Focus on ION Science - Gas Detection 7
• Structural insulated panels (SIPs) as the main structural element of both walls and pitched roofs providing a highly insulated and airtight building envelope for energy effi ciency and resistance to damp and cold issues
• Internal layout with glazed screens connecting areas and teams • Eco-friendly landscaping with a pond to enhance biodiversity
• Free car park with electric vehicle chargers for its staff and visitors
As a result of further company growth, a new research and development (R&D) facility is currently being built to complement the appearance of the main building and enhance its environmental credentials. The new R&D facility will also use sustainable materials, electric vehicle charging points and ecologically designed landscaping to support local wildlife. It will also provide additional employment opportunities for the local community.
As a gas sensing technology manufacturer, ION Science is acutely aware of the importance of monitoring – ‘What gets measured, gets managed’ - so ION is currently in the process of implementing ISO14001:2015, the Environmental Management Standard.
One of ION’s important environmental objectives is to reduce the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) that is incinerated or sent to landfi ll sites. Under the WEEE Regulations, organisations enable the recovery, reuse and recycling of products and components. In addition, ION is constantly seeking eco-friendly packaging solutions that help to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Protecting lives and preserving
the environment Perhaps ION Science’s greatest positive impact on the environment is through the sensors and instruments that it manufactures. The company’s photoionisation detectors
Ion Science Ltd
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Author Contact Details Graham Meller, Buttonwood Marketing Ltd • Buttonwood House, Main Rd, Shutlanger, Towcester, Northants NN12 7RU, UK • Tel: +44 (0)1604 862 404 • Email:
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New benzene-specifi c monitor for tighter international regulations
ION Science has launched a new, dramatically upgraded version of Titan, maintaining its position as the only fi xed benzene-specifi c monitor in the world; Titan 2. In accordance with recent legislation changes, Titan 2 offers enhanced stability and sensitivity, supporting ION’s continued mission of protecting lives and preserving the environment.
“Benzene is a toxic, carcinogenic gas representing a serious threat to many workers, as well as the environment,” explains ION Science Group Managing Director, Duncan Johns. “It is therefore vital that staff are protected by monitors that can continuously measure benzene at the low levels required by increasingly stringent international regulations. Titan 2 is the only commercially available, truly selective, fi xed continuous benzene monitor worldwide that can meet this requirement.” Titan 2 delivers unrivalled accuracy and sensitivity in benzene detection and is ideal for use in a variety of sectors, such as oil & gas, bulk storage facilities, chemical manufacturing and processing, and asphalt production.
Users of the original Titan will be familiar with the instrument’s accuracy and performance, however, within the new Titan 2 they will see core enhancements, such as a new rugged manifold, a piezoelectric micro pump for enhanced stability, a lower limit of detection, and updated PC software for easier management and control. An occupational exposure limit (OEL) for benzene of 100 ppm was originally recommended in 1946. Following further associations with leukaemia, the OEL was reduced to 50 ppm and then to 1 ppm as the 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit (U.S. OSHA, 1987). However, further health problems have been reported at levels below 1ppm so there is pressure in many countries to lower the limit further. For example, NIOSH recommended airborne exposure limit (REL) is 0.1 ppm (10-hr TWA) and 1 ppm during any 15-minute work period. Similarly, the current EU 8-hour TWA for benzene is 1 ppm (3.25 mg/m3). However, from 5th April 2024, the long-term exposure limit will be reduced to 0.5 ppm – and will be cut again from April 2026 to just 0.2 ppm. – Directive (EU) 2022/431 of the European parliament of the council, March 2022.
Regulatory requirements are therefore driving the need for greater sensitivity, and these needs are met by Titan 2. Thanks to innovative technology in conjunction with industry-leading PID sensor technology, the Titan 2 has a reduced likelihood of cross-sensitivity and can detect benzene rapidly at levels as low as 0.02 parts per million (20 parts per billion). At the other end of the scale, it can detect benzene at up to 20 ppm, delivering high speed and high sensitivity.
Titan 2 captures a gas sample once every 60 seconds. The sample is then conditioned within a further 60 seconds to allow precise benzene measurement, ensuring a consistent fl ow of real-time data. The piezoelectric micro pump in the latest version delivers enhanced pressure and fl ow accuracy to ensure a rapid response and unrivalled reliability.
Titan 2 also features visible alarm capability, triggering an alert when benzene concentrations reach either of two operator-confi gurable levels. Twin relay outputs enable the user to integrate the unit with existing site alarm systems, while easy-to-use fi rmware allows a simplifi ed calibration procedure. For analysis of readings captured by Titan 2, both 4-20mA and RS485 MODBUS communication protocols can be utilised.
A proven, robust separation method ensures specifi c readings for benzene, with an easy-to-read display. An internally regulated heating system ensures stable operation even at extremes of temperatures, and the new robust housing reduces contamination risk and allows for extended use in the harshest environments. Titan 2 has been designed to comply with international safety standards, including ATEX and IECEx, making it safe for use in any environment, as well as featuring an IP65 Ingress Protection rating. ION Science’s photoionisation detection (PID) technology has been independently verifi ed as the best-performing on the market, providing reliable, accurate solutions backed by outstanding product support. Importantly, the new, unique to Titan 2, MiniPID T2 10.0 eV Sensor features a patented design to nullify potential humidity interference, whilst ensuring a fast response, the highest levels of sensitivity and market-leading reliability.
The Titan 2 service module is designed to be backwards compatible, so in conjunction with a simple fi rmware upgrade now provides existing Titan customers with a quick and convenient upgrade opportunity. Summarising, Duncan Johns says: “Benzene is one of the more dangerous VOCs so the Titan 2’s ability to reliably speciate this gas is extremely important in the protection of lives, and with lowering regulatory limits, the instrument’s enhanced sensitivity is a major advantage.”
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(PIDs) are used worldwide for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – a large group of gases that are generally harmful to both health and the environment.
A wide variety of industrial processes produce fugitive or process emissions that contain VOCs. These processes include those that involve petrochemicals, solvents, paints, coatings, adhesives and cleaning chemicals, for example. Some VOCs are harmful to the skin and can be absorbed, but volatility makes it possible for them to be breathed in, causing negative health effects ranging from minor irritation to death.
In the outdoor environment, VOCs are involved in the formation of ozone, a constituent of photochemical smog. At ground level, ozone is generated when VOCs react with oxygen sources such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. Ozone can be harmful to health, particularly in children, the elderly, and people with cardiovascular problems such as asthma or COPD. Ground level ozone can also have harmful effects on sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.
Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas (GHG) but many VOCs have a far greater Global Warming Potential (GWP) than CO2
, so even trace emissions or leaks of these (mostly halogenated) VOCs can contribute to global warming.
Clearly, VOCs represent a major challenge in areas such as health, the environment and climate change. The detection and measurement of these VOCs is therefore essential, so ION’s PID sensors are deployed by instrument manufacturers and systems integrators all over the world, in a wide variety of applications.
The benefi ts of sustainability
at ION Science 1. ION Science staff benefi t from knowing that they work for a sustainable company, that not only manufactures products that help protect the environment, but also works hard to minimise its own carbon footprint. This is one of the reasons for ION’s high staff retention rate.
2. ION’s fi nancial performance is enhanced when customers actively seek to do business with suppliers that uphold high sustainability standards.
3. By creating a successful eco-friendly facility, ION has enhanced its reputation with the local community; creating harmony and building an aspirational business.
4. With a sustainable building design, ION has minimised its energy costs and dra-matically lowered the consumption of fossil fuels.
5. The provision of free EV charging points encourages staff to save money and cas-cade the company’s sustainability goals into their personal lives.
Summarising, Duncan Johns says: “There are laws to protect health and the environment, but there are no regulations forcing companies like ours to help in the fi ght against climate change. Nevertheless, ION Science aims to take the lead in GHG emissions reduction.”
“We have built sustainability into every part of the company, and we have benefi ted considerably as a consequence. So, we hope that our success will inspire others to join us on our mission to protect lives, preserve the environment and limit the effects of climate change.”
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