SKC 226-01 Anasorb CSC Coconut Charcoal Sorbent Tube User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the proper use, setup, operation, and maintenance of the SKC 226-01 Anasorb CSC Coconut Charcoal Sorbent Tube. Adherence to these guidelines ensures accurate and reliable air sampling results. This product is designed for professional use in industrial hygiene and environmental monitoring applications.

2. Product Overview

The SKC 226-01 is an Anasorb CSC Coconut Charcoal Sorbent Tube, specifically designed for collecting airborne chemical vapors. It features a 6 x 70-mm size with two sections of sorbent material (50/100 mg) and a 20/40 mesh. The tube is equipped with GS ends and FFW separators, and it is compatible with Type A tube covers. This sorbent tube sampling method is NIOSH/OSHA approved for various applications.

Key Features:

• NIOSH/OSHA approved sorbent tube sampling.
• Two distinct sorbent sections for efficient collection and analysis.
• 6 mm diameter for compatibility with standard sampling equipment.
• 70 mm length, providing ample sorbent capacity.
• High level performance for reliable sample collection.

Image: SKC 226-01 Anasorb CSC Coconut Charcoal Sorbent Tube. This image displays the sorbent tube, typically a glass tube with two sections of granular charcoal separated by a foam plug, and sealed at both ends.

3. Setup Instructions

1. Inspect the Tube: Before use, visually inspect each sorbent tube for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the glass or dislodged sorbent material. Do not use damaged tubes.
2. Prepare for Sampling: Immediately before sampling, break off both sealed ends of the sorbent tube using a tube breaker or pliers. Ensure the openings are clean and unobstructed. Avoid touching the sorbent material.
3. Connect to Pump: Insert the sorbent tube into the tube holder of your air sampling pump. Ensure the arrow on the tube (if present) or the smaller sorbent section (backup section) is pointing towards the pump, indicating the direction of airflow. The larger section (front section) should face the sampling environment.
4. Calibrate Pump: Calibrate the air sampling pump with the sorbent tube in line, using a primary or secondary flow calibrator, to the desired flow rate for your specific sampling method.

4. Operating Procedures

1. Position the Tube: Place the assembled sampling train (pump, tube holder, sorbent tube) in the breathing zone of the worker or in the area to be monitored.
2. Initiate Sampling: Turn on the air sampling pump. Record the start time and initial flow rate.
3. Monitor Flow Rate: Periodically check the pump's flow rate during the sampling period to ensure it remains constant. Adjust if necessary and record any changes.
4. Terminate Sampling: After the required sampling duration, turn off the pump. Record the stop time and final flow rate.
5. Seal the Tube: Immediately after sampling, remove the sorbent tube from the holder and cap both ends with the provided plastic caps. Ensure a tight seal to prevent sample loss or contamination.
6. Label the Tube: Clearly label each sampled tube with unique identification information, including sample number, date, time, flow rate, and any relevant environmental conditions.
7. Prepare for Analysis: Store and transport sampled tubes according to the specific analytical method's requirements, typically under refrigeration, until they can be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

5. Maintenance and Storage

Storage of Unused Tubes:

• Store unused sorbent tubes in their original packaging in a clean, cool, and dry environment, away from direct sunlight and sources of contamination.
• Observe the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not use expired tubes.

Handling Sampled Tubes:

• After sampling, ensure tubes are properly capped and labeled.
• Transport sampled tubes in a secure container to prevent breakage.
• Refrigerate sampled tubes (typically at 4°C or lower) if recommended by the analytical method, to minimize analyte loss or degradation.
• Avoid exposing sampled tubes to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

6. Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Issue: Pump flow rate is unstable or incorrect.
  Solution: Check for leaks in the sampling train, ensure tube ends are properly broken and unobstructed, and recalibrate the pump. Verify battery charge.
• Issue: Sorbent tube is broken.
  Solution: Discard the broken tube and replace it with a new one. Ensure careful handling during setup and transport.
• Issue: Suspected contamination of the sample.
  Solution: Ensure proper handling procedures are followed, including wearing gloves, avoiding contact with sorbent material, and using clean equipment. Use field blanks to assess potential contamination.
• Issue: Low recovery or unexpected analytical results.
  Solution: Verify that the correct sorbent tube type was used for the target analyte, check for proper storage and transport conditions, and confirm that the sampling duration and flow rate were appropriate for the method.

7. Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics:

• Sorbent Type: Anasorb CSC Coconut Charcoal
• Tube Dimensions: 6 mm diameter x 70 mm length
• Sorbent Sections: 2 sections (50 mg front, 100 mg back)
• Mesh Size: 20/40 mesh
• Tube Ends: GS ends
• Separators: FFW separators
• Compatibility: Fits Type A tube cover

8. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the SKC 226-01 Anasorb CSC Coconut Charcoal Sorbent Tube is not provided within this manual. For details regarding product warranty, technical support, or further assistance, please contact SKC directly through their official website or customer service channels. Always refer to the manufacturer's official documentation for the most current warranty terms and support options.