
Detecting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are chemical compounds, they are described as volatile because they evaporate easily, releasing molecules into the atmosphere, your exposure to VOCs can be monitored using gas detection equipment.
ION Science manufactures gas detection equipment for monitoring exposure to toxic levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOC Issues In Heavy Industries
The most well known threats to workers from VOCs are their toxic effects.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a fundamental parameter in assessing air quality. The European Environment Agency (EEA) reported in 2018 that air pollution was the cause of almost 50,000 premature deaths in Europe per year. This finding pre-empted the head of the EEA agency stating “Air pollution is an invisible killer and we need to step up our efforts to address the causes,”.
– BBC News
Health and Safety Issues
Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) gases are found in almost every industry. Typically, in heavier industries, especially steel foundries and refineries the concentrations of VOCs are higher. Also the more hazardous VOCs such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are likely to be present. The risks associated with VOCs include:
- Health and Safety
- Environmental
- Economic
The most well known threats to workers from VOCs are their multiple toxic effects. The effects we are most familiar with are the acute risks, such as, eye, nose and throat irritation, dizziness and at high concentrations unconsciousness and even death. However, the potentially larger threat comes from low-level long-term exposures we are not aware of.
Levels Of Volatile Organic Compounds
Monitoring for VOCs in heavy industries presents many challenges. The environmental conditions can be extremely harsh, temperatures range from -20 to over 50°C with humidity often in the high 90’s and even 100%.
In typhoon conditions. Coupled with this is the wide range of concentration that need to accurately be measured. Explosion and asphyxiation concentrations are in the order of 10,000 ppm, acute health risks 10s – 100s of ppm, chronic health risks 1 – 0.1 ppm and environmental emissions ppb and lower.
Pellistors are the most common sensor type for detecting gasses and vapours over 5,000 ppm. To detect gasses and vapours below this photo-ionisation detection is the preferred sensing technology.
Volatile Organic Compound Detection
In conclusion, there are significant financial, environmental and health benefits associated with taking a proactive approach to monitoring VOCs in the heavy industrial environment. The resulting gains in operational efficiency and worker wellbeing are vital in creating a sustainable business and achieving operational excellence. The photoionisation detector (PID) has proven to be an ideal solution for personal worker protection but effective in, fugitive emission and fence-line monitoring applications.
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“VOC Issues In Heavy Industries”
The VOC issues in heavy industries guide which can be downloaded below provides the reader with an in-depth balance of knowledge covering three key areas within heavier industries. We cover basics health & safety, environmental & economic conditions while discussing why photoionisation detector (PID) has proven to be an ideal solution for personal worker protection but effective in, fugitive emission and fenceline monitoring applications.
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Gas Detection Equipment for the Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds
(MVI) Portable Mercury Vapour Indicator
MVI is a portable mercury vapour indicator that accurately detects mercury in just three seconds.
Cub 10.6 eV Personal VOC Gas Detector
Cub 10.6 eV personal VOC gas detector is worn within the breathing zone to detect volatile organic compounds, keeping you safe within your working environment.
Falco Diffused – Fixed VOC Gas Detector
Falco Diffused, Fixed VOC Gas Detector is ideal for detecting VOCs and TACs in areas such as refineries and petrol chemical facilities.
Falco Pumped – Fixed VOC Gas Monitor
Falco pumped instruments are ideal for detecting VOCs and TACs in difficult locations such as underground or in confined spaces.
Fire Investigation Kit
Tiger fire investigation kit provides fast, accurate detection of VOCs for fire and arson investigations with resistance to humidity and contamination.
GasCheck G Handheld Helium Gas Leak Detector
Designed for the search and location of gas leaks, the GasCheck G handheld helium gas leak detector provides you with effective detection of almost any gas or gas mixture.
GasCheck Tesla Portable Helium Leak Detector
ION Sciences portable helium leak detector is highly sensitive & effective for use within high magnetic fields.
GasClam 2 Continuous Ground Gas Detector
GasClam 2 continuous ground gas detector is a unique in-borehole gas monitoring system developed for the unattended collection of long-term gas data.
SF6 AreaCheck P2 – Fixed Gas Detector
Fixed SF6 gas detector uses award winning Negative Ion Capture (NIC) technology and is designed to continuously monitor SF6.
SF6 LeakCheck P1:p Gas Leak Detector
The SF6 LeakCheck P1:p is an award winning SF6 gas leak detector that uses negative Ion Capture (NIC) technology designed for location, leak testing and measurement of SF6 leaks in high electrical switchgear.
SF6 Leakmate – Portable SF6 Leak Monitor
The portable SF6 leak detector automatically compensates for all ambient influences like temperature changes or movement of air in the room.
Tiger Handheld VOC Gas Detector
The Tiger handheld VOC gas detector is a revolutionary portable PID instrument for rapid, accurate detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Tiger LT Portable VOC Gas Detector
The Tiger LT portable VOC gas detector is an entry-level, portable instrument for fast, accurate detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Tiger Select Portable Benzene Gas Detector
Tiger Select is a portable benzene gas detector with two operation modes for rapid detection of benzene and Total Aromatic Compounds (TACs) providing accurate, reliable data.
Titan Benzene Specific Gas Monitor
Titan fixed benzene specific gas monitor provides continuous detection for plant and worker safety in petrol chemical environments.
TVOC 2 Continuous VOC Gas Detector
TVOC 2 is a fixed, continuous VOC gas detector that accurately detects and measures Total Volatile Organic Compounds within industrial working environments.
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