SKC AirChek52 Lightweight Medium-to-Low Flow Personal Air Sampling Pump

Overview

The SKC AirChek52 is a precision-engineered, lightweight personal air sampling pump designed for occupational hygiene and environmental monitoring applications requiring reliable medium-to-low flow rate control. Based on positive-displacement diaphragm pump technology, the AirChek52 delivers stable, pulsation-dampened airflow across a broad operational range—from 5 mL/min for trace vapor sampling using sorbent tubes (e.g., activated charcoal or silica gel), up to 3000 mL/min for high-volume particulate collection via filter cassettes or size-selective cyclones. Its robust architecture integrates real-time flow monitoring, active backpressure compensation (up to 25 in. H₂O), and automatic flow deviation detection—ensuring adherence to standardized sampling protocols defined by OSHA, NIOSH, ISO 13137, and ASTM D7929. The pump’s compact form factor (12.7 × 7.6 × 4.4 cm) and sub-600 g mass make it ideal for extended wear during full-shift personal exposure assessments without compromising operator comfort or sampling integrity.

Key Features

• Wide, calibrated flow range: 5–3000 mL/min; extended low-flow capability (5–500 mL/min) enabled via optional Low-Flow Kit compliant with NIOSH Method 1501 and ISO 16000-6
• Real-time LCD interface displaying elapsed sampling time, instantaneous flow rate, battery status, and flow deviation alerts (±5% threshold triggers auto-shutoff)
• Integrated pulse dampener and upstream particulate filter to protect internal mechanics and ensure laminar, steady-state flow delivery
• Backpressure compensation circuitry maintains setpoint accuracy even under variable resistance conditions—critical when sampling through multi-stage impactors or diffusion batteries
• RFI/EMI-shielded enclosure ensures electromagnetic compatibility in industrial facilities with variable-frequency drives, radio transmitters, or high-voltage equipment
• Dual mounting options: integrated belt clip for personal sampling and external impactor bracket holes for fixed-location or multi-cassette configurations
• UL and cUL listed for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations—meeting North American electrical safety requirements for use in non-explosive atmospheres

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AirChek52 is validated for use with a wide spectrum of certified sampling media, including but not limited to: 37-mm and 25-mm mixed-cellulose ester (MCE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filters for total and respirable dust; stainless steel and glass sorbent tubes (e.g., Tenax TA, Carbopack™ series) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and conductive polyurethane foam for aldehyde collection. It meets the mechanical and performance criteria outlined in ISO 13137:2013 (pumps for personal sampling of airborne particles), and supports compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication Standard) and EU Directive 2004/37/EC (carcinogens and mutagens). Its flow stability and data logging readiness align with GLP principles for auditable exposure assessment records.

Software & Data Management

While the AirChek52 operates as a standalone analog pump, its digital display outputs time-stamped flow diagnostics compatible with SKC’s AirCheck® Software Suite (v4.0+). When paired with the optional AirChek Link™ Bluetooth adapter, users can export sampling logs—including start/stop timestamps, average flow, cumulative volume, and error events—to secure CSV or PDF reports. All exported data include audit-trail metadata required for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environments, supporting traceability in pharmaceutical cleanroom monitoring or contract laboratory reporting.

Applications

• Personal exposure monitoring for respirable crystalline silica (NIOSH 7500), asbestos (NIOSH 7400), and metal fumes (e.g., hexavalent chromium per OSHA ID-215)
• VOC screening in manufacturing, painting, and solvent-handling operations using thermal desorption GC-MS workflows
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) investigations targeting formaldehyde, benzene, and terpenes per ISO 16000-6
• Calibration verification of fixed-site continuous emission monitors (CEMs) using reference method samplers
• Field validation of passive badge performance against active pump-based reference measurements

FAQ

What flow ranges require the Low-Flow Kit?
The Low-Flow Kit is mandatory for operation between 5 and 500 mL/min. Without it, the pump’s minimum stable flow is 500 mL/min.
Does the AirChek52 support data logging without external hardware?
No—the pump provides real-time display only. Logging requires the AirChek Link™ Bluetooth module and AirCheck® Software.
Is the pump suitable for use in explosive atmospheres?
No—it is UL/cUL listed for Class I, Division 2 only, meaning it is approved for use where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases are not normally present.
How often must the pump be recalibrated?
Per ISO 13137 and SKC recommendations, field calibration using a primary standard (e.g., bubble meter or electronic calibrator) should be performed before each sampling campaign and after any physical impact or battery replacement.
Can multiple sampling trains be operated simultaneously from one pump?
Yes—using SKC’s Multi-Port Manifold (Cat. No. 224-42), up to four parallel sampling lines can be connected while maintaining individual flow verification via inline rotameters.