SKC Flite 3 Portable Programmable Air Sampling Pump

Overview

The SKC Flite 3 Portable Programmable Air Sampling Pump is an engineered solution for high-volume, time-weighted average (TWA) and short-term exposure limit (STEL) air sampling in occupational hygiene, environmental monitoring, and industrial hygiene applications. Based on positive-displacement diaphragm pump technology, the Flite 3 delivers stable, pulse-free airflow across its full operational range—critical for quantitative collection of airborne particulates including respirable dust, asbestos fibers, bioaerosols, and metal fumes onto standardized collection media (e.g., mixed cellulose ester filters, PVC filters, or gelatin membrane filters). Its programmable architecture supports multi-stage sampling protocols, enabling automated start/stop sequences, delayed initiation, and runtime logging—features essential for unattended long-term background monitoring, stack emission characterization, and indoor air quality (IAQ) surveys.

Key Features

• Rugged steel housing with integrated ergonomic handle, optimized for field durability and repeated transport in harsh environments.
• Fully programmable sampling logic: user-defined run time, delay start, and cycle repetition—no external controller required.
• Wide flow range of 2,000–20,000 mL/min (2–20 L/min), calibrated and verified per ISO 8503-2 traceable standards; maintains ±5% accuracy across temperature and backpressure variations typical of filter-based sampling.
• Dual power architecture: operates on internal rechargeable lead-acid batteries (3.2 Ah or optional 7 Ah) or universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz), ensuring operational continuity during extended deployments.
• Intuitive LCD interface displays real-time elapsed time, programmed duration, battery status, flow fault alerts, and system diagnostics—including automatic detection of flow restriction due to filter loading or tubing occlusion.
• Low-power design enables >12 hours of continuous operation at 8 L/min using the 7 Ah battery configuration—validated under ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110 test conditions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Flite 3 is compatible with all standard 25-mm, 37-mm, and 47-mm filter cassettes, IOM inhalable samplers, and SKC UltraFlow™ and Button-style aerosol samplers. It meets mechanical and performance requirements specified in key regulatory methods, including NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) Chapters 7400 (asbestos by PCM), 7402 (asbestos by TEM), 0500 (total dust), and 0600 (respirable dust); OSHA ID-160 (lead); and ASTM D6330 (indoor air VOC sampling with sorbent tubes). The pump’s flow stability and low pulsation support GLP-compliant data integrity when paired with certified flow calibrators (e.g., DryCal® or Bios Defender®). Its construction and firmware architecture align with general requirements for field-deployable instrumentation under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Software & Data Management

While the Flite 3 operates autonomously without PC connectivity, its onboard non-volatile memory logs timestamped runtime events—including start/stop times, total elapsed minutes, battery voltage history, and fault codes—for post-sampling auditability. All configurations are retained after power loss. For integration into enterprise-level exposure assessment workflows, SKC recommends pairing the Flite 3 with the SKC AirCheck® Touch flow calibrator for pre- and post-sampling verification, and with SKC’s Exposure Analytics™ software suite (via manual CSV import) for exposure trend analysis, TWA/STEL calculations, and report generation compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 and EU REACH Annex XVII documentation requirements. No proprietary drivers or cloud dependency is required.

Applications

• Long-term ambient and workplace background monitoring for asbestos, silica, and other regulated fibers.
• Stack and duct sampling for EPA Method 5 and ISO 9096 particulate emission compliance verification.
• Indoor air quality investigations targeting mold spores, endotoxins, and allergenic bioaerosols.
• Occupational exposure assessment in construction, manufacturing, mining, and remediation sectors.
• Calibration verification and field validation of fixed-site air monitoring networks.

FAQ

What calibration standards does the Flite 3 support?

The Flite 3 is designed for use with primary and secondary flow calibrators traceable to NIST, including dry calibrators (e.g., DryCal DC-Lite) and bubble meters meeting ISO 8503-2 Class 1 specifications.
Can the Flite 3 be used for sorbent tube sampling?

Yes—it delivers stable flow across the 2–20 L/min range required for thermal desorption tubes (e.g., Tenax®, Carbopack™) per ASTM D5197 and EPA TO-17 protocols, provided backpressure remains within pump specification limits.
Is the battery pack replaceable in the field?

Both the 3.2 Ah and 7 Ah lead-acid battery modules are user-replaceable without tools; SKC provides OEM replacement kits with UL-listed chargers and safety-rated enclosures.
Does the Flite 3 meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?

As a standalone sampling device without electronic signature or audit trail functionality, the Flite 3 is not Part 11–certified; however, its logged runtime data may be incorporated into Part 11–compliant LIMS systems via validated import procedures.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?

SKC recommends biannual inspection of diaphragm integrity, valve seating, and battery terminal corrosion; full service every 24 months or after 5,000 operating hours, performed by authorized SKC Service Centers.