Sensing toxic vapour emissions

February 2009 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

Portable, intrinsically safe, dual PID/FID analyser.

The Thermo Scientific TVA1000B is an over-the-shoulder portable vapour analyser that offers both photo ionisation detection (PID) and flame ionisation detection (FID) in a single, easy-to-use instrument. The ability to utilise both technologies benefits in reduced weight and a single user interface, allowing personnel to easily monitor and log inorganic and organic vapours simultaneously.

Simultaneous FID/PID detection

Dual detection eliminates the time, expense and trouble of purchasing and maintaining two separate analysers.

With PID detection, the user has not only the ability to monitor for organic compounds, but can also detect many inorganic compounds. Some compounds detected by PID and not FID are ammonia, carbon disulphide, carbon tetrachloride, formaldehyde, and hydrogen sulphide. The PID also has the advantage of not requiring fuel or air to operate, allowing measurement in anaerobic environments.

FID detection

Users can measure a wide variety of organic vapours over a dynamic range (0-50 000 ppm), monitoring some compounds that the PID will not detect. The FID operates by breaking hydrocarbon bonds and is not limited by molecules of low ionisation potential.

Probe options

Standard probe

Displays measured values on a 4-character LCD, while a bar graph provides an indication of concentration level. Function keys facilitate the selection of analyser functions.

Enhanced probe

Originally designed for fugitive emissions monitoring, the enhanced probe has a larger display area, providing up to six lines of 20 characters. It also provides menu-driven access to many of the analyser functions, allowing them to be easily initiated or changed.

Powerful field capabilities

The TVA1000B DataManager allows users to modify or create route data in the field, eliminating the need for manual recording, thus aiding compliance with the electronic data storage requirements within most consent decrees. The probe has a highly visible 360 degree LED with a pulsed rate linked to concentration.

The DataManager provides access to all of the features previously available only through the side pack. Users can also easily search and navigate between tags in a route by simply entering the desired tag identifier.

ThermoConnect Software

ThermoConnect is a Windows based application that enables users of the TVA1000B to transfer, display, analyse, and configure data from the instrument using a computer.

The software has been updated with a powerful new utility to create new route database template files. This utility allows users to easily build their own route database and design the screen appearance through a four-step process. Also, any existing route files in the old file format are still recognised by the TVA and may be upgraded to the new format.

Applications

* Fugitive emissions monitoring.

* Emergency response.

* Underground storage tanks.

* Industrial hygiene.

* Natural gas leak detection.

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