ION Science India
#1-90/B/C/3/1,G-10, Charmy,
Vittal Rao Nagar, Image Hospital Lane
Madhapur, Hyderabad – 500 081,
Telangana State,
INDIA
Tel: +91-40-4853 6129 or +91-40-4853 6130
info@ionscience-india.com
A: The 10 eV MiniPID 2 has an extra window embedded within the electrode stack which allows 10 eV light through but not 10.6 eV light.
A: Yes, Ion Science has received independent verification from the state of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP). Contact info@ionscience.com to obtain the information.
A: From new; Zero: 30mV100ppm, Span: 100 to 250mV. Returned to Service; 100ppm, Span: >60mV
A: The MiniPID2 has a filter which allows for free diffusion of ambient air into and out of the sensor whilst minimising ingress of contaminants and particulates.The MiniPID2 can also sample from a gas stream passed over the filter exterior. The flow should be a minimum of 100 mbar.L/min, ideally 300 mbar.L and above.For more information please see the MiniPID 2 PID sensor manual.
A: Custom calibration can be carried out on the GasCheck G, with the option for cc/sec or ppm calibration. Please refer to the calibration section of the GasCheck G leak detector user manual for further information.
A: It is possible for the MVI mercury vapour detector alarm to be adjusted below the specified safety alarm which is pre-set within the instrument, however, this should only be carried out by an authorised service technician. Please contact your local authorised service centre, who will be able to discuss with you an appropriate alarm level to suit your needs, and make the necessary arrangements for this to be completed.
A: No, PID sensors are non-selective and non-discrimatory. If a chemical can be ionised by the light then it will be sensed.
A: The GasCheck G2 is configured to display only one detectable gas and one unit of measure; these settings are chosen by the user during initial purchase. However, it is important to note that the GasCheck is not selective and cannot distinguish between detectable gases, therefore, GasCheck will respond to the presence of other detectable gases. For more information, please refer to our GasCheck G leak detector brochure.
A: Yes, you can. Please contact your local Ion Science Authorised Service Centre. Please note, a small fee applies.
A: Yes. Contact your local Authorised Service Centre and request a replacement certificate. Please note, a small fee applies for this request.
A: The lamp life is based upon total hours illuminated, so powering off the sensor when measurements are not required will extend the lamp life.
A: MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. This is a guide to cautions, hazards and first aid measures you need to be aware of when using DRY POWDER GAMA ALUMINA.The MSDS for the PID Cleaning Compound can be found here.
A: Yes, you can. Please see a copy of each below.
A: Yes, you can access the IECEx documents from the following product pages, within downloads:
A: No. Especially since dealing with mercury, the MVI mercury vapour detector should only be opened by an Ion Science Ltd Authorised Service Centre, trained to service the MVI. Any instrument opened by unauthorised persons will void the warranty, and may put users at risk. If you believe that there is an issue with your unit, please return it to your nearest MVI authorised Service Centre for inspection. If you can’t find one in your area you will need to return your instrument to the Ion Science head office. Please contact our Service department to arrange this; Email: service@ionscience.com, Tel: 44 (0) 1763 208 503.
A: We would not recommend switching the orientation of the filter, as dirt/particles which had previously been captured by the filter may then be drawn into the instrument. Once the filter has been fitted, the orientation should remain the same.
A: PID can be used at any reasonable pressure down to vacuum, as long as it is used as a diffusive monitor. A response of, say, 100 ppm isobutylene is normalised to 100 ppm isobutylene in air at 1 bar pressure and 20 °C. This reading in a vacuum would relate to the same concentration of isobutylene as in air at 1 bar and 20°C.
A:
Yes, for Tiger handheld VOC detector, Tiger Select handheld benzene detector, TigerLT handheld VOC monitor and Cub personal VOC detector. The instrument firmware can be upgraded via the PC software. Please refer to the instrument user manual for further details.
For GasCheck G leak detector, GasCheck IS handheld leak detector and GasCheck Tesla helium leak detector, the Firmware can be upgraded by your local authorised service centre.
A: The MiniPID 2 PID sensor is designed to fit Ion Science lamps. Using lamps from other sources could potentially damage the sensor and will void warranty.
A: No. The unit will not charge whilst the unit is switched on; the MVI mercury vapour detector must be switched off when charging and the green LED light will illuminate to confirm charging is in progress. The instrument cannot be used to monitor an area whilst on charge.
A: The factory calibration data is set during a factory calibration and can be selected at any time by the user. Factory calibration can only be unlocked by an Authorised Service Centre.
A: Life…The life expectancy of Photoionisation Detector (PID) lamps depends on how they are operated. Factors such as detector temperature, current through the lamp, sample type and window cleaning procedures all directly affect useful life.Operation…Typical useful life for lamps with lithium fluoride window (11.7eV or more) is about 200 hours when the lamp is operated at room temperature. Lamps with these windows should not be operated above room temperature because lithium fluoride is susceptible to degradation by water vapour at elevated temperatures.During normal operation of the photoionisation detector, the lamp window can become coated with a film of UV absorbing materials which is deposited from the gas stream. This reduces the lamp’s effective light output, results in a loss of sensitivity and shows as a substantial drop in peak height or area on the chromatogram. Removal of the lamp and proper cleaning of the lamp window will usually restore the detector sensitivity.Maintenance…Since some UV inhibiting deposits are invisible to the eye, regular cleaning of the lamp window is strongly recommended. It is best to clean the lamp frequently, once a week or more depending on the detector usage, to prevent heavy build-up of deposits that may be difficult to remove.Lamps with lithium fluoride windows can be cleaned by gently polishing the surface of the window with anhydrous alcohol on a cotton swab, followed by an anhydrous methanol or ethanol rinse and then wiping dry with a soft tissue. Do not allow the alcohol to remain on the window surface as it will leave a film.Use care during the polishing step so that the film is removed without damage to the window surface. Stubborn films may require multiple cleanings for complete removal.Lamps not in use should be stored in an anhydrous environment to prevent slow degradation of the lithium fluoride window by ambient moisture.
A: For MiniPID 2s with supply voltages between 3.0 and 3.6 V the internal rail voltage will be the same as the supply voltage. This means that a higher rail voltage will increase the brightness of the lamp and therefore increase sensitivity. A lamp will be approximately twice as bright running at 3.6 V compared to running at 3.0 V.MiniPID 2s with supply voltages above 3.6 V have an internal voltage regulator. This means the internal rail voltage is kept at a constant 3.3 V irrespective of the supply voltage, and therefore the lamp brightness is kept constant too.
A: The MiniPID 2 has revised circuitry to improve consistency and temperature stability. Aside from improvements made, MiniPID and MiniPID 2 are totally interchangeable as sensors.Please note though that lamps are not, as MiniPID 2 exclusively uses our recently developed long-life 10.6 eV lamps which are more powerful.This means if a long-life lamp is used in MiniPID the maximum detection range may be lower than specified. If a MiniPID lamp is used in MiniPID 2 then sensitivity may be lower than specified.For further information please see Technical Bulletin 168.
A: Since the TVOC fixed PID detector can display mg/m3 and outputs 4-20mA it does, therefore, have the capability to connect to the U12-006 HOBO data logger. Please note, however, that the output does not supply power for the 4-20mA and, therefore, external power will be required.
A: A clip tool is provided with the sensor which quick-releases the electrode stack and lamp for inspection, cleaning and replacement.For reassembly, the lamp and electrode stack quickly and easily click back into place.
A: A searchable database is available on our website. If your chemical cannot be found please contact us at info@ionscience.com and advise the Chemical name and Formula and CAS No to ensure no ambiguity in answer.
A: MVI mercury vapour detector should be returned on an annual basis for refurbishment and calibration. To help preserve the performance of your MVI, we would recommend regular user maintenance of the unit.
A: Fuses may be replaced by end users who are using the TVOC fixed PID detector in a non-intrinsically safe application. If the application is for intrinsically safe use, using barriers, the TVOC will need to be returned to the nearest service centre.The125mA fuse will rupture due to over voltage or power surge. Considering this, if this fuse is continuously blowing, that would suggest that the TVOC may not be being used with barriers. Please contact your local service centre for advice.
A: This is an indication that there may be a problem with the fan assembly. Please contact your local Authorised Service Centre for further information.
A: The presence of 'is' at the end of the instrument model number is an indication that a unit has Intrinsically Safe approval. Gascheck 3000is and 5000is instruments, which have black mouldings, are Intrinsically Safe. Instruments which have grey mouldings, such as the Gascheck 3000, 5000 and G models, are not Intrinsically Safe.Please do not hesitate to contact your local distributor for further information or advice.
A: We supply cleaning kits for lamps consisting of alumina powder and cotton swabs.For light contamination a high-grade anhydrous solvent can be gently wiped on the surface and left to completely evaporate.
A: A PID measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air by photoionisation detection (PID).A lamp emits photons of high energy UV light and photoionisation occurs when a photon is absorbed by a molecule generating two electrically charged ions, one positively charged, and one negatively charged.An electric field generated between electrodes attracts these ions and the resulting current is proportional to the concentration of the VOC.The MiniPID 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 chamber walls.
A: Ion Science recommends instruments should be serviced once every 12 months. Contact your local Authorised Service Centre for more information.
A: Powder coated painted mild steel back. 304 stainless steel front plate. Nickel coated brass sensor cap.
A:
The beep is called a 'confidence beep' for when the instrument is used in an area where you can't see the display, to indicate that the unit is on.
A: The following instruments are all Intrinsically Safe, please click on the links below to view the document for each instrument. You can also find further details on Intrinsic Safety in the specification for each instrument.
A: Please contact your local service centre - ensure the battery power is sufficient to operate the instrument.
A: The detector has three electrodes which are very close to each other. If no filters are used dust, lint or small particles can get lodged between the electrodes. When the sample air is humid the particles will conduct electricity and you can see a reading that rises slowly but steadily and keeps on going. The dust can easily be cleaned by removing the lamp and liberally blowing clean compressed air into the detector. Consult an up to date user manual for instructions.Alternatively, we have developed an internal filter which may be inserted to minimise ingress of particles. For further information contact Ion Science.
A: The span gas portion of the custom calibration may be inaccurate. Set back to factory calibration and see if you get a similar response. If yes, then ensure there are not some high levels of VOCs present. Remove lamp and clean, blow out cell and re-calibrate. Contact your local Authorised Service Centre if this fails.
A:
The pump error indicates that there may a blockage or leak within the system. Firstly, we would recommend checking to ensure that the inlet and outlet of the instrument are not blocked or restricted. Next, please check the PTFE filter at the probe inlet to see whether this requires replacement.
Then, please inspect the sensor compartment, in which the mini PID sits, and inspect the blue sensor seal, electrode stack and lamp for signs of discolouration or residue. It may be necessary to carry out some simple user maintenance. Please refer to the Tiger user manual, and ensure that the instrument is reassembled securely.
If problems persist, please contact your local authorised service centre for further assistance.
A: II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 (-40oC ≤ Ta ≤ +55oC) @ 1.1W limitation(-40oC ≤ Ta ≤ +65oC) @ 0.9W limitationBS EN 60079-0:2012+A11:2013Electrical Apparatus for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres – General Requirement BS EN 60079-11:2012Explosive Atmospheres - Equipment Protection by Intrinsic Safety ‘i’ BS EN 61010-1:2010Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – General requirements UL913; 2nd EditionIntrinsically safe apparatus and associated apparatus for use in Class I, II, III, Division 1, Hazardous (Classified) Locations CSA-C22.2 No157-92Intrinsically safe and non-incendive equipment for use in Hazardous Locations (Update 2)
A: Yes, we are. You can view our certificate of approval here: Ion Science ISO 9001:2008
A: Ion Science is part of an organisation called WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Being part of the WEEE directives, our WEEE Compliance Partner collects our disused instruments and takes them to a registered recycling centre. The instruments are then broken down/recycled/disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.To dispose of your old instrument safely, please return it to us and we will take care of it. Please note: there will be a cost to send your instrument back to our Ion Science UK Office. Please contact us for more information.
A: The ‘HPPM’ MiniPID2 has the ability to detect whether the lamp is illuminated and will output a fault signal if it has not. There is also a hole at the base of the sensor through which the illuminated lamp can be seen.
A: Please contact info@ionscience.com with details on your application. Our technical team can then best advise which product is most suitable.
A:
The Tiger handheld VOC detector should be charged for at least 7 hours before using it for the first time. To ensure optimum charging the Tiger should be switched off during charging. If left on, the Tiger will take longer to charge, but should not suffer any damage. The Tiger should be charged in a non-hazardous environment only.
The Cub personal VOC detector should be charged for at least 4 hours before using it for the first time. The Cub should be charged in a non-hazardous environment only.
It is important to ensure that the MVI mercury vapour detector is not left to charge for longer than 16 hours from a fully discharged battery. If the unit requires a top up charging then 2 – 8 hours charging should be sufficient. Please be aware that the MVI must be switched off to enable successful charging.
If you require any further information please contact your local authorised service centre.
A: The MVI mercury vapour detector requires a long charging period, however, we would recommend that the instrument is not left to charge for longer than 16 hours as this can damage the batteries and result in a shorter battery life. Charging your unit for 16 hours should result in a running time of approximately 6 – 8 hours. It is also important to ensure that the instrument is charged using the charger provided.
A: A 10.6eV lamp has a life expectancy of 10000 hours continuous use. An 11.7eV lamp has a much lower life of approximately 200 hours.The life expectancy of these lamps is also dependent on the maintenance and application they are used in.
A: Although we do not permit users to open the MVI units, there are some external checks and maintenance that may be carried out. We would advise that users always run the unit using the external filters provided; this reduces the chance of contaminants being drawn into the unit and causing internal damage to components.Filters should be replaced on a regular basis; depending on application and environmental conditions, this could be once every week to once every 3 months. When the filter is showing signs of contamination replace immediately. For further details, please refer to the MVI mercury vapour detector manual.
A: The patented Fence Electrode PID manufactured by Ion Science eliminates problems relative to humidity and accurate VOC detection. Fence Electrode PIDs deliver faster and more dependable readings in varying environments. VOC instruments are more repeatable and have a faster clear down compared to other PID electrode technology.
A: The maximum flow pressure into the sensor itself should be no more than 300mL/min to avoid excessive pressure build up which can affect the detection signal.
A: The MiniPID 2 PID sensor detects whether the lamp is illuminated by the ionisation current within the electrode stack. If the lamp is not illuminated then there will be no ionisation current and the MiniPID 2 will signal a lamp error (35 mV) on the output pins. The lamp error will also be raised if the lamp light is very weak.The lamp error is only available on the ‘HPPM’ MiniPID 2.
A: If the MiniPID 2 PID sensor is reading high in a humid environment then it likely that the electrode stack has become heavily contaminated and the electrode stack should be changed.
A: Over a lifetime of usage the lamp power will decay, and therefore the sensitivity of the sensor will do too. This can be up to 5% per month, and should be taken into account when considering calibration periods.
A: The lamp will take a maximum of 15 seconds to illuminate, after which the sensor will be stable.After periods of storage or non-usage the MiniPID 2 PID sensor may be susceptible to baseline settlement issues as the light from the lamp can generate an ion current when impacting the electrodes within the detection volume. In such an event, it is recommended that the MiniPID 2 sensor is left powered in a clean air environment for an hour or two.
A: The MiniPIDs in Ion Science instruments have a six rather than three pin connector, which allow for additional diagnostics and functionality. 6-pin MiniPIDs are not available for OEM use.
A: Care must be taken to avoid touching the window surface as any grease or film will occlude the light. It is advised that powder-free gloves are used whenever handling lamps to prevent contamination.
A: Any chip on the lamp window will reduce the lamp energy and therefore results could be low. Now would be a good time to get a spare lamp in case the seal between the window and lamp has been compromised and is slowly leaking.
A: Yes, please contact info@ionscience.com for more information.
A: When the filter is showing signs of contamination, replace immediately. Frequency of replacement is dependent on application and environmental conditions.
A: Normally we suggest to perform a bump test in normal measure mode with a CalCheck SF6 attached to the probe. If the bump test is not within the tolerance level (approx. +/- 5 .. 10 %) than we suggest to perform a calibration.The frequency of bump test is in relation to the user profile of the instrument. For example, if the instrument is being used as a service instrument for field use, it should be tested before it is sent out. On the other hand a production instrument should be tested either every morning or every week.The calibration of the instrument is quite stable and we believe the clients will find out rather quickly if they need to perform a test every morning or every week.
A: All of our instrument software is thoroughly tested before being launched and is compatible with the most current Windows operating platform. For more information please contact us.
A: There are three likely causes:
A: Please be aware that the IP rating of the TVOC enclosure is IP65 and the sensor housing is IP54. The TVOC can be mounted in areas subject to rainfall, however, Ion Science suggests mounting the TVOC at least 300mm (12”) above any other object to avoid rain splashing water up into the sensor chamber.
A: Unfortunately, no.
A: During normal operation the MiniPID 2 PID sensor will nominally consume 110 mW. During start up a 100 ms 130 mA (430 mW) transient will occur.
A: Ion Science are part of an organisation called WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Being part of the WEEE directives, our WEEE Compliance Partner collect the instruments and take them to a registered recycling centre, where the instruments are broken down/recycled/disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. All you need to do is send us your old instrument which you wish to dispose of. We then take it from there. Please note: there will be a cost to send you instrument back to our Ion Science Office. Please contact us for more information.
A: The TVOC fixed PID detector display can still operate even if the power required for the 4 to 20 mA is not supplied. The Orange connector will require 5V to 28V input power; this will allow the display to start up and run the TVOC.The Green connector will require 8V to 35V output power; this will be linked to the 4 to 20 mA.
A:
It is not uncommon for the displayed reading to drift slightly. Ensuring that you are in a clean environment or using a carbon filter, adjust the central Zero Adjust Button to set the display to 0μg/m3, or 0.0μg/m3 on the 200μg/m3 range. If you feel that the displayed response is changing rapidly, please contact your nearest Authorised Service Centre.
A: A development board for MinPID 2 PID sensor evaluation is in progress and will be released early 2017.
A: Whilst the temperature itself should not be an issue, the quick change in temperature may result in condensation forming on the electronics; please be aware that the TVOC fixed PID detector spec states 0-95% non-condensing RH. Providing condensation does not form, this should be fine.
A: Ion Science recommends that you use only the provided charger. Please see the instrument brochure for specific instrument details.
A: The MiniPID 2 PID sensor body and 10.6 eV lamps have a warranty period of 1 year.11.7 eV lamps and electrode stacks have a warranty on receipt only.Our full limited warranty statement can be found here.
A:
A: A response factor is a number which relates the MiniPID 2 response to a particular VOC relative to isobutylene. If you know what VOC you are measuring then multiplying the displayed concentration by the RF of the VOC will result in the actual concentration of VOC. Response factors values can be either inferred from the chemical structure or tested directly.Response factors for gases are different for the MiniPID 2 10, 10.6 and 11.7 eV.
A: Firmware versions are displayed on your instrument during start-up.
A: When instruments are first switched on, the firmware version will be displayed during the initial start-up sequence.
A: The Fence Electrode allows the humidity to pass through the detector with minimum reduction or interference to the PID/VOC signal.
#1-90/B/C/3/1,G-10, Charmy,
Vittal Rao Nagar, Image Hospital Lane
Madhapur, Hyderabad – 500 081,
Telangana State,
INDIA
Tel: +91-40-4853 6129 or +91-40-4853 6130
info@ionscience-india.com
© 2019 Ion Science | Ion Science is a registered trademark of Ion Science Ltd