Soil Gas Analyzer

Soil gas investigations are useful to determine vapor data at sites potentially affected by the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons. Soil Gas Analyzers may also be used to investigate sites potentially affected by methane and hydrogen sulfide such as land fills. Among other things the data from the soil gas analyzer can be used to identify the source and determine the spatial distribution of VOC contamination at a site, or to estimate indoor air concentrations for risk assessment purposes.

Is it necessary to have a portable Soil Gas Analyzer?
It is easier to make measurements directly on site if you are using a portable soil gas analyzer, but the analysis can also be done by taking soil samples and sending them to a laboratory for analysis.

What instruments are used as Soil Gas Analyzers?
The type of soil gas analyzer used depends on the types of VOC present and the specific data desired. If methane is among the compounds in question, an FID such as the MicroFID II would be required to get accurate total VOC concentrations.

What Soil Gas analyzer would be used at a landfill?
Since Methane is the gas of greatest concern at a landfill, a flame ionization detector would be the ideal instrument to use as the soil gas analyzer.

Could I use a PID as a soil gas analyzer?
The PID is a very versatile soil gas analyzer for detecting a wide range of VOCs, but it provides only a measure of the total amount of VOCs present and is not able to detect methane.

Are there special procedures to follow in operating the soil gas analyzer?
Operation of each of the instruments involved is generally quite simple and described in the appropriate instruction manual.  Procedures for making the actual measurement with the soil gas analyzer vary in accordance with the specific test being conducted.

Does Photovac supply soil gas analyzers?
Photovac provides a range of portable instruments that can serve as soil gas analyzers. The 2020ComboPRO family is a general purpose, portable PID. The MicroFID II are flame ionization detectors which can be used as a soil gas analyzer where methane is present, such as in a land fill or in confined spaces. The various gas chromatographs can be used as soil gas analyzers where identification and quantification of the specific VOCs present is desired.

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 accurate and reliable in a range 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 would like more information on Soil Gas Analyzers, please see the following pages:

2020ComboPRO

Explorer

MicroFID II

For other applications, please see the following:

Confined Space VOC
Hand Held Methane Gas Detector
Gas Leak Detection