PID Detector
A PID Detector (Photo Ionization Detector) is used for the rapid and accurate detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in gaseous form. Although the PID Detector does not identify the individual compounds, it provides an accurate measurement of the total amount of VOCs present. Photovac provides two instruments for VOC monitoring, the 2020ComboPRO and the 2020ppbPRO for measurement of lower levels of gas detection. Fortunately there are a range of instruments which can detect VOC presence and measure their extent, all of which operate by ionizing the gas so that the amount present can be measured. The gasses can be ionized in several ways including using a lamp (photo ionization), a hydrogen flame (flame ionization), or electron radiation (electron capture).
What compounds can be detected by a Photoionization Detector?
Photoionization detectors can detect a wide range of compounds. A compound is detectable if its ionization potential is lower than the strength of the lamp in the PID (10.6 eV or 11.7 eV). The following are common compounds that are detected using photoionization detectors:
Aromatics - Benzene, Toluene, Naphthalene
Unsaturated Hydrocarbons - Acetylene, Ethylene, 1,3-Butadiene
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons - Vinyl chloride, Chloroform, Trichloroethylene, Methylene chloride
Ketones - Acetone, Methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone
Alcohols - Ethanol, Isopropanol, n-Butanol
Organic Fuels - Gasoline and jet fuels, which are mixtures of hundreds of different compounds including aromatics, are well detected.
Please note: This list provides examples of the classes of compounds detectable by the 2020ComboPRO. Please contact Photovac Technical Support for details on specific compound detection.
What is the difference between the two PID Detectors that Photovac offers?
The 2020ComboPRO has a measurement range of 0.1 to 10,000 parts per million, while the 2020ppbPRO has a measurement range of 10 ppb to 40 ppm.
Who would use the 2020ComboPRO?
The 2020ComboPRO is a general purpose VOC PID Monitor which measures the total amount of VOCs present. It is used in Environmental applications for site characterization and remediation, in Industrial Hygiene and Safety applications for workplace exposure assessments, and as a HAZMAT VOC Detector.
Where would I use the 2020ppbPRO?
The greater sensitivity of the 2020ppbPRO makes it ideal for indoor air quality and confined space gas monitoring.
How difficult is it to use a PID Detector?
The 2020 family provides a large graphic display with several types of information simultaneously displayed. It also has exceptionally simple calibration and easy operation.
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 work with a full battery?
All fully charged Photovac portable PIDs will operate for at least eight hours.
How reliable are the instruments?
If they are properly maintained the instruments will provide accurate and reliable results.
Does Photovac provide a warranty on the units?
Photovac provide a one year warranty on all of its products for defects in material or workmanship.
If you would like more information about Photovac's PID Detectors, please see the following pages:
For other applications, please see the following:
VOC Analyzer
Portable Hand Held GC
VOC Gas Detection