SKC 224-PCXR8 Universal Personal Air Sampling Pump

Overview

The SKC 224-PCXR8 Universal Personal Air Sampling Pump is an intrinsically safe, programmable, single-channel sampling device engineered for precision and reliability in occupational hygiene and environmental air monitoring applications. Designed to meet the stringent demands of industrial hygiene professionals, it operates on a robust positive-displacement diaphragm principle—delivering stable, pressure-compensated flow across a broad dynamic range (5–5000 mL/min). Its UL listing for Class I, II, and III hazardous locations ensures safe deployment in volatile organic compound (VOC)-rich environments, refineries, chemical processing facilities, and grain handling operations where explosive atmospheres may be present. The pump’s microprocessor-controlled motor and integrated backpressure compensation system maintain consistent volumetric flow despite resistance from sorbent tubes, filter cassettes, cyclones, impingers, or gas bags—critical for adherence to OSHA, NIOSH, and ISO 16000-1 compliant sampling protocols.

Key Features

• Wide, programmable flow range: 5–5000 mL/min (UL-certified); low-flow operation (5–500 mL/min) enabled via optional 224-26 series adjustable low-flow adapters
• Intrinsically safe design certified by UL for Class I, Division 1 & 2 (Groups A–D), Class II, Division 1 & 2 (Groups E–G), and Class III, with T3 temperature rating
• Extended runtime: ≥12 hours at 4 L/min against 20 inches H₂O backpressure using NiMH battery; ≥8 hours with NiCd battery under identical conditions
• Integrated rotor-type flow indicator with dual-scale calibration: 250 mL/min reference marks plus discrete 1–5 L/min graduations for real-time visual verification
• Transparent, tamper-evident protective cover with secure latching mechanism—prevents unauthorized adjustment during field deployment
• High-precision timer with 1–9999 minute range (±0.05% accuracy), supporting delayed start, timed shutdown, intermittent sampling, and pause/resume functionality without data loss
• Backpressure compensation optimized across multiple flow points: 1000–2500 mL/min (up to 40″ H₂O), 3000 mL/min (35″ H₂O), 4000 mL/min (20″ H₂O), and 5000 mL/min (10″ H₂O)
• Lightweight, ergonomic housing (964 g / 34 oz) with dimensions of 13 × 11.9 × 4.8 cm—designed for all-day wear on belt clips or shoulder harnesses

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 224-PCXR8 is validated for use with a comprehensive suite of standardized air sampling media, including SKC Anasorb® and Carbosorb® sorbent tubes (for VOCs, aldehydes, and acid gases), PVC and mixed-cellulose ester (MCE) filter cassettes (for total and respirable dust, metals, and asbestos), IOM inhalable samplers, GK2.69 cyclones, and glass impingers (e.g., for formaldehyde or ammonia). It supports multi-tube sampling configurations—up to four parallel low-flow channels (≤500 mL/min each, total ≤1350 mL/min)—enabling simultaneous collection of particulate and vapor-phase analytes per NIOSH Method 5515 or ISO 16017-1. Regulatory alignment includes full compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HCS), NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) Chapter 2, ISO 16000-1:2017 (indoor air quality), and EU Directive 2019/1838 on workplace exposure limit values. The instrument’s firmware supports audit-ready data logging—including flow fault events, low-battery alerts, elapsed time stamps, and backpressure-induced shutdowns—in accordance with GLP principles.

Software & Data Management

While the 224-PCXR8 operates as a standalone field instrument with no onboard Bluetooth or USB interface, its programmable timer and event-driven LCD display (showing elapsed time, pump runtime, delay status, and error codes) provide traceable operational metadata essential for chain-of-custody documentation. All timing and flow settings are retained in non-volatile memory during battery replacement or power interruption. When used with SKC’s optional PowerFlex™ charging system (6–8.5 hr recharge time), the pump maintains calibrated performance across repeated charge cycles. For enterprise-level integration, raw sampling logs (start/stop times, duration, flow deviations, fault codes) are manually transcribed into LIMS or electronic lab notebooks compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—particularly when paired with SKC’s certified calibration services and NIST-traceable flow calibrators (e.g., Defender™ 530).

Applications

• Occupational exposure assessment for respirable crystalline silica (OSHA 1926.1153), hexavalent chromium (OSHA 1926.1126), and airborne lead (NIOSH 7300)
• VOC monitoring in paint spray booths, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and semiconductor fabrication facilities
• Indoor air quality surveys targeting formaldehyde, benzene, and terpenes per ISO 16000-6 and ASTM D5197
• Stack emission screening using Tedlar® bags and SUMMA® canisters for EPA TO-14A/TO-15 analysis
• Field validation of fixed-site continuous monitors (e.g., PID or electrochemical sensors) via grab-sampling correlation studies
• Emergency response air sampling during chemical spills or confined-space entry operations requiring Class I Div. 1 rated equipment

FAQ

Is the 224-PCXR8 compatible with NIOSH-approved sampling methods?
Yes—it meets flow accuracy, stability, and backpressure compensation requirements for over 120 NIOSH analytical methods, including 1501 (total dust), 5515 (vapors), and 7300 (metals).
Can the pump operate continuously for more than 12 hours?
When powered via the optional AC adapter (battery eliminator), continuous operation exceeds 24 hours; however, intrinsic safety certification is voided in this configuration.
What flow calibration standards are recommended?
SKC recommends annual recalibration using a NIST-traceable primary standard such as the Defender™ 530 or Bios International Series 400 rotameter, performed under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited conditions.
Does the pump support multi-sample sequencing?
No—the 224-PCXR8 is a single-channel pump. Sequential sampling requires manual tube changes or external programmable valve manifolds.
How is flow accuracy verified in the field?
Users perform daily pre- and post-sampling checks using a calibrated bubble flowmeter or electronic calibrator; deviation beyond ±5% triggers recalibration or maintenance.