Tiger PID integrated into UAVs as part of Italian project

Specially designed drone successfully used for accurate and fast mapping of volatile organic compounds leaking from industrial petrochemical plants.

University Of Catania Client name

University Of Catania/ TEKNE s.r.l & MCX s.r.l

Product

Tiger portable VOC detector

Industry/Application

Research Project (Environmental Risk Assessments)

University Of Catania
The Data Science Research Group of the Department of Economics and Business of the University of Catania is formed by researchers working in methodological, applied and computational statistics. Research focuses in the developing of methods and applications related to the extraction of knowledge from either structured or unstructured data. Over the past few years, main research topics have been related to the development of new clustering and classification techniques, mainly in the framework of model-based clustering and mixture models.

TEKNE s.r.l & MCX s.r.l
MCX s.r.l. is an innovative start up business operating in the industrial automation market. TEKNE s.r.l. is an engineering company offering valuable expertise in a wide range of consultancy services including geological and geotechnical studies and applications using UAVs such as topographic surveys with aerophotogrammetry, georeferenced thermographic surveys, environmental monitoring, control of areas after disasters and census of cultivated areas.

As part of an exciting research project led by the University of Catania’s Department of Chemical Sciences, a Tiger portable photoionisation detector (PID) has recently been integrated into an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by Italian businesses TEKNE s.r.l. and MCX s.r.l. The research was focused on distribution of VOCs at petrochemical plants, refineries and other chemical facilities where odour comfort, air composition and the health and safety of employees is crucial. Drones mounted with sensors have been used previously for monitoring VOCs. However, if the drone is close to the source, the results can be influenced by blade-induced turbulence.

A Spokesperson at MCX and TEKNE Comments:

“The early detection of leaks of pollutants, hazardous or explosive substances is more important than ever before. We can never let our guard down when dealing with the production and handling of dangerous or explosive substances or pollutants.

University Of Catania/TEKNE s.r.l & MCX s.r.l

By incorporating the Tiger PID with probe of appropriate length into the drone we overcame the effect of turbulence, and succeeded in developing a small but effective flying chemical laboratory which can map large areas and detect chemical leaks quickly and accurately. It really is a game-changer and several companies within the petrochemical industry have already shown interest.

A Spokesman at MCX and TEKNEMCX and TEKNE

Related Case Studies

300 Tiger VOC gas detectors

ION Science has recently supplied 300 Tiger hand-held volatile organic compound (VOC) detectors to Germany’s Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance.

View Details

Canadian hospital uses Tiger to ensure safe working

Handheld photoionization (PID) instrument used to monitor emissions from housekeeping products such as paints, adhesives and new furniture

View Details

Canine and PID partnership for Fire Investigation Purposes

Tiger PID instrument used as Fire Investigation Tool to work alongside Fire and Rescue Service search and rescue dog team.

View Details