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 NumberProduct Serial NumberDate of Purchase
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.
ServiceDateServiceDateServiceDate
159
2610
3711
4812
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: +44 (0)1258 480188 Fax: +44 (0)1258 480184 Email: info@skcltd.com
Page 2 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 3
Contents
Intrinsic Safety Information .............................................................................................................................2
General Information .......................................................................................................................................6
Diagram of the Sidekick Pump.......................................................................................................................8
Getting Started ............................................................................................................................................10
Care of the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................18
Warranty Information ...................................................................................................................................28
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 1
Page 4
Intrinsic Safety Information
The Sidekick MTX pump range
• Complies with the EC ATEX Directive 94/9/EC on equipment intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres, as intrinsically safe to EEx ia IIC T4, for use in Europe.
• The equipment may be used in zones 1 and 2 with flammable gases and vapours with apparatus groups
II
A, IIB & IIC and with temperature classes T1,T2,T3,T4.
• The equipment is only certified for use in ambient temperatures in the range -20 to +40°C and should not
be used outside this range.
• The battery pack should not be charged in a hazardous area.
• Use only SKC approved chargers designated for the model.
• 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 equipment should not be used if damaged in a way that could invalidate intrinsic safety. Such
defects might include cracking of the battery pack enclosure and internal encapsulant such that internal
components or cells are exposed.
Important note about intrinsic safety
If you are unsure as to whether the Sidekick 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.
• Storage & operating temperature: -20°C to +40°C
• Operating humidity: 0 to 95% RH
• Compensation range:
Flow rate
(ml/min)
10005 - 25
20000 - 25
25000 - 20
30000 - 15
Back Pressure
(inches of water)
Typical sample media back pressure:
I.O.M. sampler with GFA filter at 3 l/min =
approximately 7 inches of water
I.O.M. sampler with 0.8µm MCE filter at 2 l/min =
approximately 15 inches of water
• Typical run time: 8 hours minimum at 3000 ml/min and 15 inches of water back pressure
• Low battery shutdown function
224-52MTX only:
• Flow fault shutdown function in event of high back pressure or pinched hose
• Timer: Run time display 0 to 99,999 minutes
Accuracy ±0.05%
Timer freeze and run time retention on low battery and flow fault shutdown
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 3
Page 6
Specifications
Pump Features
All Models
SKC offer two battery charger options for the Sidekick series pumps, a single
charger (Part No. 223-203A) and a five station charger (Part No. 223-103A).
Battery charging options
Mains power option
Anti-tamper coverThe pump controls are situated beneath a clear anti-tamper cover.
Low battery shutdown
Particulate trap
Page 4 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Both charger models provide optimum charging of the NiMH battery packs
used in the Sidekick series pumps, based on a timed (16 hour) constant
current charging phase followed by a switch to a trickle charging rate to
prevent overcharging.
The Sidekick series pumps can also be powered from the electrical mains
supply using a ‘battery eliminator’ (Part Nos. 223-300B - Euro 2 pin plug, 223300C 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 certification is invalidated when using the
battery eliminator, and therefore must not be used in hazardous areas when
the battery eliminator is fitted.
Automatic pump shutdown in the event of a low battery condition. Prevents
degradation of battery pack due to over-discharge.
Built in replaceable filter to trap particles that would otherwise contaminate
the pump mechanism.
Page 7
Specifications
Pump Features
224-50MH & 224-51MTX Only
LED run indicatorLED run indicator gives clear visual indication that pump is running.
224-52MTX Only
LCD screen
Flow fault function
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 5
LCD screen indicates elapsed sample run time in minutes up to 999 minutes.
Also displays low battery condition and flow fault condition. Elapsed sample
time is retained on screen in the event of low battery or flow fault shutdown.
Indicates flow fault due to obstructed tubing or excessive filter loading.
Shuts the pump down if the condition persists for longer than 15 seconds.
Automatically attempts four restarts before shutting down completely.
Page 8
General Information
1) Pump Models
224-50MHStandard pump with simple on/off control. Non-intrinsically safe model.
224-51MTXIntermediate pump with simple on/off control. Intrinsically safe model.
224-52MTXDeluxe pump with simple on/off control and elapsed time display. Intrinsically safe model.
2) Care of Sidekick Series Pumps
• Always use the correct SKC batteries and battery chargers designated for the Sidekick series pumps.
• 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. For stability use the accessory mounting screws (refer to pump diagram on pages 8 and 9) to fix
the impinger bracket to the front of the pump.
• The Sidekick series pump cases are IP20 rated, they are not rated as water or splashproof and therefore must not be
used where it is possible for water to enter the pump casing.
• Sidekick pumps are fitted with a particulate filter which is easy to replace. This is situated under the hose connector,
which has a screw fitting. For general maintenance replace the filter every 2-3 months or if it appears dirty. New filters
are white in colour (order Part No. P40370).
Warning - Failure to follow these guidelines will void the product warranty.
Page 6 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 9
General Information
3) Non ATEX Certified Variants of the Sidekick Pump
The Sidekick pumps are also produced in a variant range which is UL certified for intrinsic safety and these pumps are
therefore not suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in Europe where ATEX approval is mandatory.
Pump components vary between the UL and ATEX 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 Sidekick series pumps. 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 +44 (0) 1258 480188 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.
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 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 7
Note that
Page 10
Diagram of the Sidekick Pump
6138
11
3
421
3
2
224-50MH & 224-51MTX224-52MTX
1696
Page 8 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
14
5
12
157 10
Page 11
Key to Pump Diagram
1. LCD screen
2. On/Off switch / start button
3. Flow adjust control screw
4. LED run indicator
5. Particulate filter
6. Air inlet hosetail
7. Battery pack
8. Accessory mounting screws
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 9
9. Battery pack charging jack socket
10. Battery pack locking screws
11. Battery release buttons
12. Pump unit
13. Snap down clear cover
14. Hosetail seal
15. Battery pack power output jack socket
16. Belt clip
Page 12
Getting Started
APPLICABLE TO ALL MODELS
1) Charging the Battery Pack
Prior to first use the battery pack should be fully charged, ideally overnight.
The Sidekick series pumps must only be charged using the correct SKC chargers (Part Nos. 223-203A - single
charger, 223-103A - five station charger).
The charger is 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.
Plug the charger output jack plug into the mating socket at the rear of the battery pack. 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 charger is charging at full rate.
After 16 hours the charger will automatically switch to trickle charge, identified by the LED indicator on the
charger flashing on and off.
When fully charged disconnect the charger jack plug from the battery pack.
2) Accessing the Controls
The controls of the Sidekick series pumps are located under the clear plastic snap-down cover (No 13). This
cover is intentionally ‘stiff’ to open thus preventing accidental operation of the controls.
3) On/Off Switch (No. 2)
Press the on/off switch down to the ON position and the pump will start to run. At the end of the sample
period press the on/off switch again to the OFF position to stop the pump.
Page 10 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 13
Getting Started
4) Flow Adjust Screw (No. 3)
Use the small bladed screwdriver attachment of the supplied toolkit to turn the flow adjust screw. To increase
the flow rate turn clockwise. The span of the flow adjust screw is 12 turns on 224-50MH & 224-51MTX
models, and 15 turns on 224-52MTX models. DO NOT FORCE the flow adjust screw, and make sure the
screwdriver end is securely located in the adjuster screw slot.
APPLICABLE TO MODELS 224-50MH & 224-51MTX ONLY
5) LED Run Indicator (No. 4)
When the pump is started using the on/off switch the LED run indicator (No. 4) will flash on and off to
indicate that the pump is running.
6) Low Battery Shut Down Function
In the event of a low battery condition during a sample run the pump will automatically shut down, and the LED
run indicator is disabled. To recover from a low battery shut down condition fully charge the battery, press the
on/off switch twice to switch the pump off and then on again and the pump will operate as normal.
APPLICABLE TO MODEL 224-52MTX ONLY
7) LCD Screen (No. 1)
The LCD screen displays the elapsed run time in minutes, a low battery status indicator, and a flow fault
indicator.
Flow fault indicator
Timer Display
Low battery indicator
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 11
Page 14
Getting Started
8) Elapsed Run Time Display
When the pump is started using the on/off switch the elapsed run time display on the LCD screen will reset
to ‘000’ and then increment in one minute steps up to ‘999’. Above ‘999’ the display alternates displaying
the first two digits of the elapsed run time and the last three digits. For example, a pump that has run for
1,440 minutes would first display ‘01’ and then ‘440’. The maximum elapsed run time display is 99,999
minutes, above which the display reverts to ‘000’ and continues to increment.
When the pump is stopped at the end of the sample period using the on/off switch, the elapsed run time is
retained on the LCD screen. When the pump is restarted using the on/off switch the elapsed run time will reset
to ‘000’ and commence recording the elapsed run time again.
9) Low Battery Shut Down Function
In the event of a low battery condition during a sample run the pump will automatically shut down, the elapsed
run time is retained on the LCD screen and the low battery status indicator is displayed. To recover from a
low battery shut down condition fully charge the battery and press the on/off switch twice to switch the pump
off and then on again. The elapsed run time display will reset to ‘000’ and the pump will operate as normal.
10) Flow Fault Function
In the event of a flow fault condition, caused by obstructed tubing or excessive filter loading for example, that
persists for longer than 15 seconds, the pump will automatically shut down. The pump will then automatically
restart to check if the fault has been cleared. The pump will attempt a total of four restarts before shutting down
completely if the flow fault condition persists. The elapsed run time is retained on the LCD screen and the flow
fault status indicator is displayed. To recover from a flow fault condition investigate and correct the cause of
the flow fault. Press the on/off switch twice to switch the pump off and then on again. The elapsed run time
display will reset to ‘000’ and the pump will operate as normal.
Page 12 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 15
Blank Page
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 13
Page 16
Low Flow Sampling
The standard compensated flow range of the Sidekick
series pumps is 750 to 3000 ml/min. To operate at flows
in the range 5 to 500 ml/min an optional low flow adapter
/ tube holder and a constant pressure controller (CPC) are
required.
Low flow adapters are available for simultaneous sampling
using one, two, three or four sample tubes (refer to the
sampling accessories guide on pages 22 and 23 for details).
The low flow adapters incorporate throttle valve(s) to set the
low flow rate.
The CPC is a device that when connected to the pump inlet
hosetail provides a constant suction at the outlet of the low
flow adaptor, ensuring stable airflow through the sample
tube(s) once the flow has been set using the throttle valve(s).
To Set Up For Low Flow Sampling -
First ensure that the CPC and low flow adapter are not
connected to the pump inlet hosetail at this point.
Connect the pump inlet hosetail to a suitable flow calibrator
(such as a rotameter or Defender primary calibrator). Turn
on the pump and set the pump flow rate to approximately
1.5 l/min.
Turn off the pump and disconnect the flow calibrator. No
further adjustment of the pump flow rate is required.
Page 14 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 17
Low Flow Sampling
Connect the CPC to the pump inlet hosetail - the short
length of tubing supplied connected to the CPC is
connected to the pump hosetail. Ensure that the CPC is
connected correctly, the side of the CPC with the label
should be pointing away from the pump.
The low flow adapter can now be connected to the CPC
inlet hosetail. Set the low flow rate with the throttle valve on
the low flow adjuster, using a suitable flow calibrator (such
as a Defender primary calibrator).
Note: If carrying out high flow sampling subsequent to low
flow sampling with the same pump, ensure that the CPC
is disconnected.
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 15
CPC
Low flow
adaptor
Page 18
Troubleshooting
Possible FaultCorrective Action
• Check the battery charger by trying it with a different battery pack.
Battery pack will not charge
Pump will not operate
Pump flow faults continuously
(224-52MTX model only)
Pump cannot acheive required
flow rate
Page 16 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Replace the battery charger if required.
• Check the battery pack by connecting it to a known good battery
charger. If the battery pack still will not charge replace the battery pack.
• Check for faulty battery pack by trying a known good battery pack.
Replace the battery pack if required.
• Filter media back pressure too high. Try a lower flow rate and/or a less
restrictive filter media if the sampling method being used allows this.
• More than one filter accidentally fitted into sampling head. Ensure that
only one filter is fitted into the sampling head.
• Filter backing paper fitted in addition to / in place of filter media. Ensure
that only the filter is fitted into the sampling head.
• Pump particulate filter is blocked (appears black). Replace the
particulate filter.
• Tubing blocked or crimped. Replace tubing.
• Battery pack voltage low. Fully charge the battery pack.
• Filter media back pressure too high. Try a lower flow rate and/or a less
restrictive filter media if the sampling method being used allows this.
• Battery pack not fully charged before starting sample run. Ensure
Pump stops due to low battery
before the end of the required
sample period
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 17
battery pack is fully charged before starting a sample run.
• Battery pack has reduced capacity as it nears end of life. Replace the
battery pack.
• Filter media back pressure too high. Try a lower flow rate and/or a less
restrictive filter media if the sampling method being used allows this.
Page 20
Care of the Battery Pack
Battery Charging
• Charge battery pack fully before first use to ensure optimum performance.
• Full battery capacity will be acheived after 2 to 3 full charge / discharge cycles.
• Use only SKC approved charger designated for this battery pack. Use of a non-SKC approved charger
may impair battery performance or even cause irrepairable damage, and will invalidate the battery pack
warranty.
Battery Performance
• Charging temperature - For optimum performance charge NiMH batteries between 0 and +40°C.
• Do not overcharge - For optimum performance disconnect battery pack from charger after 24 hours.
• Discharge temperature - For optimum performance discharge NiMH batteries between -10 and +45°C
(refer also to pump specifications on page 3 for other limitations on operating temperature for intrinsically
safe applications).
Battery Maintenance
• Battery cycling during regular use - To maintain optimum capacity during regular battery use, cycle battery
once a month. Run pump until low battery shutdown occurs, then fully charge battery.
• Long term storage and highly infrequent use -
1. Charge battery fully prior to long term storage.
2. Store in a cool, dry place at temperature between 0 and 30°C.
3. Recharge battery at least once a year (or more frequently if stored at temperature above 30°C).
4. Cycle battery 2 to 3 times after long term storage to restore optimum capacity.
Page 18 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 21
Care of the Battery Pack
Battery Testing
1. Connect SKC approved charger to battery pack. If charger indicator LED illuminates, battery pack charger
input is ok. If charger LED does not illuminate, battery pack input fuse is blown - Replace battery pack.
2. Leave battery pack connected to charger to fully charge.
3. If pump does not function at all after full charge of battery pack, battery pack output fuse has blown, or
battery cells have failed or are at end of life - Replace battery pack.
4. If pump functions after full charge of battery pack but gives significantly reduced run times before low
battery shutdown, battery cells are failing or are at end of life - Replace battery pack.
Battery Replacement
Refer to pump diagram on page 8. To remove the battery pack unscrew and withdraw the two locking screws
(No. 10). Ensure that the screws are fully withdrawn, to a point where they are hanging freely below the case
by approximately 25 mm. The screws are designed to be retained, to prevent loss.
Once the screws are unfastened press both of the release buttons (No. 11) inwards and pull the battery pack
(No. 7) away from the pump unit (No. 12). To fit the replacement battery pack, engage the ends of the pump
unit battery release buttons into the holes in the top of the battery pack and push home, making sure both
release buttons are fully engaged. Refasten the two locking screws.
Battery Disposal
• The EC Battery Directive and equivalent legislation in other countries requires that all batteries and battery
packs are disposed of correctly at the end of their working life. This means that they must be collected and
treated separately from other waste.
• Please ensure that any end-of-life SKC battery packs are collected and recycled or disposed of correctly.
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 19
Page 22
Sidekick Pump Components
1
5
4
Page 20 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
67
2
8
9
3
7
Page 23
Sidekick Pump Replacement Parts
Item Part No. DescriptionItem Part No. Description
1
P20105
2
P20104GY
3
P78050MH
3
P78051MTX
4
P20106GY
SKC recommend that our air sampling pumps are regularly serviced by one of our Authorised Service Centres.
Due to the safety implications associated with the incorrect repair of ATEX certified intrinsically safe products
for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, it is our policy to only supply the complete range of replacement
parts to our Authorised Service Centres who are trained in the service and repair of these products.
The range of replacement parts listed above is available to all customers. If the required part is not listed,
contact SKC customer care on +44 (0) 1258 480188.
Note: Table item numbers correspond to the ringed numbers shown in the figures on page 20 of this manual.
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 21
Clear cover and hinge pin5
Belt clip6
Battery pack 4.8V 2.0Ah NiMH for
224-50MH pump
Battery pack 4.8V 2.0Ah NiMH for
224-51MTX & 224-52MTX pumps
224-29AProtective cover type A 6mm diameter x 70mm
224-29BProtective cover type B 8mm diameter x 110mm
800-01200Tube tip breaker
226-01Anasorb CSC coconut charcoal tube 2 part 6mm diameter x 70mm GS (pack of 50)
226-119Silica gel tube 2 part 6mm diameter x 110mm GS (pack of 100)
If the required item is not listed, contact your supplier or SKC sales on +44 (0) 1258 480188.
SKC provide an extensive range of sampling media, including filters, sorbent tubes and impingers. A full
selection can be found in the current SKC catalogue and at www.skcltd.com
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 23
Page 26
Intrinsic Safety Certification
Page 24 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 27
Intrinsic Safety Certification
SKC customer service on request, for which
A full size copy of the certificate can be obtained from
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 25
a nominal charge may be levied.
Page 28
Intrinsic Safety Certification
Page 26 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 29
Intrinsic Safety Certification
SKC customer service on request, for which
A full size copy of the certificate can be obtained from
www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue F Page 27
a nominal charge may be levied.
Page 30
Warranty Information
Limited One Year Warranty
1. SKC warrants that this instrument, and each of its component parts, provided for occupational health and
safety applications is free from defects in workmanship and materials under normal use for a period of one (1)
year. This warranty DOES NOT cover any claims due to abuse, misuse, neglect, alteration, or accident, or use
in application for which the instrument was either not designed or not approved by SKC, or, due to the buyer’s
failure to maintain normal maintenance, improper selection or misapplication. The warranty also DOES NOT
cover any claims due to the use of a non-SKC approved charger to charge the battery pack. This warranty
shall further be void if changes or adjustments to the instrument are made by a person other than an employee
of the seller or, if the operating instructions furnished at the time of installation are not complied with.
2. SKC hereby expressly disclaims all warranties either expressed or implied, including any implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and neither assumes nor authorises any person to assume
for it any liability in connection with the sale of these instruments. No description of the goods being sold has
been made a part of the basis of the bargain or has created or amounted to an express warranty that the
goods will conform to any such description. Buyer shall not be entitled to recover from SKC any consequential
damages; damages to property, damages for loss of use, loss of time, loss of profits or income or any other
incidental damages. Nor shall the Buyer be entitled to recover from SKC any consequential damages resulting
from defect of the instrument.
3. This warranty extends only to the original purchaser of the warranted instrument during the term of
the warranty, the buyer may be required to present proof of purchase in the form of a paid receipt for the
instrument.
4. In the event of a defect, malfunction, or other failure of the instrument not caused by any misuse or damage
to the instrument while in the possession of the Buyer, SKC will remedy the failure or defect without charge
Page 28 224-SMTXM Issue F www.skcltd.com
Page 31
Warranty Information
to the buyer. The remedy will consist of service or replacement of the instrument, or refund of the purchase
price, at the option of SKC. However, SKC will not elect refund unless it is unable to provide replacement and
repair is not commercially practicable.
5. The terms of this warranty begin on the date the instrument is delivered to the Buyer and continue for a
period of one (1) year.
6(a) To obtain performance of any obligation under this warranty, the buyer shall return the instrument, freight
prepaid to SKC at the following address:-