alcolmeter SD-400 User Handbook General Issue 5

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

CONTENTS 1. Introduction...

5

2. Principle of Operation………………………………………….

6

3. Instrument Features…...

7

4. Subject Breath Test………... 10 5. Using the SD-400 with a Printer... 14 6. Instrument Power Supply Systems... 16 7. Clock and Calendar……………………………………………...18 8. Do’s and Don’ts... 19 9. Calibration Checks and Adjustment…………….……..……..21 9A. Background……………………….……………….….…………. 21 9B. AlcoCal® Alcohol Standards……………………..…………….. 21 9C. Calibration Checking……………………………………………. 24 9D. Calibration Adjustment………………………………………….. 26

Appendix I: Warning and Error Messages……………………. 30 Appendix 2: Technical Details…………………………………… 31 Appendix 3: Alcohol Concentration Units…………………….. 34 Appendix 4: Lion Contact Information…………………………. 36

4

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

PLEASE! Read this Handbook carefully, BEFORE using the instrument for the first time.

5

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

1: Introduction The lion alcolmeter® SD-400 is a hand-held, breath alcohol analyser for use in traffic law enforcement, medical and industrial safety applications.

The instrument is easy-to-use, and allows a

complete breath test to be completed in about one minute.

The standard instrument version has a 500-test memory.

This

records the date, time and result of each test, from where it can be downloaded to a PC using software available from Lion. This handbook is written for the lion alcolmeter® SD-400 as it is most commonly used.

However, because many of its operating

functions are configurable, it is not possible to cover all the permutations of method operation in this handbook. Information on the use of these additional features is available from Lion. This handbook explains the following aspects of the instrument, so please read it carefully: ƒ

basic principles of operation

ƒ

how to run a breath test

ƒ

interpretation of results

ƒ

calibration checking

ƒ

calibration adjustment

ƒ

care and basic maintenance

6

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

2: Principle of Operation The lion alcolmeter® SD-400 uses an electrochemical fuel cell sensor to measure the concentration of alcohol vapour in the subject’s expired breath; a measured amount of which is drawn from the mouthpiece into the fuel cell by means of the sampling system.

In the fuel cell a voltage is generated in proportion to the breath alcohol concentration:

it is therefore amplified and displayed in

terms of the subject’s alcohol level.

The breath sampling system is factory-set to sample deep-lung air; it is the breath from the bottom of the lungs that truly reflects the amount of alcohol in the body.

7

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

3. Instrument Features

6

5 1

8

7

3 2 4 9

Please note the following user features of the instrument:

2

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

On/Off Switch Indicator Lights Display Beeper Sampling Port

Spigot Mouthpiece Function Switches Communications Port Power supply Unit Dongle Electronic key

10

4 5 8

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

On/Off Switch (I-0) Press once to switch on, press again to switch off. Use of the On/Off switch is inhibited to prevent switch-off during a breath test.

Indicator Lights

ƒ

WAIT

the system is not ready to sample; probably because the sensor is not clear of alcohol from the last test.

ƒ ƒ ƒ

READY

the instrument is ready to sample.

FLOW

the subject is blowing hard enough.

ANALYSING

a sample has been taken: its alcohol content is being measured.

Digital Display Shows the subject’s alcohol level, time and date, the battery condition, and error messages. It is illuminated for use at night.

Beeper Gives audible messages of certain events and conditions.

Sampling Port The entrance to the fuel cell and breath flow sensor. This port must NOT become blocked or restricted.

Spigot Mouthpiece A new mouthpiece is fitted to the sampling port for each breath test. This disposable item is individually and hygienically wrapped.

A NEW mouthpiece MUST be used for each complete breath test: but NOT essentially for repeated blows by a subject in the same test

9

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

The Four Function Switches These have various uses, as stated in this handbook. From the left, they are referred to as B, C, and D (the On/Off switch is A).

Communications Port This allows access to certain software routines (such as calibration adjustment), when the Dongle key is fitted. If the instrument is used with a printer, the printer cable is connected here. This port is also used for transferring stored breath test data to a PC.

Power Supply This is located on the back of the instrument and fitted with either 5 disposable alkaline batteries (AA) - the PSU; or the rechargeable power unit the RPU. To remove from the main case, press and hold down the release button on the main case, then pull down.

Dongle Electronic Key A security key which is fitted to the communications port so as to access certain software routines, such as for instrument calibration adjustment.

10

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

4. Subject Breath Test 4.1

The Breath Test Procedure: Step-by-Step

Preliminary Questions Ensure the subject has taken nothing by mouth for at least 15 minutes, and not smoked for at least 2 minutes. If necessary, wait.

Mouth alcohol generally disperses within 10 or 12 minutes, so a 15minute wait ensures its complete dispersal. Remember though that many foods and even some ‘non-alcoholic’ drinks actually contain traces of alcohol. Also, a glass of cold water will cool the mouth and dilute saliva, and so temporarily reduce the breath alcohol level.

Switch On Instrument Press and release the On/Off switch (1-0).

Diagnostics Test The four indicator lights and the display bar segments are tested. The sampling system is activated and the WAIT light comes on. The time and date are then shown [any inaccuracy here has no effect on the alcohol measurement].

The WAIT light stays on while the fuel

cell is checked to ensure there is no alcohol from a previous test.

READY –

Attach Mouthpiece

When the READY light shows, unwrap a mouthpiece (don’t touch the lipped end that

11

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

the subject will put in his/her mouth), and attach it to the sampling port: either way round.

Instruct the Subject Tell the subject to take in a deep breath, hold it, then place the lipped end of the mouthpiece in their mouth and seal their lips around it. They must then blow STEADILY [not hard] and CONTINUOUSLY until you say stop, and keep their hands away from the instrument.

Take the Breath Sample The subject now blows.

If he or she

blows hard enough the FLOW light comes on and there is a continuous tone; the subject must then continue to blowing until the ANALYSING light appears and a double beep is heard. This means that the breath sample has been taken into the sensor for analysis, so the subject can now stop blowing.

Note the Alcohol Reading Wait for the ANALYSING light to go off, then note the subject’s reading. If no alcohol was present this will appear very quickly; but if alcohol was present it may take up to 30 seconds for the final reading to be obtained. This will then be displayed for a pre-set time. 12

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

Discard Mouthpiece Remove and discard the mouthpiece in a hygienic manner. A NEW mouthpiece MUST be used for each complete breath test: but NOT essentially for repeated blows by a subject in the same test

Wait …. or Wait for the READY light to come back on [which shows that the instrument is now clear of any alcohol from the last sample] before proceeding to test either the same or a different subject. The time taken for this to occur will depend on how much alcohol was present.

or ….. Switch Off Switch off manually, or let it to do so automatically after a preset time.

4.2

Invalid Breath Samples

If the subject sucks back, blows too gently, or does not blow for long enough, the ANALYSING light will not come on, so no sample will be taken for analysis. Depending on the situation, you may allow a further try, perhaps after re-instruction. There is no need to change the mouthpiece for repeated blows for the same sample.

4.3

The E2 Message

If E2 is displayed after the ANALYSING light comes on, the breath alcohol level of alcohol in the breath sample was too high for accurate measurement. This could be a genuine result, but more

13

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

likely it means mouth alcohol was present. The instrument will now take some time to clear before the READY light comes back on.

4.4

Manual Breath Sampling

The standard factory setting is that a breath sample can also be taken manually.

To do this, press C while the subject is still

blowing, but just before they run out of breath - so that deeplung air is still taken for analysis.

4.5

Automatic Switch Off

If the SD-400 is left switched on but not used, after a pre-set time it will switch itself off automatically. Before doing so it emits a series of high-pitched beeps. To cancel auto-power down at this time, press and hold down the On/Off (1-0) switch until two beeps are heard.

4.6

Last Test Recall / Memory Capacity

When the READY light is on, press and release D. The display shows the remaining memory capacity, then the Test Number and the result of the last breath test, with its date and time. (See also ‘Using the SD-400 with a Printer’). As standard, the SD-400 is supplied with 500-test memory, set to Shunt [when the memory is full, the newest test is saved and the oldest deleted].

14

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

5. Using the SD-400 with a Printer The SD-400 can also be used with a small, portable thermal printer (Able Ap863), to generate a permanent record of each breath test. This printout shows the instrument serial number, the dates of its last calibration and check; and the breath test result, with date, time.

The printer is powered by its own rechargeable battery; mains and 12v chargers are available.

When the printer is first received, its battery will be completely discharged. This means that the printer will not operate, even if it is connected to an external power source, until the battery has been fully charged. See the label on the printer battery pack for initial charging time. Each printer is supplied with the manufacturer’s User Guide. Before carrying out a breath test, ensure that the printer cable is securely connected to the communications port on the SD-400. You do not need to switch the printer on: this is done automatically by the instrument itself at the appropriate time.

Follow the Subject Breath Test instructions as in Section 4.1. When the ANALYSING indicator light on the instrument goes off, the printer will switch on and generate a printout.

15

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

Last Test Recall [Reprint] See page 13. Activating Last Test Recall also generates a further printout of the last test.

Automatic Test Numbering Every time a breath test is carried out, a four-digit sequential number is printed automatically on the test record. This number is set to 0000 before dispatch of the instrument from Lion, and can then only be reset by Lion or a local Lion distributor.

16

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

6. Instrument Power Supply Systems Low Power Warnings The SD-400 instrument uses two-stage low power warning system: a.

First Stage - Flashing WAIT Light Plus Triple, Low Pitched Beep Power is low, but the instrument can still be used

–

with no effect on breath sampling or analytical accuracy. Disposable batteries should be changed as soon

as

possible

once

this

warning

appears:

rechargeable battery packs should be charged.

b.

Second Stage - Four Flashing Bars (- - - - ) Plus Two Long, Low Pitched Beeps Battery power is too low for instrument operation, so further use of it is automatically inhibited.

AA Power Supply Unit [PSU] To replace the batteries, ensure the instrument is switched off, then press the release catch on its back and slide down the battery pack to remove it. Remove all five batteries and replace with five new alkaline ones, ensuring correct polarity. Now slide the power supply unit into place, ensuring the release catch clicks positively to lock.

Use Only Alkaline AA Batteries

17

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

Rechargeable Power Unit A rechargeable power unit (RPU) is also available. A fully-charged RPU should contain enough power for at least 1,200 breath tests, in continuous operation. Mains and 12volt DC chargers are available. When first received, the RPU will be fully discharged.

To fit the RPU, ensure the instrument is switched off, then press the release catch on the back of the unit and remove the existing power unit. Now fit the RPU, ensuring the release catch clicks positively into place. Connect the RPU to the appropriate charger and leave for about one hour to charge up fully, when the red LED goes out.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: ƒ

Switch the instrument off before removing and refitting either the PSU [disposable batteries], or the RPU.

ƒ

Don’t attempt to recharge the AA cells.

ƒ

Don’t switch the instrument on while the RPU is charging.

ƒ

Don’t attempt to recharge the RPU when it is already fully charged.

ƒ

Don’t leave the instrument with a flat power pack attached. This shortens the life of the internal lithium battery which powers the memory and clock circuits.

ƒ

Don’t carry either the PSU or the RPU in your pocket. If the contacts were to short-circuit on a key or coin, serious burns to your body could result.

18

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

7. Clock and Calendar The alcohol reading from each breath test is stored in memory, with time and date. To check the accuracy of the time and date function, switch the instrument on and when the READY light is on, press and release B. The time (hh:mm) then the date (dd:mm) are displayed. To re-set the time and date, the Dongle security key is needed. Follow the procedure set out below: 1. Fit the Dongle key into the communications port; switch on and, before the diagnostics sequence is complete, press and hold down B. The system is now in Manual Time and Date Set mode: release B. 2. The date and time can now be set against the symbols on the display. In each case, use B or D to adjust this value, then C to enter and move to the next. 3. When all five periods have been set, the SD-400 displays the new time and date; then it switches itself off. IMPORTANT NOTE: Any inaccuracy in the time or date settings has no effect on breath sampling or the accuracy of alcohol measurement.

19

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

8. Some DO’s and DON’T’s Some Important DO’s … DO..

press the On/Off Switch gently.

DO..

keep the instrument in its leather pouch, whenever possible.

DO..

store the instrument either with batteries installed or a power pack attached, to avoid discharging the internal battery.

DO..

change the batteries as soon as possible once the first stage warning appears.

DO..

switch the instrument off before removing the battery pack.

DO..

use only genuine Lion mouthpieces and/or sampling cups, or as produced by a Lion approved supplier.

DO..

use a clean Lion mouthpiece for each subject test.

DO..

ensure the mouthpiece is properly attached and locked in place between the 400’s two upright mouthpiece locators.

DO..

ensure the subject blows through the wide-bore, lipped end of the mouthpiece.

DO..

as far as you can, ensure the unit is regularly checked.

DO..

read this manual carefully, and follow the instructions given!

DO..

report memory or error (E) messages to your Supervisor.

DO..

keep the communications port fiitted with its cover.

DO..

use only alkaline batteries in the PSU.

20

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

And Some Important DON’T’s … DON’T..

test the subject if he may have been drinking or eating in the last 20 minutes or smoking in the last 2 minutes.

DON’T..

permit the subject to hyperventilate immediately prior to supplying his or her breath sample.

DON’T..

store the unit in extremes of hot or cold temperatures.

DON’T..

leave the instrument for long periods with no batteries or a power pack attached to it. This will discharge the internal battery to the memory and clock circuits.

DON’T..

subject the instrument to unnecessary shock.

DON’T..

use excessive force on the On/Off switch.

DON’T..

clean the case with chemical or abrasive products. These could cause permanent damage.

DON’T..

allow the sampling port to get blocked. If you think it may be blocked or restricted in some way then hand the instrument to a Supervisor.for checking.

DON’T..

use other than the Lion mouthpieces. These have been carefully designed and are specifically manufactured for use with this instrument.

DON’T..

block the mouthpiece end while the subject is blowing. This may harm the instrument.

DON’T..

reuse mouthpieces, for reasons of health and accuracy.

DON’T..

open the instrument or attempt any repairs. If you think it is not working properly, hand it in for checking.

DON’T..

deviate from the instructions given in this handbook.

21

lion alcolmeter® SD-400

User Handbook [v5]

9. Calibration Checks and Adjustment 9A.

Background

The sensitivity of fuel cell to alcohol vapour changes slowly with time. Therefore, to ensure continued optimum instrument operation, it is necessary to CHECK its accuracy at regular intervals, and to carry out an appropriate ADJUSTMENT when necessary.

It is for the user organisation to decide how often the accuracy is checked, but it is recommended that a Calibration CHECK is carried out at least once per month. Calibration ADJUSTMENT is only required when the reading obtained from the calibration check is unacceptable to the organisation; for example greater than 5% or 10% away from the value of the standard so used. But of course, a calibration check can also be carried whenever it is necessary to verify the accuracy of a breath test reading.

9B.

AlcoCal® Alcohol Standards

The calibration check and adjustment processes are most conveniently carried out using and AlcoCal® alcohol vapour standards. This is a mixture of alcohol vapour in air at a known concentration, contained in a pressurised cylinder.

22