SKC AirChek Connect Pump Portable Constant-Flow Air Sampling Pump

Overview

The SKC AirChek Connect Pump is a CE- and ATEX-certified, handheld constant-flow air sampling pump engineered for precision, reliability, and regulatory compliance in occupational hygiene and environmental monitoring applications. It operates on the principle of active volumetric sampling—drawing ambient air through a collection medium (e.g., filter cassette, sorbent tube, or impinger) at a user-defined, electronically regulated flow rate. Its microprocessor-controlled closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors inlet pressure and adjusts motor speed to maintain setpoint flow across variable backpressure conditions—critical for consistent sample integrity during dust, vapor, aerosol, or gas monitoring per OSHA, NIOSH, and ISO 13137:2013 protocols.

Key Features

• Constant-flow performance across a broad range of 5–5000 mL/min, with optional low-flow adapter (5–500 mL/min) for respirable dust and volatile organic compound (VOC) sampling
• Real-time pressure compensation up to 60 in H₂O (15 kPa), enabling stable operation even with high-resistance media such as PTFE filters or multi-bed sorbent tubes
• High-capacity, field-replaceable 7.4 V / 2.6 Ah Li-ion battery delivering >40 hours at 2000 mL/min and >15 hours at maximum 5000 mL/min—validated per ISO 13137 test conditions using fresh 37 mm, 0.8 µm MCE filters
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity paired with the SmartWave mobile application for remote pump configuration, real-time status monitoring, alarm logging, and audit-ready data export
• Capacitive 8-zone touchscreen interface with auto-dimming backlight, screen lock, and protective cover—designed for gloved operation in industrial environments
• Intrinsically safe construction certified to ATEX II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga and UL Class I, II, III Groups A–G; suitable for Zone 0, Division 1, and mining applications
• Robust, anti-static, slip-resistant housing rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance; noise emission limited to 51.7 dB(A) at 1 m (per ANSI S1.4)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AirChek Connect Pump supports standard 25 mm, 37 mm, and 47 mm filter cassettes, stainless steel cyclones, charcoal and silica gel sorbent tubes (e.g., SKC #226-01, #226-02), and impingers used in NIOSH methods 0500, 0600, 1501, and ISO 7708 for particle size-selective sampling. Its flow control architecture meets ISO 13137:2013 requirements for “pumps intended for personal sampling,” including specifications for flow stability under varying backpressure, temperature drift (<±1.0 °C), and atmospheric pressure sensitivity (±0.3 in Hg). All firmware and calibration records are traceable to NIST-traceable standards. The device supports GLP-compliant workflows via timestamped event logs (start/stop, flow fault, low-battery warning, auto-restart) and is compatible with 21 CFR Part 11–enabled data management systems when integrated with SmartWave’s encrypted export function.

Software & Data Management

SmartWave—a free iOS and Android application—enables full configuration of sampling parameters (target flow, duration, delay start), live visualization of flow rate, backpressure, battery level, and elapsed time. Each pump stores up to 100 sampling events with metadata (date/time, temperature, barometric pressure, cumulative volume). Export options include CSV and PDF reports with digital signatures, suitable for QA/QC review and regulatory submission. Firmware updates are delivered over-the-air (OTA) via BLE. Audit trails record all user actions—including parameter changes and manual restarts—with immutable timestamps. When docked to the charging cradle, the pump enters continuous-duty mode with zero runtime limitation and automatic synchronization of stored data.

Applications

• Personal exposure monitoring for respirable crystalline silica (RCS), asbestos fibers, welding fumes, and metal particulates per OSHA 1910.1053 and EU Directive 2017/2398
• VOC and semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) collection on thermal desorption tubes for GC-MS analysis (NIOSH 1501, ASTM D5197)
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment of formaldehyde, benzene, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)
• Stack and ambient air sampling in EPA Method TO-17 and ISO 16000-6 compliant studies
• Hazardous location sampling in petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and mining facilities requiring Zone 0/Division 1 certification

FAQ

Does the AirChek Connect Pump require annual recalibration?
Yes. Per ISO 13137:2013 and manufacturer recommendations, flow calibration must be performed annually—or after any physical impact or battery replacement—using a NIST-traceable primary standard (e.g., dry calibrator or bubble meter).
Can the pump operate while charging?
No. The pump automatically suspends sampling during cradle charging to preserve sensor longevity and measurement integrity. Continuous operation is only supported when docked *after* full charge.
Is SmartWave data export compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
SmartWave generates audit-ready CSV/PDF reports with electronic signatures and tamper-evident timestamps. Full Part 11 compliance requires integration with a validated LIMS or ELN platform that enforces role-based access, electronic signatures, and secure archival.
What filter types are validated for use at 5000 mL/min?
Testing per ISO 13137 confirms stable performance with 37 mm, 0.8 µm mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filters. For higher-efficiency media (e.g., PTFE, PVC), users should verify backpressure compatibility using the published compensation curve.
How is intrinsic safety maintained during Bluetooth communication?
All RF components—including the BLE module—are fully encapsulated within the certified IS barrier. Radio transmission power is limited to <10 mW (–10 dBm), and antenna design complies with IEC 60079-11 Annex C for energy-limited circuits in explosive atmospheres.