At LCS Laboratory Inc., we offer a wide range of air sampling equipment to meet your specific needs, including highly effective 3-port air sampling manifolds. While many of our devices are pre-calibrated to ensure ease of use, we understand that calibration may be a challenge for those without prior experience. To assist, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions on how to calibrate a 3-port manifold, connected to a low-flow pump operating at 100 – 300 ml/min.
Why Calibrate Your 3-Port Air Sampling Manifold?
Air sampling manifolds are essential tools for collecting multiple vapour samples simultaneously with a single pump, typically for personal sampling applications. Proper calibration is crucial to ensure accurate flow rates for each sampling port, ensuring the reliability of the data collected.
Calibration Procedure for a 3-Port Air Sampling Manifold
In this example, we will demonstrate how to calibrate the manifold to collect three separate samples at flow rates of 100 ml/min, 50 ml/min, and 25 ml/min, for a total air flow of 175 ml/min. Follow these steps for proper calibration:
Prepare the Pump and Manifold
- Disconnect the manifold from the pump.
- Set the pump flow rate to 175 ml/min (total air flow through the manifold).
- Connect the Manifold
- Attach the manifold to the pre-calibrated pump.
- Label the Ports
- Label each port on the manifold to track calibration results. Avoid writing directly on the manifold itself. Use masking tape on each port and label them (Port 1, Port 2, Port 3).
- Install Calibration Tubes
- Place a calibration tube into each port of the manifold.
- Begin Calibration
- Turn on the pump and calibrate each port in sequence:
- Port 1: Adjust flow rate to 100 ml/min.
- Port 2: Adjust flow rate to 50 ml/min.
- Port 3: Adjust flow rate to 25 ml/min.
- Turn on the pump and calibrate each port in sequence:
- Repeat Calibration
- After calibrating the ports, return to Port 1 and calibrate all ports again. Only minor adjustments should be necessary at this point.
- Record the Flow Rates
- Measure and record the flow rates for all three ports in sequence. This serves as your pre-calibration record.
- Final Adjustments
- With the pump turned off, the manifold is now calibrated and ready for use. Do not disconnect the manifold from the pump until you are finished with your sampling.
- Post-Sampling Calibration
- After sampling, always perform post-calibration to ensure accuracy throughout the sampling period.
Time Required for Calibration
Expect to spend between 10 to 30 minutes per pump for the pre-calibration process, as it requires attention to detail and precision.
Need Assistance with Sampling Equipment?
If you need air sampling equipment or have questions regarding calibration, please email us at LCS Laboratory Inc. We’re happy to discuss your project and ensure you have the right tools to achieve accurate, reliable results.
