PortaCount^® FAQs and Troubleshooting

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beard Cover Technique – Fit testing with a balaclava and elastic band (source: NSW Government, Clinical Excellence Commission)

Symptom

PortaCount® Fit Tester status indicator is red

Symptom

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

Symptom

Your PortaCount® unit is displaying a Low Particle message.

Symptom

Your PortaCount® unit fails the Zero Check