HEALTH & SAFETY
The Tiger XT gas detector
T
he gas detection market is subject to a variety of standards that outline the requirements for diff erent types of gas detectors in
various environments. Stringent regulations are in place for detectors used in potentially explosive atmospheres. T ese standards also establish criteria for sensitivity, range and measurement uncertainty. However, it is worth noting that the accuracy performance standards for gas detectors are not as strict as those for gas emissions analysers. T is discrepancy arises from the fact that emissions analysers are primarily used to ensure compliance with environmental limits for individual gases, whereas gas detectors are commonly employed for safety purposes to detect a wide array of gases. It is important to highlight
P HAZARD Rhys Redrup discusses the
potential hazards linked with unproven technology
that instruments equipped with photoionisation detection (PID) sensors off er precise measurements of specifi c volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when those VOCs are present in isolation or have been selectively sampled. Although independent verifi cation
of performance characteristics such as range, response time and measurement is mandatory for environmental emissions compliance monitoring, according to USEPA, MCERTS, TUV and other relevant bodies, the same requirement does not apply to gas detectors. Consequently, users should exercise caution regarding claims made by suppliers that lack an established reputation for accuracy and reliability. In gas detection applications, where safety is of utmost importance, the longevity and reliability of instruments are crucial. However, these performance characteristics are not specifi cally addressed in the standards. Instead, users are responsible for regular calibration, servicing and adherence to manufacturers’
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ROTECTION GUIDANCE
instructions. Consequently, reputable manufacturers earn their standing through the positive experiences of fi eld users. T erefore, users should approach claims of longevity and reliability from unproven suppliers with caution.
PRIMARY FOCUS T e primary performance requirement of VOC detectors is their capability to detect potentially hazardous VOCs at extremely low concentrations.
However, considering the diverse range of VOCs present across industries and locations, it is impractical for instrument manufacturers to publish accuracy and sensitivity data for every individual VOC due to their sheer number. Instead, manufacturers commonly disclose sensitivity values for a calibration gas, such as isobutylene. Additionally, manufacturers should provide response factors for numerous commonly encountered VOCs, as well as for each type of PID lamp they off er. PIDs are highly sought-after and
well-suited sensors for measuring VOCs in health and safety applications. T eir popularity stems from the rapid response time and exceptional selectivity towards VOCs. Ion Science develops and manufactures the MiniPID sensor, which has been independently verifi ed as the best performing solution for speed, accuracy and resistance to both humidity and contamination. T e MiniPID sensor is used in a range of the company’s gas detectors, providing each product with optimal performance even in humid and heavily contaminated atmospheres.
The Falco fi xed VOC detector
Rhys Redrup is with Ion Science.
www.ionscience.com
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