SKC SamplePro FlexFilm Gas Sampling Bags

Overview

The SKC SamplePro FlexFilm Gas Sampling Bag is an engineered solution for the quantitative collection, transport, and short-term storage of ambient, workplace, or biological headspace gases—particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and sulfur hexafluoride. Constructed from SKC’s proprietary polymer film, FlexFilm delivers ultra-low background VOC levels—measurably lower than standard Tedlar® (polyvinyl fluoride) bags—while maintaining equivalent sample stability over clinically and industrially relevant holding periods (up to 24 hours for VSCs in exhaled breath applications). Unlike reusable or high-permeability alternatives, FlexFilm is explicitly designed as a single-use, non-sterile sampling medium, eliminating cross-contamination risk and calibration drift associated with repeated use or improper cleaning. Its thermal limit of 60°C ensures integrity during field deployment in temperate to warm environments without compromising barrier performance.

Key Features

• Proprietary low-adsorption film with quantifiably reduced native VOC background versus Tedlar®, enabling higher sensitivity in trace-level analysis (e.g., ppbv-range VOC detection by GC-MS or GC-FID)
• Proven chemical stability for >24-hour storage of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), supporting clinical breath biomarker studies per ISO 16000-6 and ASTM D5466 guidelines
• Two fitting architectures: single polypropylene valve/septum assemblies (lightweight, cost-optimized) and dual stainless steel valve configurations (enhanced durability, compatibility with vacuum-driven sampling pumps such as SKC VAC-U-Tube systems)
• Volume scalability from 0.5 L to 100 L, supporting diverse applications—from personal exposure monitoring (small-volume grab sampling) to large-area environmental screening (e.g., landfill gas surveys)
• Consistent dimensional tolerances and weld integrity validated per ASTM D3420, ensuring leak rates <1×10⁻⁶ atm·cm³/s for helium under standard test conditions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

FlexFilm bags are validated for use in regulatory-compliant air sampling workflows aligned with U.S. EPA Method TO-15 (Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air Using Summa Polished Canisters and Flexible Film Bags), ASTM D5466 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air Using Active Sampling Onto Sorbent Tubes and Analysis by Thermal Desorption/Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detection), and ISO 16000-6 (Indoor air — Part 6: Determination of volatile organic compounds in indoor and test chamber air by active sampling onto sorbent tubes followed by thermal desorption and gas chromatographic analysis). The material exhibits no measurable interference with common analytical techniques including gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). All lot numbers undergo batch-certified VOC background testing; certificates of analysis (CoA) are available upon request for GLP/GMP-aligned laboratories.

Software & Data Management

While FlexFilm bags are passive sampling media and do not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware, they integrate seamlessly into digital laboratory data management ecosystems via SKC’s companion tools: the SKC AirCheck TOUCH flow calibration software (for pairing with compatible sampling pumps) and the SKC SampleTrack™ LIMS-ready barcode labeling system. Each bag variant carries a unique, scannable part number (e.g., 236-001A, 237-05A) that links directly to SKC’s online technical documentation portal—providing instant access to CoAs, shelf-life statements, and method validation summaries. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 requirements, SKC provides audit-trail-ready documentation packages covering raw material sourcing, manufacturing controls, and QC release testing.

Applications

• Ambient and indoor air quality monitoring for VOCs (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, formaldehyde) per EPA and WHO guidelines
• Workplace exposure assessment in petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor manufacturing facilities
• Clinical breath analysis for hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide—validated for up to 24-hour stabilization in exhaled air samples
• Landfill gas and biogas composition profiling (CH₄, CO₂, H₂S, siloxanes)
• Calibration gas standard preparation and transfer in metrology labs requiring minimal adsorption artifacts
• Method development and interlaboratory comparison studies where Tedlar®-induced memory effects must be eliminated

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended storage time for VOC samples in FlexFilm bags?

For most C2–C12 hydrocarbons and oxygenated VOCs, storage at ambient temperature (20–25°C) is validated for up to 72 hours. For reactive or polar compounds (e.g., acetaldehyde, vinyl chloride), 24-hour hold time is recommended. VSCs in human breath samples retain quantitative integrity for ≥24 hours.
Can FlexFilm bags be used for vacuum sampling?

Yes—when equipped with dual stainless steel valves (e.g., part #237-05A), FlexFilm bags are fully compatible with SKC VAC-U-Tube systems and other negative-pressure sampling devices operating at ≤–15 psi gauge pressure.
Are replacement septa available separately?

Yes: polypropylene septa are supplied under part #10236-01-RS (single-valve systems) and #10231-9-04 (dual-valve systems), both certified for low extractables and tested per USP .
Do FlexFilm bags require preconditioning before use?

No. All bags are factory-cleaned, purged with nitrogen, and sealed under inert atmosphere. Pre-baking or solvent rinsing is neither required nor recommended.
Is FlexFilm compliant with ISO 17025 accredited laboratories’ requirements?

Yes—each production lot undergoes third-party VOC background verification, and full traceability (raw material certs, process logs, CoAs) supports ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7 (Sampling) and clause 7.8 (Ensuring validity of results).