Increasing demand from oil and gas exploration companies for soil gas analysis and surveys has led Colorado-based US Geochemical to purchase an ION Science Tiger portable VOC detector.

This revolutionary photoionisation (PID) device has been upgraded with an advanced data logging feature and is being used to help identify potential drilling targets by sampling headspace hydrocarbon microseepage from petroleum reservoirs.

A petroleum reservoir, or oil and gas reservoir, is a subsurface pool of hydrocarbons contained in porous or fractured rock formations. The naturally occurring hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or natural gas, are trapped by overlying rock formations with lower permeability, Reservoirs are found using hydrocarbon exploration methods.

James Fausnaugh,Owner of US Geochemical:

“Until recently, I offered a vapour free hydrocarbon analysis but clients prefer the familiarity of soil gas geochemical testing which is relatively low cost and can help rule out areas of little interest. I saw the ION Science Tiger VOC detector being demonstrated at a conference and liked its ease of use and robust design. An associate also used one and was very happy with it.”

“The Tiger is ready to use, straight out of the box and doesn’t require any complicated set up procedures via a PC to perform basic functions. It is just as quick to clear down. Since we purchased it over eight months ago, it has proved reliable and accurate so I would definitely recommend it to other businesses.”