Technology · Photo Ionization Detection

Photo Ionization Detector (PID)

Universal VOC detection technology with superior speed and sensitivity—providing real-time monitoring capabilities across diverse analytical applications.

ppb Detection Sensitivity
< 3 sec Response Time
Universal VOCs Broad Coverage
Real-time Monitoring

How Photo Ionization Detection Works

Advanced UV-based detection technology providing universal VOC monitoring with exceptional speed and reliability.

PID Technology Overview

Photo Ionization Detection (PID) uses high-energy ultraviolet (UV) photons to ionize organic and some inorganic compounds in gas samples. When compounds absorb UV energy exceeding their ionization potential, they form positive ions and free electrons, creating a measurable current proportional to concentration.

The PID's selective UV lamp energy determines which compounds can be detected, making it highly versatile for volatile organic compound (VOC) monitoring across numerous applications.

PID Advantages

  • Broad-spectrum VOC detection
  • Real-time continuous monitoring
  • Simple operation and maintenance
  • Portable and fixed configurations
  • Cost-effective solution
  • Non-destructive detection

PID Detection Process

1
UV Photon Generation

UV lamp emits high-energy photons

2
Photo Ionization

VOC molecules absorb UV energy

3
Ion Formation

Positive ions and electrons created

4
Current Measurement

Ion current proportional to concentration

UV Lamp Technologies

Selectable lamp energies enabling precise compound targeting and optimal detection performance.

Lamp Type Energy (eV) Wavelength (nm) Typical Applications
9.5 eV 9.5 130 General VOCs, indoor air quality
10.0 eV 10.0 124 Environmental monitoring
10.6 eV 10.6 117 Industrial hygiene, safety
11.7 eV 11.7 106 Chemical process monitoring

Ionization Potential Examples

9.5 eV Detectable

  • Xylenes (8.56 eV)
  • Toluene (8.83 eV)
  • Ethylbenzene (8.77 eV)
  • Styrene (8.46 eV)

10.6 eV Detectable

  • Benzene (9.24 eV)
  • Cyclohexane (9.88 eV)
  • Acetone (9.69 eV)
  • Methanol (10.84 eV)

11.7 eV Detectable

  • Hydrogen sulfide (10.46 eV)
  • Ammonia (10.18 eV)
  • Formaldehyde (10.88 eV)
  • Ethylene (10.51 eV)

PID Technical Specifications

Comprehensive performance parameters defining PID analytical capabilities and operational range.

Parameter Typical Range Performance Impact
Detection Range 0.1 ppb to 10,000 ppm 6+ orders of magnitude
Response Time (T90) < 3 seconds Real-time monitoring
Linearity R² > 0.999 Excellent for quantification
Reproducibility < 2% RSD High precision
Operating Temperature -20°C to +50°C Wide operating range
Humidity Range 0-95% RH Minimal moisture interference
Power Consumption < 3W typical Battery portable operation
Lamp Lifetime 1-2 years continuous Low maintenance

PID Applications by Sector

Versatile VOC detection solutions across environmental, industrial, and analytical applications.

🌍 Environmental

  • Air Quality Monitoring
    Ambient VOC measurements
  • Soil Vapor Surveys
    Contaminated site assessment
  • Groundwater Analysis
    Remediation monitoring
  • Stack Emissions
    Industrial discharge monitoring
  • Leak Detection
    Underground storage tanks

🏭 Industrial Safety

  • Workplace Exposure
    Personal and area monitoring
  • Confined Space Entry
    Pre-entry safety screening
  • Process Safety
    Leak detection systems
  • Emergency Response
    Hazmat incident assessment
  • Perimeter Monitoring
    Fence-line measurements

🏢 Indoor Air Quality

  • Building Diagnostics
    TVOC measurements
  • HVAC Systems
    Ventilation effectiveness
  • Sick Building Syndrome
    Indoor pollutant identification
  • Construction Materials
    Off-gassing assessment
  • Cleanroom Monitoring
    Trace contamination control

🔬 Laboratory Analysis

  • Method 8260 - EPA water analysis
  • Method 8021B - GC confirmation
  • NIOSH Methods - Workplace air sampling
  • ASTM Standards - Material testing
  • Quality Control - Sample screening

⚙️ Process Monitoring

  • Chemical Manufacturing - Process control
  • Pharmaceutical Production - Solvent monitoring
  • Food Processing - Quality assurance
  • Petrochemical Refining - Safety monitoring
  • Coating Operations - Emission control

PID Limitations & Solutions

Advanced engineering solutions addressing common PID challenges for enhanced analytical performance.

⚠️ Limitations

  • Non-selective response - Total VOC measurement
  • Humidity interference - Water vapor effects
  • High concentration quenching - UV lamp saturation
  • Temperature dependence - Calibration drift
  • Lamp degradation - Sensitivity loss over time

✓ IUT Solutions

  • Advanced algorithms - Compound-specific calibration
  • Humidity compensation - Built-in correction factors
  • Dual-range capability - Automatic range switching
  • Temperature control - Heated sample lines
  • Lamp monitoring - Real-time performance tracking

IUT's Enhanced PID Technology

Advanced engineering innovations delivering superior performance and analytical reliability.

💡 Smart Lamp Technology

  • Real-time lamp intensity monitoring
  • Predictive maintenance alerts
  • Automatic lamp aging compensation
  • Extended operational lifetime
  • Self-diagnostic capabilities

📊 Advanced Signal Processing

  • Digital signal filtering
  • Background subtraction algorithms
  • Multi-point calibration curves
  • Statistical process control
  • Data quality assurance

🌡️ Environmental Compensation

  • Temperature coefficient correction
  • Humidity interference elimination
  • Pressure compensation algorithms
  • Cross-sensitivity mitigation
  • Matrix effect normalization

Discover Advanced PID Solutions

Explore how IUT's enhanced Photo Ionization Detection technology can improve your VOC monitoring capabilities and analytical performance.

📞 +49 (0)30 2359 765 30 PID Technology Experts
📧 pid@iut-technologies.com Application Specialists
⚡ Fast Response Real-time Monitoring

ppb detection · Sub-3 second response · Universal VOC coverage · Real-time monitoring