a red (!) mark?

 

Answer

The red (!) mark may be displayed as a result of a flow blockage from the tubing or respirator. To determine if this is the cause, restart the PortaCount and perform fake test with the HEPA filter on. If the red (!) mark goes away, then it’s not related to the PortaCount unit or its hardware issues.

 

If you see a red (!) mark and have eliminated the possibility of flow blockages in the tubing or respirator, it may be a hardware error.  Please turn the unit off and on and perform a daily check.  If this doesn’t solve the problem, the unit needs to be returned to Kenelec Scientific.

When should I be changing the Alcohol Wick?

Question

When should I be changing the Alcohol Wick?

 

Answer

The wick inside the alcohol cartridge may be changed in the field. Two spare wicks are included with the PortaCount® Fit Tester. Normally, the wick does not need to be changed unless one of the following problems develops:

 

  • Moisture accumulates in the wick and causes the Low Alcohol Level message to come on even when there is an adequate alcohol supply. This may happen when the PortaCount® Fit Tester is used extensively for extended periods. Especially if fit testing in an area with high humidity. If moisture accumulation occurs, the alcohol wick can be removed, allowed to dry overnight in a well-ventilated area, and then re-installed into the alcohol cartridge.

 

  • The wick becomes contaminated with dirt, oil, or other foreign substances. This should not happen unless the instrument is used to sample aerosols other than those normally found in ambient air. If the alcohol wick is contaminated, discard it and replace it with a new one. Note that some discoloration of the wick is normal and will not influence performance.

How come my machine stops operating when it's humid?

Question

How come my machine keeps failing to operate when it’s humid?

 

Answer

When using PortaCount® Model 8040/8048 in a high humidity environment, the wick assembly will retain water moisture more rapidly than normal and will require more frequent wick replacements.

 

Water moisture collecting in the wick is a normal occurrence, but is greatly increased with a rise in humidity. Under normal conditions with a dry wick freshly charged with isopropyl alcohol, the PortaCount® Fit Tester will operate approximately five hours before the “Low Alcohol Message” appears. This average run time will start to decrease when operating the PortaCount® Fit Tester in higher humidity. To keep this average run time as long as possible, replace the wick each day with a dry one.

 

To dry out the wick you removed from the PortaCount® Fit Tester, place it in a well-ventilated area that has a humidity level of 50% or lower and let it set overnight (approximately 16 hours). The wick should then be dry and ready to use again. The 16-hour dry time is based on an 8-hour operation in a humid environment. The total dry time will vary depending on the number of operation hours on the wick in high humidity environment.

How do I clean a blocked nozzle?

Question

How to I clean a blocked nozzle?

 

Answer

If the small (pin-hole size) internal nozzle becomes clogged with lint or other debris, the following procedure should clear it. The symptom of a clogged nozzle is a low (perhaps zero) ambient particle count. This usually, but not always, causes the Particle Check and/or Max Fit Factor Check to fail.

 

There are two procedures. Perform Procedure A first, then Procedure B if necessary.

 

Procedure A

Obtain a source of clean compressed gas, such as Chemtronics® or equivalent. It must have a long nozzle (straw) in order to reach deep into the PortaCount® Respirator Fit Tester.

 

  • Turn the PortaCount® Fit Tester off and remove the alcohol cartridge.
  • Insert the long nozzle inside the PortaCount® Fit Tester as shown. Keep the end of the nozzle centered in the cavity and gently push it in as far as possible. The internal nozzle is located just at the far end of the cavity and cannot be seen.
  • Apply two or three bursts of gas. This will not damage the PortaCount® Fit Tester.
  • Reinsert the alcohol cartridge. Turn the PortaCount® Fit Tester on. Perform the Daily Checks. If the problem persists, try Procedure B.

 

Procedure B

Use this procedure only if Procedure A fails to clear the internal nozzle.

 

  • Turn the PortaCount® Fit Tester off and remove the alcohol cartridge.
  • Turn and hold the PortaCount® Fit Tester up on end so that you can look down into the cartridge cavity.
  • Take a bottle of the alcohol used to operate the PortaCount® Fit Tester and drip 3 to 4 drops down into the cartridge cavity. Try to keep the drops centered so they hit the bottom without touching the sides. DO NOT use too much. One drop is enough if it all reaches the nozzle.
  • Keep the PortaCount® Fit Tester in this vertical position for about five minutes so the alcohol can soften or dissolve the blockage.
  • Put the PortaCount® Fit Tester down in normal operating position and perform Procedure A.

How do I fit test a P2 or N95?

N95 Respirators – Respirator fit testing with an N95 mask probe kit (source: TSI Incorporated)

PortaCount fit testing of P2 or N95 disposable respirator (source: NSW Government, Clinical Excellence Commission)

Do TSI PortaCount equipment and accessories have United Nations Standard Products and Services Codes (UNSPSC)?”

TSI PortaCount equipment and accessories do not have United Nations Standard Products and Services Codes (UNSPSC).

Troubleshooting

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This section lists a series of symptoms, their possible causes and recommended solutions for problems with the 8040 / 8048 PortaCount® Respirator Fit Testers. If your symptom is not listed, or if none of the solutions solve your problem, please contact our team.

Status indicator is red

Symptom

PortaCount® Fit Tester status indicator is red

Possible Causes Solution
Flow blockage Refer to FAQ:
Why is my unit displaying a red (!) mark?
Hardware error Return the unit to Kenelec Scientific for service

Status indicator is yellow

Symptom

PortaCount® Fit Tester status indicator is yellow; during a measurement FitPro™ Ultra displays a message concerning low alcohol

Possible Causes Solution
Alcohol in wick is low Replenish alcohol

Low Particle message

Symptom

Your PortaCount® unit is displaying a Low Particle message.

Possible Causes Solution
Low on alcohol Replenish alcohol
Hoses are reversed on Twin Tube Assembly Verify the hoses are connected properly to the PortaCount® Fit Tester and respirator
Wrong tube is connected to respirator Connect the proper tube to the respirator (clear tube)
Twin Tube Assembly is kinked, pinched, or blocked Straighten out the Twin Tube Assembly or remove the obstruction
Particle count in area really is low Move to another location or use a particle generator (such as TSI® Model 8026 Particle Generator or an ultrasonic humidifier)
Moisture build-up inside PortaCount® Fit Tester Change alcohol wick inside the Alcohol Cartridge

Dump old alcohol from the Alcohol Fill Capsule and add fresh alcohol

Run two hours to dry optics (remove the alcohol cartridge and install storage cap)
Inferior or contaminated alcohol Change Alcohol Wick inside the Alcohol Cartridge

Use only approved alcohol (99.5 % or better isopropyl)
Plugged internal nozzle See Nozzle Cleaning in the Service and Maintenance chapter of your product manual
Unit needs recalibration and cleaning Return the unit to Kenelec Scientific for service

Does not switch on

Symptom

PortaCount® Fit Tester does not switch on

Possible Causes Solution
AC Adapter not plugged into unit or AC outlet Connect AC adapter

Fails Zero Check

Symptom

Your PortaCount® unit fails the Zero Check

Possible Causes Solution
Alcohol Cartridge is loose Tightly close the Alcohol Cartridge
Twin Tube Assembly leaks Repair or replace the Twin Tube Assembly
Filter leaks Repeat the test with a different filter
Ends of Twin Tube Assembly are poorly sealed Cut off the worn ends on the Twin Tube Assembly
Twin Tube Assembly is disconnected Connect the Twin Tube Assembly to the PortaCount® Fit Tester
Slightly flooded with alcohol Remove Alcohol Cartridge and run for 15 minutes, then try again
Switching valve is not functioning Return the unit to Kenelec Scientific for service
O-ring on alcohol cartridge is not sealing Replace O-ring

Smear a very small amount of grease (such as petroleum jelly) on the O-ring
Tube fittings on PortaCount® Fit Tester are loose Tighten fittings with pliers

Fit factor of 1 or very low

Symptom

Fit factor of 1 or very low

If the PortaCount® Fit Tester passes the Daily Checks, the problem is with the respirator, not the PortaCount® Fit Tester

Possible Causes Solution
Respirator is not equipped with HEPA, class-99, class-100, or P3 filters Install proper filter for fit testing
Respirator leaks, has loose filters, or a malfunctioning exhalation valve Repair the respirator
Twin Tube Assembly is disconnected Connect the Twin Tube Assembly to the PortaCount® Fit Tester
Twin Tube Assembly is not connected to respirator sampling port Connect the Twin Tube Assembly to the respirator sampling port (clear tube)
Twin Tube Assembly leaks Repair or replace the Twin Tube Assembly
Sample Tube too long Use standard five-foot Twin Tube Assembly
PortaCount® Fit Tester is flooded with alcohol Run two hours to dry optics (remove the Alcohol Cartridge and install Storage Cap)
Alcohol level is low Add alcohol to the PortaCount® Fit Tester
Switching valve is not functioning Return the unit to Kenelec Scientific for service

Suspicious readings

Symptom

Suspicious readings

If the PortaCount® Fit Tester passes the Daily Checks, the problem is with the respirator, not the PortaCount® Fit Tester

Possible Causes Solution
PortaCount® Fit Tester is flooded with alcohol Run two hours to dry the optics (remove cartridge and install storage cap)
Tube fittings on PortaCount® Fit Tester are loose Tighten with pliers
PortaCount® Fit Tester leaks Zero-Check the PortaCount® Fit Tester and fix any leaks
Sample lines too long Use standard five-foot Twin Tube Assembly
Alcohol Cartridge is loose Tightly close the Alcohol Cartridge
Respirator is not equipped with HEPA filters Install HEPA filters for fit tests
Twin Tube Assembly is kinked, pinched, or blocked Straighten out the Twin Tube Assembly or remove the obstruction
Leaking respirator probe Tighten or seal probe
Tubing in fit test adapter is kinked or pinched Straighten out tubing
Respirator is faulty Fix or replace the respirator

Suspiciously High Fit Factors

Symptom

Suspiciously High Fit Factors

Refer to Suspiciously High Fit Factors section of your product manual

Possible Causes Solution
Twin Tube Assembly is kinked, pinched, or blocked Use the real-time fit factor function to verify the fit factor

Straighten out the Twin Tube Assembly or remove the obstruction

Particle count is zero or near zero

Symptom

Particle count is zero or near zero

Possible Causes Solution
Alcohol level is low Replenish alcohol
Sampling through HEPA Filter Remove filter
Twin Tube Assembly is blocked Remove the blockage
Moisture buildup in Alcohol Wick Change Alcohol Wick inside Alcohol Cartridge

Run two hours to dry optics (remove the alcohol cartridge and install storage cap)
Inferior or contaminated alcohol Change Alcohol Wick inside the Alcohol Cartridge

Use only approved alcohol
PortaCount® Fit Tester is flooded with alcohol Run two hours to dry optics (remove Alcohol Cartridge and install Storage Cap)
Filter cover leaking Replace cover and O-ring
Plugged nozzle See Nozzle Cleaning in Service and Maintenance chapter of your product manual

Requires frequent refill of alcohol

Symptom

Requires frequent refill of alcohol (every hour or less)

Possible Causes Solution
Moisture build-up inside Alcohol Wick Change Alcohol Wick inside cartridge

Run two hours to dry optics (remove the alcohol cartridge and install storage cap).

Use only approved alcohol

Alcohol visible in Twin Tube Assembly / Exhaust Port

Symptom

Alcohol visible in Twin Tube Assembly or coming out of Exhaust Port

Possible Causes Solution
PortaCount® Fit Tester is flooded with alcohol Run overnight to dry optics (remove alcohol cartridge and install storage cap)

High Concentration message

Symptom

High Concentration message

Possible Causes Solution
A near-by particle generator is elevating ambient concentration levels Turn off or turn down any particle generators operating in the vicinity such as humidifiers or the TSI® Model 8026 Particle Generator

Keep all forms of particle generation at least 6 ft (1.8 m) from the PortaCount® Fit Tester during fit testing
The room ventilation system is reduced or turned off Increase room ventilation
Ambient concentration is naturally elevated In situations where the ambient concentration is elevated through pollution, construction, or other means where it cannot be controlled, the trigger threshold for the message may be raised

Note that prolonged exposure to excessive particle concentration levels could degrade the performance of the PortaCount® Fit Tester over time, requiring more frequent maintenance

Software does not show a connection

Symptom

FitPro™ Ultra Software does not show a connection to the PortaCount® Fit Tester

 

Possible Causes Solution
USB connectivity issue Verify the PortaCount® Fit Tester is turned on and connected with USB cable
Wi-Fi® is not enabled on the PortaCount® Fit Tester Verify a Wi-Fi® dongle is plugged into the USB-A port on the back of the PortaCount® Fit Tester
Tablet or Laptop is not Wi-Fi® capable Verify your tablet or computer settings

Software loses communication

Symptom

If FitPro™ Ultra software running on a device (i.e., computer or tablet) loses communication to the PortaCount® Fit Tester while using USB HUB (804004) or USB Extender Cable (804005)

Possible Causes Solution
USB connectivity issue OPTION 1

Unplug the affected USB cable from the USB HUB for 3 seconds, plug it back in and reconnect FitPro™ Ultra software from your device to PortaCount® Fit Tester

 

OPTION 2

Unplug the USB HUB from the Computer for 3 seconds, plug it back in and reconnect to FitPro™ Ultra software to all PortaCount® Fit Testers in use

DO NOT unplug the USB HUB if you have other PortaCount® Fit Testers running fit tests; otherwise, your fit tests will be terminated

Video Resources

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This section contains guidance, training and resources for using personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to COVID-19 in NSW, courtesy of the NSW Government Clinical Excellence Commission.

Fit testing

Overview fit testing of P2 or N95 respirators. Fit test preparation and setup – Video 1

PortaCount fit testing of P2 or N95 disposable respirator – Video 2A

Cleaning and storage of fit test equipment – Video 3

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