Yes, ION Science has received independent verification from the state of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP). Contact sensors@ionscience.com to obtain the information.

No, PID sensors are non-selective and non-discriminatory. If a chemical can be ionised by the light then it will be sensed.

No. The MiniPID 2 sensor is designed to fit ION Science lamps ONLY. Using lamps from other sources could potentially damage the sensor and will void warranty.

The lamp life is based upon total hours illuminated, so powering off the sensor when measurements are not required will extend the lamp life.

Typical useful life for argon lamps (11.7 eV) is several hundred hours. Argon lamps include high UV transmitting windows made of lithium fluoride, which is susceptible to degradation by water vapour. Occasionally, lamp output may be curtailed by exposure to high molecular weight VOCs, silicones or amines. However, lamps with lithium fluoride windows can be cleaned only by gentle polishing the surface of the window with anhydrous ethanol or methanol on a cotton swab. Excess alcohol should be removed with a lint free tissue. Argon lamps not in use should be stored in an anhydrous [moisture-free] environment to prevent slow degradation of the lithium fluoride window by ambient moisture. Contact sensors@ionscience.com if you require further information.

Photoionisation detection or PID, works by exposing a test gas sample to high energy UV light. In a process called photoionisation, the light breaks many volatile compounds, including most VOCs, into electrically charged particles or ions. The ions are attracted by an electric field to electrodes, where they pass through an electric circuit as a small electric current. This current is proportional to the concentration of the VOC. The MiniPID sensor includes a third fence electrode (patented) to ensure that the amplified current does not include significant contributions due to other current sources such as water condensation on the PID enclosure walls.

The patented Fence Electrode PID manufactured by ION Science eliminates the effect of water condensation on PID response. This ensures far more stable responses, and instrument clear down in very humid atmospheres. Please refer to TA-01 for more information.

The MiniPID Fence Electrode dose not interact directly with humidity. It provides an electrical barrier to the effects of low level humidity condensation in the PID enclosure with minimum interference to the PID output. Please refer to TA-01 for more information.

MiniPID 2 is available in two configuration, one which uses an internal regulator (MiniPID 2 Regulated) and one which requires a regulated power supply (MiniPID 2 Standard) from the host electronics. The configuration with the internal regulator requires a power supply of 3 – 3.6 V. The configuration without an internal regulator is available in two variants, 3.6 to 10V for intrinsically safe applications and 3.6 – 18 V for use in non intrinsically safe applications.

A gas search tool is available on the ION Science website.

If your chemical cannot be found when searched, please contact service@ionscience.com and advise the chemical name, formula and (‘CAS No.’) to ensure no ambiguity in our recommendation.

This depends on your existing design or whether you’re designing from the ground up. If you are designing from the ground up using the version with the Internal Regulator will make you design easier. Please contact sensors@ionscience.com, if you require further support.