Photo Ionisation Detectors (PID)

What Are PID's?

Photo Ionisation Detectors (PID) are portable gas and vapour detectors that detect a variety of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) using a UV ionisation principal of operation. A PID lamp can measure VOC's in very low concentrations from ppb (parts per billion) up to 10,000ppm (parts per million/ 1% Volume). The most common lamp ratings are 9.8eV, 10.6eV and 11.7eV.

What's the Difference Between PID Lamps?

The 11.7eV lamp can measure the broadest spectrum of VOCs yet it has the shortest lifespan.
10.6eV is the most commonly used lamp because it has a 2-3 year lifespan and offers a wide detection of VOC gases
The 9.8eV PID lamp requires the lowest power and has the longest lifespan but is limited to the number of VOCs it can detect.

Therefore, 11.7eV lamps should only be used when it is necessary to detect VOCs above the 10.6eV spectrum

Can I Use Any PID?

We supply a range of RAE PID detectors which are recognised as market leaders in their field. Each unit has its own specific features to suit specific applications such as the ToxiRAE PID designed to be worn for employee safety whilst the ppbRAE is designed to point and measure to low ppb levels for environmental, HazMat, oil & gas or industrial safety