What Is A PID Gas Detector And How Do They Work?

PID stands for photoionisation detector and this device is used to measure the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are any chemical compounds that possess significant vapour pressures and that can have serious effects on our health and to the environment. The monitoring of VOCs is so important because their effects are long term but those affected will be slow to display symptoms.

This is where PID gas detectors come into play. They are utilized by many industries and workplaces, particularly those where solvents like paints and adhesives are regularly used or where workers are required to work in confined spaces. These devices are used in conjunction with ventilation systems to ensure satisfactory air quality.

Ultraviolet light is used to ionize the molecules that pass through the equipment. This ‘excites’ the molecules, which causes them to loose electrons and they become positively and negatively charged ions. It is these ions that generate the electric current. The stronger the current, the greater the concentration of VOCs in the air.

To ensure that your PID gas detector is able to effectively identify the presence of VOCs in your workplace, it will require careful calibration. As these devices are able to detect compounds at very low concentrations, regular calibrations will ensure that these readings are accurate. This is one of the features that make PID gas detectors highly desirable in potentially hazardous environments.