SKC Limited AirChek 3000 User Manual

AirChek 3000 Air Sampling Pump

This manual covers the following model:

210-3311

www.skcltd.com

Operating Instructions

Purchase Details and Service History

Thank you for choosing an SKC product. Your purchase is covered by our warranty, details of which can be
found inside the rear cover of this manual.

Product Model Number Product Serial Number Date of Purchase

210-3311

SKC recommends annual servicing of this product. The first service is due one year from the date of purchase,
and then at yearly intervals on this date.

Service Date Service Date Service Date

1 5 9

2 6 10

3 7 11

4 8 12

Please note that SKC Ltd are the only authorised service centre in the UK, guaranteeing you access to the full
range of genuine SKC replacement parts. For all other areas a full list of SKC approved distributors and service
centres can be found at www.skcltd.com

SKC UK service centre - Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

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Contents

Intrinsic Safety Information .............................................................................................................................4

Specifications ................................................................................................................................................6

General Information .....................................................................................................................................10

Diagram of the AirChek 3000 Pump ............................................................................................................12

AirChek 3000 Pump LCD Screen ................................................................................................................14

AirChek 3000 Pump Keypad .......................................................................................................................15

Getting Started ............................................................................................................................................16

1) Charging the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................16

2) Battery Status Indicator ..................................................................................................................17

3) SLEEP Mode ..................................................................................................................................17

4) HOLD and RUN Modes ..................................................................................................................18

5) Pump Run LED Indicator ................................................................................................................18

6) Flow Fault .......................................................................................................................................18

7) Entering and Navigating the User Interface ......................................................................................19

Run Time Data Screens ...............................................................................................................................20

User Interface Level One ..............................................................................................................................22

1) Setting and Manual Calibration of the Pump Flow Rate ...................................................................22

2) Setting and Automatic Calibration of the Pump Flow Rate Using CalChek ......................................23

3) Full (Multiple Point) Flow Calibration Using CalChek ........................................................................26

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Contents

User Interface Level Two ..............................................................................................................................29

1) Changing the Display Units .............................................................................................................29

2) Setting the Clock Time .................................................................................................................... 30

3) Setting a Sample Run Time ............................................................................................................31

4) Deleting a Sample Run Time ........................................................................................................... 33

5) Setting a Delayed Start Time ........................................................................................................... 34

6) Deleting a Delayed Start Time or DataTrac Program ........................................................................36

7) Resetting the Run Time Data ..........................................................................................................37

Low Flow Sampling .....................................................................................................................................38

General Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................................40

CalChek Calibration Error Code Troubleshooting .........................................................................................42

Care of the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................44

AirChek 3000 Pump Components ...............................................................................................................46

AirChek 3000 Pump Replacement Parts ......................................................................................................48

AirChek 3000 Pump Accessories ................................................................................................................49

AirChek 3000 Pump DataTrac Software .......................................................................................................52

Intrinsic Safety Certification ..........................................................................................................................54

Warranty Information ...................................................................................................................................62

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Intrinsic Safety Information

The AirChek 3000 Deluxe (model 210-3311) air sampling pump

• Complies with the EC ATEX Directive 94/9/EC on equipment intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres within Europe, and with the international IECEx certification scheme. The AirChek 3000 pump
carries the following markings:

II

1D Ex ia

II

1G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga

I

M1 Ex ia I Ma

Ta = 0°C to +40°C IP64

• ATEX certificate number: SIRA 11ATEX2121X.

• IECEx certificate number: IECEx SIR 11.0055X.

• European (EN) and International (IEC) standards applied: Refer to Intrinsic Safety Certification on pages 54 to 61.

• The equipment may be used in zones 20, 21 & 22 (flammable dusts), apparatus groups

temperature class T120°C, and equipment protection levels (EPLs) Da, Db & Dc.

• The equipment may be used in zones 0, 1 & 2 (flammable gases, vapours and mists), apparatus groups
& IIC, temperature classes T1,T2,T3 & T4, and equipment protection levels (EPLs) Ga, Gb & Gc.

• The equipment may be used in mines (firedamp and/or coal dust), apparatus group
levels (EPLs) Ma & Mb.

• The equipment is certified for use in ambient temperatures (Ta) in the range 0°C to +40°C and should not be
used outside this range when in a hazardous location.

• The equipment has a casing IP rating of IP64, corresponding to dust-tight and protected against splashing
water. The equipment casing is not certified as protected against water jets, and is not suitable for immersion
in water.

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III

C T120°C Da

III

A,

III

B &

III

II

A, IIB

I

, and equipment protection

C,

Intrinsic Safety Information

• Do not connect to the DataTrac PC interface port whilst in a hazardous location.

• The maximum input voltage, Um, at the DataTrac PC interface port is 6V. The safe area appratus that is to be

connected to the DataTrac PC Interface port must be a Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) or Protective Extra Low
Voltage (PELV) circuit, e.g. the serial (RS232) interface or USB interface of a PC.

• Do not charge the battery pack whilst in a hazardous location.

• Do not disconnect the battery pack from the pump whilst in a hazardous location. Fit the battery pack to the

pump only when in a clean, dust free environment.

• Use only SKC approved chargers designated for this pump model.

• Do not subject the equipment to intense sunlight for long periods.

• The equipment has not been assessed as a safety related device (as referred to in Directive 94/9/EC Annex II,

clause 1.5).

• The recessed LCD screen window could potentially store an electrostatic charge if rubbed. Precautions must be
taken to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge, particularly if the pump is used in a zone 0 location. Clean
the LCD screen window only with a damp cloth.

• The equipment should not be used if damaged in a way that could invalidate intrinsic safety. Such defects might
include cracking of the pump or battery pack enclosure and internal encapsulant such that internal components
or cells are exposed.

• Substitution of components with non-SKC approved components may invalidate the intrinsic safety certification
of the pump.

Important note about intrinsic safety

If you are unsure as to whether the air sampling pump you have purchased is suitable for your environment, check with
your site manager or responsible person BEFORE USE that the intrinsic safety rating on the product meets your site
requirements. SKC personnel are unable to recommend the appropriate safety rating for your site.

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Specifications

• Weight: 580 g

90mm

59mm

• Casing IP rating: IP64 (dust and rain proof)

• Flow range:

1000 - 3250 ml/min (constant flow operation)
5 - 500 ml/min with adapter (constant pressure operation)

• Flow control: ±5 % of set point constant flow

• Compensation range:

Flow rate

(ml/min)

1000 0 - 8.7 0 - 35
1500 0 - 7.5 0 - 30
2000 0 - 7.5 0 - 30
2500 0 - 6.2 0 - 25
3000 0 - 5.0 0 - 20
3250 0 - 3.7 0 - 15

Back Pressure

(kPa) (“ H

O)

2

133mm

• Battery pack: NiMH rechargeable, 2.0 Ah, 4.8 V

• Charging time:

Up to 3 hours using 223-240A single fast charger
16 hours using 223-109A five station charger

• Storage & charging temperature: 0 °C to +45 °C

• Operating temperature: 0 °C to +40 °C (limited by Intrinsic Safety Certification)

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Specifications

• Operating humidity: 0 to 95 % RH non-condensing

• Operating altitude: 2285 metres (7500 ft) maximum

• Timing accuracy: 1 minute per month at 25 °C

• Atmospheric pressure accuracy: ±10 mbar (± 0.3 “ H

• Temperature accuracy: ±5 % of reading

• Typical run times:

Back Pressure Run Time at Stated Flow Rate (hours)

kPa “ H

O 1.0 l/min 1.5 l/min 2.0 l/min 2.5 l/min 3.0 l/min 3.25 l/min

2

1.2 5 28 24 20 18 16 15

2.5 10 19 17 14 14 13 12

3.7 15 15 14 12 11 11 10

5.0 20 12 11 10 10 9 -

6.2 25 10 10 9 8 - -

7.5 30 9 9 8 - - -

8.7 35 8 - - - - -

Note: Run times quoted are based on a new, fully charged battery, do not take account of increasing back
pressure due to filter loading and are rounded down to the nearest full hour. Pump performance may vary.

www.skcltd.com 210-3311M Issue E Page 7

)

g

Specifications

Pump Features

SKC offer two battery charger options for the AirChek 3000 pump, a single

Battery charging options

Mains power option

LCD screen

Sample hold function

Low battery shutdown

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fast charger (Part No. 223-240A) providing a charging time up to 3 hours,
and a five station charger (Part No. 223-109A) providing a charging time of
16 hours.

The AirChek 3000 pump can also be powered from the electrical mains
supply using a ‘battery eliminator’ (Part Nos. 223-330B - Euro 2 pin plug, 223­330C UK 3 pin plug). This accessory comprises a mains adaptor and dummy
battery pack which is fitted to the pump in place of the standard battery pack.
Please note that the pump’s ATEX / IECEx certification is invalidated when
using the battery eliminator, and therefore must not be used in hazardous
areas when the battery eliminator is fitted.

LCD screen indicates run-time data, operating and fault modes and battery
charge state.

Enables pausing and restarting of the pump during a sample without loss of
run time data .

Automatic pump shutdown in the event of a low battery condition. The low
battery shutoff voltage is selected to prevent over-discharge of the battery
which can cause degradation of the battery performance. The pump retains
the run-time data in the event of a low battery shutdown.

Specifications

Pump Features

Indicates flow fault due to obstructed tubing or excessive filter loading. Shuts

Flow fault function

Programmable run time

Programmable delayed
start time

Particulate trap

Automatic air flow rate
calibration

PC Connectivity

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the pump down and enters ‘HOLD’ mode if the condition persists for longer
than 15 seconds. Automatically attempts to restart every five minutes (up to
a maximum of 10 restarts), until the flow fault condition clears in which case
normal running will resume.

Sample run time programmable in minutes, via keypad and LCD screen.
Pump automatically shuts down at end of sample and retains run time data.

Sample start delay time programmable in hours and minutes, via keypad and
LCD screen.

Built in replaceable filter to trap particles that would otherwise contaminate
the pump mechanism.

With optional Defender primary calibrator and CalChek Communicator cable.
Enables automatic calibration of the sample air flow rate to the required level.

With optional DataTrac USB adapter cable and PC software. Enables
programming of timed sample runs, delayed starts and intermittent sampling.
Enables retrieval of pump run-time data and history to the PC.

General Information

1) Pump Models

210-3311 Deluxe ATEX / IECEx certified pump with NiMH battery pack

2) Care of the AirChek 3000 Pump

• Always use the correct SKC battery pack and battery chargers designated for the AirChek 3000 pump.

• The battery pack charging socket is of the mini-USB type, however it is not a USB interface port and must not be

connected to a computer USB port. Damage to the battery pack and/or the computer may result.

• Never run the pump long term without a tube or filter medium in place.

• When carrying out sampling using long term colour change tubes always use a tandem tube holder with trap tube

(Part No. 222-3D-2 and cover 224-29T). This will prevent the aggressive fumes generated by these tubes from
entering and damaging the pump mechanism.

• When carrying out sampling using impingers always fit a trap between the impinger and pump inlet. This will
prevent the possibility of the fluid used in the impinger from entering and damaging the pump mechanism. As a
further precaution always ensure that the pump flow rate is set to below 1 litre/min before connecting the trap
and impinger to the pump inlet.

• The AirChek 3000 pump case is IP64 rated, and therefore must not be used where it may be subjected to water
jets or complete immersion in water. The pump can be used where it may be subjected to rain or splashing water,
but care must be taken to ensure that water cannot enter the pump air inlet port.

• The AirChek 3000 pump is fitted with a particulate filter which is easy to replace. Simply unscrew the inlet filter cover (use a
13mm A/F spanner to loosen the cover if required), remove the O ring and lift out the filter. Fit the new filter, taking care not
to crease it when inserting, fit the O ring and screw on the inlet filter cover hand tight only. For general maintenance replace
the filter every 2 - 3 months or if it appears dirty. New filters are white in colour (order Part No. P40011).

Warning - Failure to follow these guidelines will void the product warranty.

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General Information

3) Non ATEX / IECEx Certified Variants of the AirChek 3000 Pump

The AirChek 3000 pump is also produced as a variant model which is certified for intrinsic safety for use in North
America and Canada, and these pumps are therefore not suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in
Europe where ATEX certification is mandatory.

Pump components vary between the North American / Canadian and ATEX / IECEx certified variants, therefore components
must not be interchanged between these pumps. If in any doubt please contact SKC Ltd customer services for advice.

4) Sampling Methods

This instruction manual provides the necessary information to set up and operate the AirChek 3000 pump. For more detailed
information on specific sampling methods please refer to SKC’s Step-By-Step Guide to Air Sampling (Part No. 224-G1). To
obtain a free copy please contact SKC Ltd customer services on [phone] or download at www.skcltd.com.

5) The WEEE Directive

This product is marked with the crossed out wheelie bin symbol, which identifies that it falls within the scope
of the EC Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). At the end of it’s useful
life, this product must be disposed of in an environmentally sound way as detailed in the Directive. Note that
the battery pack must be separated from the pump and disposed of as detailed in the Batteries Directive
(see below). Please contact your local distributor or SKC Ltd for further details on how to comply with the
requirements of the WEEE Directive. SKC Ltd’s producer registration number is WEE/KH0054TQ.

6) The Batteries Directive

The NiMH battery pack supplied with this pump and any spare battery packs purchased for it, fall within the scope of
the EC Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators. At the end of the
battery pack’s life it must be disposed of in an environmentally sound way as detailed in the Directive. Please contact
your local distributor or SKC Ltd for further details on how to comply with the requirements of the Batteries Directive.
SKC Ltd’s batteries producer registration number is BPRN00454.

www.skcltd.com 210-3311M Issue E Page 11

Diagram of the AirChek 3000 Pump

Air Inlet Port Air Inlet Port

Pump Run LED

Inlet

Particulate

Filter

DataTrac PC

Interface Port

Cover

LCD Screen

Keypad

Belt Clip

Battery Pack Charging Socket

Cover

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Diagram of the AirChek 3000 Pump

DataTrac PC

Interface Port

Charging

Socket

www.skcltd.com 210-3311M Issue E Page 13

O Ring

Battery Pack Security Screws

Battery Pack

Air Inlet Port

Inlet Particulate

Filter

AirChek 3000 Pump LCD Screen

Operating Indicators

Flow Fault Indicator

Numerals

Battery Charge Status

Display Units

Operating Indicators

PROG

HOLD

ADJ

FLOW

VOL

SET

Active when a sample program is loaded into the pump memory.

Flashes when the pump is in HOLD mode.

Flashes when adjusting the pump flow rate during flow calibration.

Active when the pump LCD screen displays the flow rate.

Active when the pump LCD screen displays the volume of air sampled.

Flashes when setting the pump flow rate, display units, clock time and delayed start time.

Display Units

°C or °F Sample air temperature in degrees Centigrade or Farenheit.

ins, mm or m Atmospheric pressure in inches of mercury, millimetres of mercury or millibars.

mL/min

mL or L Total volume of air sampled in millilitres or litres since last reset.

min

am and/or pm Time of day in hours and minutes (12 or 24 hour clock).

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Pump flow rate in millilitres per minute.

Run time in minutes since last reset.

AirChek 3000 Pump Keypad

Toggle / Decrease ButtonToggle / Increase Button

Scroll Button

Keypad Operation

Scrolls through run time data in RUN and HOLD modes. Scrolls through sampling parameters and
display options when navigating the User Interface.

Toggles between options and increases values when navigating the User Interface.

Toggles between options and decreases values when navigating the User Interface.

or or

[ ]

www.skcltd.com 210-3311M Issue E Page 15

To wake the pump from SLEEP mode and activate the LCD screen press any of the three buttons.

Press buttons simultaneously. Switches between HOLD and RUN modes. When navigating the User
Interface selects or enters the displayed item.

Security code that must be pressed in sequence within 10 seconds after changing operating mode (from
HOLD to RUN mode, or RUN to HOLD mode) to enter the User Interface. If the 10 second time limit is
exceeded, the pump will remain in its current (HOLD or RUN) mode.

Getting Started

1) Charging the Battery Pack

Prior to first use the battery pack should be fully charged, ideally overnight. Note that a new battery pack may
require 2 - 3 charge / discharge cycles to achieve full capacity.

The AirChek 3000 pump must only be charged using the correct SKC chargers (Part Nos. 223-240A - single
fast charger, 223-109A - five station charger).

The chargers are supplied with mains input plugs suitable for use in the UK, Europe, USA and Australia / New
Zealand. Select the correct mains input plug and fit it to the charger as detailed in the instructions supplied
with the charger.

Use a finger nail to flick open the battery pack charging socket cover at the rear of the pump. Alternatively use
the large bladed screwdriver attachment of the supplied toolkit to flick open the cover.

Plug the charger output plug into the mating socket revealed behind the charging socket cover. Plug the
charger into the electrical mains supply and switch on the power. The LED indicator on the charger will
illuminate to indicate that the battery pack is connected and charging has commenced.

Refer to the instructions supplied with the specific charger model for details of the charging sequence.

When fully charged disconnect the charger plug from the battery pack and close the charging socket cover.

To check the battery charge state wake the pump from SLEEP mode by pressing any of the three buttons on
the keypad and the LCD screen will activate, displaying the battery status indicator.

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Getting Started

2) Battery Status Indicator

The battery status indicator on the pump LCD screen shows the current battery charge level:

Fully charged. Three bars displayed from approximately 100% to 75% capacity. Note: It is
strongly recommended to ensure that the battery is fully charged before starting a sample
run.

Two bars displayed from approximately 75% to 25% capacity.

One bar displayed below approximately 25% capacity.

Low battery. No bars and flashing outline indicates low battery. Pump automatically switches
to HOLD mode, and then SLEEP mode within 10 seconds.

Note: When the pump stops due to a low battery and is left to stand for a period of time,
one bar may appear on the battery status indicator when the LCD screen is activated. This
false “recovery” will fall quickly if the pump is operated without recharging it. RECHARGE
THE PUMP BEFORE SAMPLING.

3) SLEEP Mode

If the pump is left in HOLD mode for longer than five minutes the pump will automatically set itself to a low
power SLEEP mode, with the LCD screen switched off. To wake the pump from SLEEP mode simply press any
of the three buttons and the pump LCD screen will activate and display the last four digits of the pump serial
number followed by the internal software version number before switching to HOLD mode.

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Getting Started

The pump will also automatically wake from SLEEP mode when the battery charger is connected.

4) HOLD and RUN Modes

To switch from HOLD mode to RUN mode press
updated continuously in memory. The LCD screen will display the real-time run time data. Press the button
to scroll through the run time data. The sample run time and sample air volume will continue to accumulate
unless reset - refer User Interface Level Two 7) on page 37.

To switch from RUN mode to HOLD mode press
memory. The temperature, atmospheric pressure and clock time readings remain active in HOLD mode, and
can be displayed on the LCD screen, along with the accumulated sample run time and sample air volume by
scrolling through the run time data screens by pressing the button.

5) Pump Run LED Indicator

When the pump is in RUN mode the blue pump run LED indicator will flash on and off to indicate that the
pump is running.

6) Flow Fault

If pump operation is interrupted due to blocked or restricted air flow, the flow fault indicator will flash. If the
flow fault persists for 15 seconds the pump will stop and switch to HOLD mode, with the flow fault indicator
on continuously. The pump will then wait 5 minutes before automatically switching to RUN mode to continue
sampling. If the flow remains restricted the pump will return to HOLD mode, and attempt to restart every 5
minutes up to a maximum of 10 restarts. The maximum number of restart attempts can be changed using a
PC and the optional DataTrac Interface and Software.

The accumulated sample run time and sample air volume readings are retained but not updated whilst the
pump is in flow fault.

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[ ]

. The pump will start to run and the run time data will be

[

]

. The pump will stop and retain the run-time data in

Getting Started

7) Entering and Navigating the User Interface

The AirChek 3000 pump User Interface features two security code protected levels:

• Level One - Accessed from RUN mode, allows the user to change the air flow rate, adjust the air flow rate
to a calibrated air flow meter, and calibrate the pump automatically using the CalChek feature.

[

To enter the Level One User Interface, with the pump in HOLD mode, press
and within 10 seconds press the security code sequence .

• Level Two - Accessed from HOLD mode, allows the user to change the display units for the temperature
and atmospheric pressure, set a sample run time, select 12 or 24 hour clock display, set a delayed start
time, set the clock time, and clear the accumulated run time data.

To enter the Level Two User Interface, with the pump in RUN mode, press
and within 10 seconds press the security code sequence .

To navigate the User Interface, press the

To exit the User Interface, press the
screen displays ‘End’. Press
will continue in its current (HOLD or RUN) mode.

The Level Two User Interface also includes the option to exit without saving changes to the parameters.
Press the
Press

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button to scroll through the different parameter screens until the LCD screen displays “ESC”.

[ ]

to exit without saving.

[ ]

button to scroll through the different parameters on the LCD screen.

button to scroll through the different parameter screens until the LCD

to exit. Any changes made to the parameters will be saved and the pump

] to switch to RUN mode

[

]

to switch to HOLD mode