Hand Held Electron Capture
The Hand Held Electron Capture Detector (ECD) is sensitive to chemical compounds called electrophilic compounds which attract free electrons. The Electron Capture Hand Held detector is especially sensitive to the Halogen family of hydrocarbons which contain atoms of chlorine, fluorine, or bromine. The ECD cell contains a cylinder of foil coated with a small amount of the radioactive isotope nickel – 63 which emits electrons at the rate of about 500 million per second. These free electrons are absorbed by the unknown gas passing through the detector, and the amount of absorption is a measure of the concentration of the unknown gas.
How would I use an Electron Capture Hand Held instrument?
The Electron Capture Hand Held detector is usually used to identify gas samples after they have been separated in a gas chromatograph, such as the Voyager from Photovac.
How accurate is the gas chromatograph / electron capture hand held instrument combination?
The gas chromatograph / electron capture hand held instrument can detect concentrations of VOC from a few parts per billion to several hundred thousand parts per billion.
Can I use the Explorer with the Electron Capture Hand Held capability to detect a wide range of VOCs?
The Explorer also contains a PID Detector which allows the instrument to do VOC monitoring of a very wide range of gasses.
Is it dangerous to use an Electron Capture Hand Held instrument containing a radioactive source?
There is no problem in using the Electron Capture Hand Held instrument since the radioactive source is completely contained within a stainless steel enclosure. The product has been tested and certified to be safe to use.
How long with Hand Held Electron Capture instrument work properly?
The half life of the Nickel -63 isotopes is about 100 years, so it will continue to operate properly during the full life of the instrument.
Do I need a special permit to purchase a Hand Held Electron Capture instrument?
It is necessary to obtain a license to possess and operate the radioactive isotope which can be granted to you by Photovac if you agree to maintain it properly. Photovac can assist you with this simple licensing process.
Is the product rugged; will it stand up to field use?
The product is very rugged. Part of the Intrinsic Safety certification process includes tests to withstand the physical abuse encountered in normal field operations.
How long will the unit operate on a full battery charge?
All fully charged Photovac portable units will operate for at least eight hours.
How reliable are the instruments?
If they are properly maintained the instruments are vary reliable and accurate in a wide variety of environmental conditions including high humidity.
Does Photovac provide a warranty on the units?
Photovac provides a one year warranty on all of its products for defects in material or workmanship.
If you like to read more about Electron Capture Device Hand Held, please see the following page:
For other applications, please see the following:
Confined Space VOC
BTEX Analysis
VOC Monitoring