SKC 224-50MH User manual

www.skcltd.com
Sidekick Air Sampling Pump
Operating Instructions
This manual covers the following models:
224-50MH, 224-51MTX, 224-52MTX

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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
SKC recommends a minimum service interval of one year for this product. The first service is due one year from
the date of purchase, and then at yearly intervals on this date. However, it is the responsibility of the user to
perform a risk assessment to determine the necessary frequency of servicing that is required.
Service Date Service Date Service Date
159
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: [email protected]

www.skcltd.com 224-SMTXM Issue K Page 1
Contents
Intrinsic Safety Information.............................................................................................................................2
Specifications ................................................................................................................................................4
General Information .......................................................................................................................................8
Diagram of the Sidekick Pump.....................................................................................................................10
Getting Started............................................................................................................................................12
Low Flow Sampling .....................................................................................................................................16
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................................18
Care of the Battery Pack..............................................................................................................................20
Sidekick Pump Components .......................................................................................................................22
Sidekick Pump Replacement Parts..............................................................................................................23
Sidekick Pump Accessories.........................................................................................................................24
Intrinsic Safety Certification..........................................................................................................................26
Warranty Information ...................................................................................................................................30

Page 2 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
Intrinsic Safety Information
The Sidekick MTX pump range
• Complies with the EU ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU on equipment intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres, as intrinsically safe to EEx ia II C 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, II B & II C 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 2014/34/EU
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. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the pump is in an
acceptable condition for use in hazardous locations.
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.

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Page 4 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
Specifications
All models
• Weight: 224-50MH - 465 g
224-51MTX & 224-52MTX - 575 g
• Enclosure rating: IP20
• Flow range:
750 - 3000 ml/min (constant flow operation)
5 - 500 ml/min with adapter (constant pressure operation)
• Flow control: ±5% set point constant flow
• Battery pack: NiMH rechargeable, 2.0 Ah, 4.8 V
• Storage & operating temperature: -20°C to +40°C
• Operating humidity: 0 to 95% RH
• Compensation range:
Flow rate
(ml/min)
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
750 5 - 25
1000 0 - 25
2000 0 - 25
3000 0 - 15
• Typical run time: 8 hours minimum at 3000 ml/min and 15 inches of water back pressure
79.5mm 57mm
145mm

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Specifications
• 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
Note:
SKC Limited reserve the right to make changes to the specification and design of this product at any time
without prior notice to the end user.

Page 6 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
Specifications
Pump Features
All Models
Battery charging options
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).
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.
Mains power option
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, 223-
300C 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.
Anti-tamper cover The pump controls are situated beneath a clear anti-tamper cover.
Low battery shutdown Automatic pump shutdown in the event of a low battery condition. Prevents
degradation of battery pack due to over-discharge.
Particulate trap Built in replaceable filter to trap particles that would otherwise contaminate
the pump mechanism.

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Specifications
Pump Features
224-50MH & 224-51MTX Only
LED run indicator LED run indicator gives clear visual indication that pump is running.
224-52MTX Only
LCD screen
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.
Flow fault function
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 8 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
General Information
1) Pump Models
224-50MH Standard pump with simple on/off control. Non-intrinsically safe model.
224-51MTX Intermediate pump with simple on/off control. Intrinsically safe model.
224-52MTX Deluxe 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.
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 10 and 11) 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.

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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 [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.

Page 10 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
6 13 8 11 34 2 1 32
16 9 6 14 512 15 7 10
224-50MH & 224-51MTX 224-52MTX
Diagram of the Sidekick Pump

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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
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 12 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
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.
Getting Started

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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
Low battery indicator
Timer Display

Page 14 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
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.

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Page 16 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
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 24 and 25 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 calibrated
flowmeter (such as a chek-mate or rotameter). 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.
Low Flow Sampling

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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 calibrated flowmeter
(such as a chek-mate or rotameter).
Note: If carrying out high flow sampling subsequent to low
flow sampling with the same pump, ensure that the CPC
is disconnected.
Low Flow Sampling
CPC
Low flow
adaptor

Page 18 224-SMTXM Issue K www.skcltd.com
Possible Fault Corrective Action
Battery pack will not charge
• Check the battery charger by trying it with a different battery pack.
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.
Pump will not operate • Check for faulty battery pack by trying a known good battery pack.
Replace the battery pack if required.
Pump flow faults continuously
(224-52MTX model only)
• 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.
Pump cannot acheive required
flow rate
• 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.
• Pump valves leaking. Replace valve plate assemblies.
Troubleshooting