About ION Science

Over 30 years of experience manufacturing gas detection instruments and gas sensors.

Our HistoryContact us

Why ION Science?

Over 30 years experience manufacturing gas detection instruments and sensors

ION Science has over 30 years of industry experience designing, manufacturing, and supplying PID gas sensors, gas detection instruments, and leak detectors for a wide range of industries and applications. Manufactured at our UK headquarters, our sensor technology and gas detection instruments are designed and developed by a talented in-house team and distributed worldwide via a global network of distributors.

World’s largest PID sensor manufacturer

Experts in photoionisation detection (PID) technology, we manufacture and supply more PID sensors than any other gas detection manufacturer in the world. Our PID sensor is used by major, global gas detection manufacturers and found within most PID gas detection instruments available today for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Renowned for its outstanding humidity-resistant performance and anti-contamination design, ION Science patented PID sensor technology gives results you can trust in the most extreme conditions. Look no further for accurate, reliable, trusted PID technology from the global PID gas detection experts!

Exceptional customer service & support

We aim to be a pleasure to deal with, to listen to our customer feedback, do what we say, and give the best advice. We aim to always do better than expected and support our customers as best we can. Our gas detection instrumentation can be returned for servicing at our UK headquarters or to a local Authorised Service Centre trained and qualified to ION Science standards, where you can expect to receive the same high levels of service support.

Dedicated Research & Development

With a dedicated R&D department, research is at the heart of our company and is fundamental to our sensor technology and product development.

ISO 9001 certified

Our ISO 9001 certification affirms our adherence to a robust management system aimed at continually enhancing processes and procedures. This proactive approach enables us to deliver the highest quality products and services to our customers. Sustaining this certification underscores our ongoing commitment to improving our business management system and maintaining a superior standard of service for our valued customers. View the certificate here: Ion Science Limited QMS 2023-01 – ISO 9001

ISO 45001 certified

Being ISO 45001 certified highlights our unwavering commitment to the well-being of employees and stakeholders. Thiscertification advocates for a robust occupational health and safety system, emphasising the reduction of workplace risks and the enhancement of the overall working environment. View the certificate here: Ion Science Limited OHSMS 2023-01 – ISO 45001

ISO 14001 certified

Our ISO 14001 certification is a testament to our dedication to environmental sustainability. Through the adoption of environmentally friendly management practices, we strive to minimise our ecological footprint while ensuring regulatory compliance. This aligns with our core mission to: ‘To protect lives and preserve the environment’. View the certificate here: Ion Science Limited EMS 2023-01 – ISO 14001

ISO/IEC 80079-34 certified

Our QAN/QAR certifications guarantees that ION Science’s gas detection instruments and sensing technology are produced in accordance with specific certification requirements for explosive atmospheres, ensuring their safety for use in potentially hazardous environments and minimising risks for customers.

View the ATEX certificate here: ION Science ATEX QAN Certificate

View the IECEx certificate here: ION Science IECEx QAR Certificate

Our Vision
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To protect lives and preserve the environment”.

Our Mission
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To be the leader in gas sensing technology with relationships built on trust, pioneering products, responsiveness, and exceptional customer service.

Our Values
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Our History

Here you can look back on the history of ION Science and where it all started.

2023

ION Science launched the dramatically upgraded version of Titan, maintaining its position as the only fixed benzene-specific monitor in the world; Titan 2. Thanks to innovative technology in conjunction with our industry-leading PID sensor technology, the Titan 2 has a reduced likelihood of cross-sensitivity and can detect benzene rapidly at levels as low as 0.02 parts per million (20 parts per billion). At the other end of the scale, it can detect benzene at up to 20 ppm, delivering high speed and high sensitivity.

ION Science also launched the Panther gas leak detector, this instrument took over from its predecessor, the GasCheck G. The Panther PRO allows users to zero the instrument in ambient air, providing visual, audible and vibration alarms when leaks are detected. A colour LCD display and a built-in Gas-Table enables the measurement of concentration and leak rates in a variety of user-selectable units. All measurements can be logged internally and downloaded via Bluetooth or USB. The Panther also features an integrated torch and a flexible probe, which help in low light and restricted areas.

ION Science also achieved ISO 9001 (Excellence in Quality Management), ISO 45001 ( Prioritising Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 14001 (Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility).

2022

ION Science is delighted to announce that on the 21st April 2022, ION won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in the category of Innovation, for its pioneering MiniPID sensors. The award is the highest recognition of business excellence across Britain and endorses the commercial success of ION’s innovative technology. ION Science’s industry-leading PID (photo-ionisation detection) technology offers unparalleled VOC detection, helping users to protect lives and preserve the environment.

The achievement of the Queen’s Award for Innovation reaffirms the design, quality, reliability and success of the MiniPID sensor, whilst also highlighting ION’s dedication to developing and producing new technologies.

Prior to the development of the MiniPID sensor range, VOC sensors often suffered from short operational life, poor reliability, and regular failures in the face of challenging environmental conditions. The MiniPID sensor addresses all these issues and more, highlighting why it is the market leader for performance, quality and standards for all VOC sensors. Able to withstand relative humidity up to 99% (non-condensing), temperatures of -40 to +65 °C, and with an anti-contamination design, the MiniPID range offers 10,000 hours of reliable detection, making it ideal for long-term monitoring. MiniPID sensors also have the widest detection range on the market, from as low as 0.5 ppb (parts per billion) right up to 10,000 ppm (parts per million), making them suitable for any application. ION Science’s sensors can be used to detect over 950 different compounds, many of which can pose a serious threat to human health and life.

2021

ION Science launch the new MiniPID 2 PPM Wide Range and MiniPID 2 PPB Wide Range sensors. ION Science’s new MiniPID 2 PPM WR sensor offers a measurement range up to 10,000 ppm and is aimed at detecting the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of VOCs, as well as Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) applications. The MiniPID 2 PPB WR sensor boasts a measurement range of 20 ppb to 200 ppm making it suitable for Industrial Health & Safety and Fugitive Emissions.

One of our top highlights from 2021 included our Technical Innovation award nomination at the 2021 HazardEx Awards for the Cub 11.7 eV personal solution. This award nomination indicates our commitment to excellence and demonstrating our status as a leading global OEM in VOC detection and instrumentation.

Bringing through innovative new products, and a commitment to ongoing research and development, is a key part of what we do. We were delighted to receive planning permission in September for a new R&D facility at our headquarters in Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire.

Moving into 2022, we are excited to be bringing our MiniPID sensor distribution back to home turf as distribution and direct sales of our products will now be handled by our expert in-house teams. Customers wanting to purchase the MiniPID (PID-A1 or AH variants) should source the world’s best sensor directly from our global ION Science offices.

2020

ION Science launch the Ara Single Gas Detector for H2S, CO, SO2, O2 that provides instantaneous alarms for life-critical safety scenarios. The addition of this product to our portfolio is an exciting development for ION Science as we enter the highly competitive single gas detection market for the first time.

ION Science also launch the high performance long life LT Disc Pump Models offering in excess of 5,000 hours continuous operation under the most demanding conditions.

2019

In line with our 30% year-on-year growth objective, celebrating 30 years we accomplished £20 million turnover in 2019. Increasing global awareness of the need to monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for indoor and outdoor air quality continues to drive demand for our high performance photoionisation detectors (PIDs).

ION Science featured as one of The Sunday Times Profit Track Ones to Watch, in the 20th annual Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100, published in the Business section on Sunday 7th April 2019.

4th September 2019 ION Science confirmed an exclusive agreement with TTP Ventus to distribute its award-winning Disc PumpTM to the global gas detection market. The micropump platform offers a wide range of innovative features designed to deliver ultrafast millisecond response and more sensitive detection of gases.

ION Science launches TVOC 2 Fixed Photoionisation Detector which replaced the previous TVOC detector. The latest TVOC 2 incorporates well proven MiniPID 2 sensor technology for continuous detection of total volatile organic compounds.

2018

In a strategic move to strengthen global growth, customer support, and brand awareness, ION Science opens an office in China. The Shanghai-based office will be aiming its photoionisation detectors (PIDs) for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at a range of markets across China, Hong Kong, and Macau, including indoor and outdoor air quality, oil & gas, environmental, fire / hazmat (first responders), semiconductor, manufacturing and automotive.

ION Science introduces the Fire Investigation Kit featuring the Tiger or Tiger LT VOC detector specifically designed as a convenient, easy-to-use solution for the detection of VOCs within Fire and Arson Investigation applications.

ION Science introduces Gasclam 2 for continuous soil / ground gas monitoring.

ION Science introduces SDK. The Sensor Development Kit offers a simple, efficient and cost-effective way to test and integrate the Ion Science photoionisation detection (PID) sensors into any system.

2017

The ION Science UK headquarters, office and manufacturing plant relocate to a new, eco-friendly, purpose-built £4.5 million facility to meet ambitious global growth plans. To mark this occasion, ION Science holds two successful grand opening events; one for employees and suppliers, the other for its global distribution network. The new headquarters generates employment opportunities for the local area. During 2017, ION Science also refreshes its logo and brand identity.

2016

ION Science launches the Falco fixed VOC monitor with ‘typhoon’ technology specifically designed for extreme weather and condensing atmospheres. We also launch our MiniPID 2 sensor, our best photoionisation detection (PID) sensor technology yet! 2016 also sees the Titan fixed benzene monitor achieve North American and Canadian safety standards.

2015

ION Science set up an in-house printed circuit board (PCB) department as part of an on-going investment programme designed to support further growth. This latest initiative is set to strengthen product quality, increase production efficiencies and shorten lead times.

ION Science Italy opens! 2015 sees the set-up and introduction of an office in Bologna, Italy.

Ion Science launches the Tiger LT, a low-cost variant of our hugely popular Tiger handheld VOC detector. Tiger LT is awarded product of the year by Occupational Health & Safety magazine.

Work commences on-site for a new, eco-friendly building for Ion Science.

2014

The launch of the Titan fixed benzene-specific monitor takes place and is set to revolutionise the petrochemical industry. Ion Science turns 25 years old and celebrates the milestone by taking employees on a river boat cruise on the river Thames!

2013

ION Science opens its second office in the USA based in Stafford, Texas, and relaunches as ION Science Inc.

ION Science introduces the Gascheck Tesla helium leak detector for use within a high magnetic field. The Tiger VOC detector attains NATO stock number for use in VOC monitoring.

2012

ION Science launches the Cub personal VOC monitor, the world’s smallest, lightest, most sensitive PID detector on the market.

2010

Our TVOC fixed continuous VOC detector is certified with ATEX approvals to enable a 3 wire system to be used in Zone 2 hazardous areas, without safety barriers.

ION Science launches the portable MVI mercury vapour detector to international markets.

ION Science receives independent verification for best performing PID technology from the state of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP). Findings of an evaluation prove Ion Science PID technology outperforms its competition.

The revolutionary handheld Tiger VOC detector is launched into global markets.

2009

ION Science launches the GasClam continuous ground gas monitor, the world’s first in-situ mobile ground gas monitor for detecting CH4, CO2, O2, H2S, CO and VOCs.

2008

IECEx (ATEX) certification is received on our MiniPID miniature photoionisation detection sensor technology.

ION Science complete negotiations to purchase Shawcity Ltd, our exclusive UK Distributor.

2007

The launch of our first 4 series photoionisation detection (PID) sensor known as MiniPID is launched to the OEM gas detection market.

2006

The ION Science is awarded a patent for our Fence Electrode Technology featured found within our MiniPID sensor and across our range of VOC detectors. Fence Electrode Technology gives us the competitive edge with its resistance to humidity and contamination.

2005

ION Science Messtechnik launches an SF6 LeakCheck P1:p with high sensitivity and response of less than 1 second to even the smallest of leaks (1 x 10-7).

The PhoCheck+ handheld VOC detector is launched with new, significantly improved features. The FirstCheck 4000 is added to the range of FirstCheck multi-gas VOC detectors.

The TVOC fixed continuous VOC detector is launched.

2004

FirstCheck 6000 is launched for the first response market in the US. It’s the first PID instrument to combine complete multi-gas detection from ppb levels up to 10,000 ppm combined with traditional multi-gas sensors for oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO) and explosive gas (LEL) detection.

In addition, Hydrosteel 7000 is launched; this product is a fixed, totally non-intrusive device for the continuous monitoring of hydrogen flux corrosion at high criticality sites within petrochemical, gas production and petrochemical refining operations.

2003

ION Science launches the PhoCheck 1000, a simple VOC detector for entry into the PID market.

A smart award is received for the development of a permanent Hydrosteel monitoring system after the success of the portable device.

PhoCheck 2000, 3000 and 5000 re-launched with a graphical format.

ISO 9001:2000 certification is achieved.

2002

Dr. Frank Dean joins the Board of Directors, after six valuable years of service as a Research Manager. Together with Mark Stockdale and Duncan Johns they purchase the controlling interest in the company.

ION Science America’s is formed with Mr. Geoff Hewitt as CEO, a former VP of Sales and Marketing for HNU. HNU was the very first PID Company founded in the early 1970’s.

A worldwide patent on PID Fence Electrode was applied for, giving low-level stability in volatile organic compound (VOC) and relative humidity (RH) atmospheres.

2001

The PhoCheck range of VOC detectors is extended with two new models; the 2000 and 3000 Ex. In addition, a new calibration device called the CalCheck is launched for easy calibration of gas leak detectors.

ION Science develops a new high-temperature collector that wins the company a Smart Award to explore the potential of a development for detecting corrosion under insulation.

2000

ION Science launches the PhoCheck 5000 Ex, the company’s first PID instrument that detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) down to parts per billion (ppb) levels. Also launched this year is the Hydrosteel corrosion monitor, the world’s first truly portable hydrogen permeation in steel analyser, for the Oil and Gas industry.

1999

Duncan Johns joins the company as Managing Director, taking over from Mel Vinton. With a wealth of international sales and management experience within the gas detection industry, Duncan joins to strengthen the management team and increase sales internationally.

ION Science Messtechnik launches the GasCheck P1 SF6. ION Science also launches GasCheck 3000 and GasCheck 5000, replacements to the GasCheck B and B4 IS series.

1996

ION Science receives a patent for a hydrogen permeation system, and also introduces the first of our photoionisation detection (PID) technology. The PIDs, with development from Mark Stockdale, were successfully integrated into the Systems Division for leak testing applications.

1995

Dr. Frank Dean joins as Research Manager. Frank, an Electrochemist, and specialist in gas sensing technology was tasked to develop and innovate our technologies allowing us to further develop our sensors, products, and expertise within this field.

1993

ION Science Messtechnik is formed in Dusseldorf with Clemens Verley as the Managing Director. The company is set up to re-sell Ion Science Ltds products and develop leak-testing systems for the automotive market in Germany.

1991

GasCheck B4 IS was introduced as the world’s first Intrinsically Safe leak detector for hydrogen and granted BASEEFA and CENELEC approvals.

ION Science was selected as the main supplier for all radiator leak test machines for Ford (UK) Motor Company.

ION Science gains the quality status of ISO9002.

1990

ION Science launches the first GasCheck B3 and B4 leak testing instrument. GasCheck B3 and B4 is highly sensitive to helium, and many other gases, for testing manufactured parts and vacuum systems for the smallest of leaks.

1989

ION Science was founded in 1989 by Mr. Mark Stockdale and Mr. Mel Vinton. The first in the range of Ion Science products was developed, The Saga Flow Meter. The Saga Flow Meter was manufactured using the first principle of operation; bubbles with a light sensor.