ARA FTS Flow Calibration System

Overview

The ARA FTS Flow Calibration System is a precision-engineered, portable instrument designed for field- and laboratory-based calibration and verification of low- to medium-flow air sampling systems used in environmental monitoring and occupational health applications. Built upon the fundamental principle of Venturi-based differential pressure measurement, the FTS delivers traceable, repeatable volumetric flow readings under both ambient and user-specified standard conditions (e.g., 25°C / 760 mmHg or 20°C / 760 mmHg). Its modular Venturi element architecture enables seamless adaptation across three distinct flow ranges—1–3 LPM, 2–9 LPM, and 9–25 LPM—ensuring metrological suitability for personal air samplers, sorbent tube systems, passive badge verifiers, and fixed-site ambient air monitors. Unlike fixed-orifice calibrators, the FTS maintains high accuracy across its full range without requiring manual correction factors or external reference standards during routine use.

Key Features

• Venturi-based primary flow sensing with NIST-traceable calibration certificates provided for each interchangeable element
• IP65-rated ruggedized enclosure engineered for outdoor deployment, dust resistance, and incidental water exposure
• Integrated, calibrated thermistor and piezoresistive barometer—both independently verified and compensated in real time during flow computation
• Intuitive menu-driven interface with backlit LCD display supporting dual-unit readouts (LPM and CFM) and simultaneous ambient/standard-condition flow values
• Configurable STP definition: users may define custom standard temperature and pressure parameters compliant with regional regulatory frameworks (e.g., EPA Method 1, ISO 10780, or EN 13284-1)
• Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity enabling remote operation, real-time data logging, and configuration updates via the ARA FieldLink™ mobile application (iOS and Android)
• Rechargeable NiMH battery system with wall-mount charging cradle; supports continuous operation for up to 60 hours on a single charge
• Bidirectional flow capability—compatible with both push-mode (positive pressure) and pull-mode (vacuum-driven) sampling configurations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FTS is validated for use with a broad spectrum of air sampling hardware, including but not limited to SKC, Thermo Fisher, Sibata, and Grace Davison personal sampling pumps; OSHA and NIOSH-approved charcoal and silica gel sorbent tubes; and EPA reference method samplers (e.g., PM_2.5, VOC, and HAPs collection trains). Its measurement uncertainty profile meets the performance criteria outlined in ASTM D1357 (Standard Practice for Planning Sampling and Measuring Air), ISO 5725 (Accuracy of measurement methods), and US EPA Compendium Method TO-11A for flow verification of sorbent tube sampling systems. All factory calibrations are documented per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and include full uncertainty budgets. The device supports audit-ready electronic records when used with ARA FieldLink™, enabling compliance with GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity provisions through optional digital signature and user access controls.

Software & Data Management

ARA FieldLink™—a dedicated mobile application—transforms the FTS into a connected metrology node. Through secure Bluetooth pairing, users can initiate automated calibration sequences, export timestamped CSV reports with metadata (operator ID, location GPS coordinates, ambient T/P, and STP-adjusted flow), and archive calibration logs directly to cloud-based or on-premise LIMS environments. The application enforces role-based permissions and generates immutable audit trails for all configuration changes and measurement events. Raw sensor outputs—including differential pressure, thermistor resistance, and absolute pressure—are accessible for advanced validation workflows. Firmware updates are delivered over-the-air, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving regulatory reporting formats and data exchange protocols (e.g., ASTM E2983, ISO 14644-3 Annex B).

Applications

• Field verification and adjustment of personal breathing zone sampling pumps prior to and after sample collection campaigns
• Periodic performance audits of stationary ambient air monitoring stations operating under EPA, EEA, or national air quality directives
• Validation of flow controllers in laboratory fume hoods, cleanrooms, and inhalation toxicology exposure chambers
• Supporting ISO 17025-accredited laboratories in maintaining measurement traceability for accredited air sampling test methods
• Training and competency assessment for industrial hygienists and environmental technicians performing Method 5, Method 18, or Method 25A calibrations
• Regulatory submission preparation—generating auditable evidence for OSHA 1910.120, NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM), and EU Directive 2004/108/EC conformity assessments

FAQ

Is the FTS compatible with both vacuum and positive-pressure sampling systems?
Yes—the FTS supports bidirectional flow measurement and is certified for use with both pull-mode (e.g., diaphragm pumps) and push-mode (e.g., rotary vane or piston pumps) configurations.
Does the Bluetooth functionality require an internet connection to operate?
No—Bluetooth communication between the FTS and mobile device is direct and offline; internet access is only required for firmware updates or cloud-based report synchronization.
Can I customize the standard temperature and pressure (STP) reference values?
Yes—users may define any STP combination within the instrument’s operational limits (−30°C to +50°C; 250–800 mmHg) to align with jurisdiction-specific regulatory definitions.
What is the recalibration interval recommendation?
ARA recommends annual recalibration against NIST-traceable references; however, the frequency may be adjusted based on usage intensity, environmental exposure, and internal QA/QC protocols per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.6.
Are replacement Venturi elements supplied with individual calibration certificates?
Yes—each interchangeable Venturi module ships with a unique NIST-traceable certificate listing its flow coefficient, uncertainty budget, and date of certification.