{"id":243061,"date":"2020-08-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ionscience.com\/news\/pid-for-arson-investigation-2\/"},"modified":"2020-08-25T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-08-24T23:00:00","slug":"pid-for-arson-investigation-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ionscience.com\/usa\/news\/pid-for-arson-investigation-2\/","title":{"rendered":"PID for Arson Investigation – Photoionisation Detectors"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\n
\n
\n
\n

PID for Arson Investigation<\/h3>\n

One such tool for the detection of accelerants at fire scenes recommended by investigators3<\/sup> is the photoionisation detector<\/a> (PID) which has already proven to be an ideal solution for the detection of relatively low level VOCs for health & safety and environmental applications.<\/p>\n

These devices are battery powered and portable and can be deployed rapidly and safely to test areas between floorboards and under carpets where residual traces of accelerant may remain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Where positive indications of accelerant residue are discovered, grab samples can be taken and carefully stored for subsequent analysis using headspace sampling and gas chromatography (GC). During headspace sampling, debris is collected in a part-filled, sealed jar and allowed to stabilise as debris is collected in a part-filled, sealed jar and allowed to stabilise at room temperature.<\/p>\n

Any VOCs present will volatise (evaporate) and concentrate in the \u2018headspace\u2019 leading to a positive, reading on the PID. PIDs are \u2018broadband\u2019 in nature whereas GCs can speciate exact chemical makeup, therefore, only samples which incite high or significant PID readings need to be sent for more detailed analysis, saving time and money.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Figure 2 is a schematic of a proprietary PID sensor system. \u00a0A UV lamp generates high-energy photons, which pass through the lamp window and into the sensor chamber. \u00a0Ambient air is pumped over the sensor and about 1% of it diffuses through a porous membrane filter into the other side of the sensor chamber. The inset on the lower right of figure 2 shows what happens on a molecular level. When a photon with enough energy strikes a molecule M, an electron (e-) is ejected. \u00a0M+ ion travels to the cathode and the electron travels to the anode, resulting in a current proportional to the VOC concentration. The electrical current is amplified and displayed as a part per million (ppm) or part per billion (ppb) concentration.<\/p>\n

Not all molecules can be ionised. Conveniently, the major components of clean air i.e. nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, etc., do not cause a response, but most accelerants do give a broadband response.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"MiniPID

Above diagram: Inside the ION Science MiniPID sensor<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

There are several good reasons to use a PID for arson investigation:-<\/strong><\/h3>\n