Frequently Asked Questions

A PID sensor is a device used to measure and monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to very low concentrations and other gases in the air. It relies on a process called photoionisation to detect and quantify these substances.

A PID sensor works by irradiating a gas sample with ultraviolet light. This light energy ionizes the gas molecules, producing positively charged ions and an electron. The resulting ionization current from the electrons is proportional to the concentration of the VOCs in the sample.

PID sensors are used in a variety of industries, including environmental monitoring, industrial safety, hazardous material response, indoor air quality assessments and ambient outdoor air quality.

PID sensors offer fast and accurate measurements, real-time monitoring, and the ability to detect a wide range of VOCs. They are also portable and easy to use, making them versatile tools for many applications.

PID sensors can detect a broad spectrum of VOCs, including solvents, fuels, pesticides, and other organic compounds.

Yes, PID sensors are safe to use when operated according to manufacturer instructions. They are designed to be non-destructive and non-invasive.

Calibrating a PID sensor involves exposing it to a known concentration of a specific VOC and recording the mV response for that known concentration. This is often done at the zero point, at the midpoint and at the end of the detection range. . Regular calibration ensures accurate readings.

Environmental conditions, sensor contamination, and the presence of interfering compounds can affect some PID sensor accuracy on the market. ION Science’s innovative feature of humidity-resistance helps maintain optimum sensor performance in challenging humidity conditions, contributing to reliable and accurate readings in diverse environments.

Yes, PID sensors provide real-time measurements, allowing for immediate response to changing gas concentrations.

Consider factors like the range of VOCs you need to detect, required sensitivity, environmental conditions, and the intended application when choosing a PID sensor.

Regular maintenance, including cleaning, calibration, and sensor replacement, is crucial to ensure PID sensors operate optimally.

Yes, many PID sensors can be integrated into data logging and remote monitoring systems for enhanced data collection and analysis.

Proper storage and handling are essential to prevent damage to PID sensors. This includes protecting them from extreme temperatures and physical damage.

PID sensors excel in detecting VOCs but may not be suitable for all gas types. Compare them to other gas detection technologies to determine the best choice for your needs.

While PID sensors are primarily designed for VOC detection, some models can detect combustible gases indirectly by measuring changes in VOC concentration.

Future developments may focus on improved sensitivity, lower detection limits, and enhanced data integration capabilities.

High percentage of humidity effects the performance and can result in False results. Ion Science PIDs are made with patent Fence Electrode Technology which minimizes the effect of humidity on the performance of the sensor.

We do have global offices in Germany, France, USA, India, China and Italy along with the head office in the UK. We are selling in 7 continents of the world and can deliver products in each country globally.

Ion Science PIDs are certified to ATEX, IECEX and UL standards.

FID uses a hydrogen-air flame to ionize a sample gas, while PID uses UV photons.

We are a supplier known for being committed and delivering the best lead times in the market. For samples we aim to deliver quantities in less than a week and for bulk orders it depends on the quantity and variant. Please get in touch and we will see what best we can do to support.

Both lamps produce different ionization energies used to ionize the target gases. Most of the compounds can be ionized using 10.6 eV lamp, whereas for the compounds which have ionization energy of more than 10.6, you may need an 11.7 eV lamp.

Photo Ionization Detectors are very sensitive and detect all compounds of the BTEX group, which are Benzene, Toulene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene.

Yes, we do supply an integration kit for quick and easy installation. Please get in touch if you need more details.

Yes. Ideally, we suggest calibration of all PIDs using your target gas. Alternatively, Isobutylene can be used for the calibration.

Ion Science PIDs are servicable and falls under 5 years of warranty.

Yes, you can clean the lamp using our lamp cleaning kit. Please see video (How to service a photoionization sensor (youtube.com)) for the complete guide on how to do it.

Yes, you can replace the lamp. Please see video (How to service a photoionization sensor (youtube.com)) for the complete guide on how to do it.

Yes, you can replace an Electrode Stack. Please see video (How to service a photoionization sensor (youtube.com)) for the complete guide on how to do it.

Please get in touch with the team and they will help you to claim your warranty.

Every Ion Science PID label includes the serial number. Please look for the 9-digit number on the label.

Please get in touch with our team to arrange the required replacement.

Please share the serial number with our team and they will revert with the information.

NextPM is optimised for use in a wide range of settings from outdoor environments, transportation, and industry through to air quality in smart cities and buildings. The technology enables ultra-precise measurements to be obtained, even in extreme climatic conditions including very low pollution environments like cleanrooms, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals applications.

The NextPM has the ability to automatically trigger and regulate its internal heater in case of high relative humidity. This provides a better measurement accuracy in those specific environmental conditions by drying the input air and the particles.

To extend the lifetime of the device, we recommend placing a metallic grid at the inlet of the NextPM to avoid insects or dust getting in the sensor. Please get in touch for more details.

If the integration is difficult, you can add a duct made with antistatic materials and with an internal diameter of 8 to 10 mm (depending on the rigidity of the material). The maximum length of the duct must not exceed 100cm to avoid particle losses in the tube, and approximative measurements. Avoid sharp angles in the tubing as much as possible to prevent particle losses and approximation in measurements.

Yes, the sensor is already calibrated. There are 3 levels of calibration available. Please get in touch for more details.

ION CONNECT is a PCB which connects directly with MiniPID 2 and ION SENSE PID to convert their analogue signal to digital. The PCB has board to board connectors which allow simple physical integration and utilises industry standard UART and I2C for digital communication. The microprocessor-controlled board also stores calibration and configuration information enabling smart functionality to our PID sensors.

ION TRANSMIT PCB is an expansion of the ION CONNECT PCB allowing long range access to all the ION CONNECT features over industry standard RS485 Modbus RTU. Analogue data transmission is also available via 4-20 mA outputs. This PCB gives the user access to 4-20mA and Modbus RTU in a 32mm diameter.

ION PROGRAM is a PCB that pairs with ION CONNECT allowing the user to communicate directly via ION PC software via USB-C to USB-A cable. This is useful for rapid assessment of our PID sensors, easy configuration and FW updates to ION CONNECT.

This is a user-friendly software which allows the user all the functionality the integration boards have to offer. The software can be used for setting, calibration and has a sleek live reading dashboard. It is free to download and use.

ION CONNECT KIT comes with 2 boards, ION CONNECT and ION PROGRAM along with a gas hood and all the accessories required to use straight out the box.

ION TRANSMIT kit comes with 3 boards, ION CONNECT, ION CONNECT and ION PROGRAM along with a gas hood and accessories required to use straight out the box.

You can download the ION PC software from: https://ionsense.com/ion-connect

1-Pair ION CONNECT board with ION PROGRAM board using board-to-board pins.
2-Use a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect to your PC.
3-Open ION PC software and select the appropriate COM port.

ION CONNECT is compatible with MiniPID 2 (3.0 – 3.2 V and 3.2 – 3.6 V) and ION SENSE PID sensors. For the full list, refer to the Compatible Sensors section in the manual.

Complete guidelines on calibration are given in the manual. Please download the manual and refer to the relevant section.

Modbus RTU (via RS485), UART, I2C, 4-20mA analogue output. Python libraries are also available for Modbus integration.

1-Ensure correct COM port is selected.
2-Check cable connections.
3-Make sure power supply is within range.
4-Reinstall ION PC software.
5-Please get in touch with technical support team for assistance.