Users of the TSI Portacount Fit Tester machine have reported experiencing difficulties with insertion and removal of the alcohol wick cartridge. This is the metal tube that houses the absorbent wick that is used to provide alcohol vapour in the operation of the Portacount.
TSI provides tech support through Kenelec Scientific, their Australian distributor. The technical expert there has clarified that the alcohol cartridge in a Portacount is a “consumable” part, gradually wearing out due to frequent temperature changes. The lifespan depends on usage frequency and duration. Typically, the cartridge is replaced during the annual calibration, often without machine operators realizing it’s a routine occurrence. To check, owners can refer to their calibration tax invoice for cartridge replacement records.
As for the longevity of a cartridge, it varies; some may need replacement within six months, while others last up to five years, contingent on usage. It is recommended that companies that own a Portacount Fit Testing device keep a spare cartridge for prompt replacement if insertion and turning become challenging. Attempting to extend a cartridge’s use can lead to irreversible problems, necessitating machine repairs.