MiniPID 2 Lamps Explained.
ION Science Ltd
ION Science manufacturer of photoionisation detection (PID) sensors and instrumentation for the gas detection industry.
In a world where precision and accuracy hold supreme importance, the field of gas detection and analysis has seen significant advancements. Among these advancements, the MiniPID 2 sensor stands out as a noteworthy technological innovation. Within this blog post, we will answer common questions asked about the MiniPID 2 sensor.
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How do MiniPID 2 sensors work?
ION Science MiniPID 2 consist of a high energy output, ultraviolet lamp and three electrodes. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) enter the detection chamber and are ionised by the ultraviolet light. A negative charged electron is ejected from the molecule making it positively charged. The negatively charged electron is attracted to the positively charged electrode. The positively charged molecule are attracted to the negative electrode. This creates a tiny current which is amplified, the signal increases and decreases with the VOC gas concentration.
Standard photoionisation sensors do have issues, if the sensor chamber becomes contaminated with airborne dirt, ambient humidity can be absorbed by the contamination, creating a conductive path between the electrodes. This conductive path creates an artificial signal that varies with humidity. Airborne dirt can also coat the lamp window which over time, reducing sensitivity. To combat these effects of contamination, ION Science have a unique patented fence electrode and an anti-contamination system. The anti-contamination system consists of a fine, woven PTFE membrane that covers the entrance of the sensor chamber. It not only blocks the path to larger particulates, it also retains ozone, that is naturally generated in the sensor chamber. Ozone cleans the sensor chamber and lamp window, helping the sensor to maintain optimum performance. Even the ION Science sensor chamber may become contaminated, the ION Science fence electrode blocks the path between the two main electrodes. This practically eliminates the effects of humidity. All ION Science PID sensors have a fence electrode and an anti-contamination system.
For more information on how MiniPID works, watch the short video.
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The difference between 10.0 eV, 10.6 eV and 11.7 eV (Lamp Energy Output)
In a Photoionisation Detector (PID) sensor, the lamp type and its associated energy level, measured in electron volts (eV), are pivotal factors determining the sensor’s sensitivity to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and its suitability for specific applications. Three common lamp types—10.0 eV, 10.6 eV, and 11.7 eV—offer distinct capabilities.
The 10.0 eV lamp, with an energy level of 10.0 eV, excels at detecting VOCs with ionisation potentials below 10.0 eV, such as benzene and toluene. It finds common use in environmental monitoring, industrial hygiene, and hazardous waste site investigations.
How does the MiniPID 2 10.0 eV lamp work?
The ION Science 10.0 eV is achieved by...