Photo Ionization Detector (PID)

A detection principle for volatile organic compounds that is based on the ionization of substances by ultra violet light. The lamp's ability to ionize compounds is expressed in electronvolts (eV), just as the ionizing potential of a compound. A compound is detectable by the PID sensor if its ionizing potential is lower than the ionizing ability of the lamp. Just like a LEL sensor, a PID sensor is a wideband monitor, meaning that it doesn't identify substances, just the presence of one or more of a group of substances. This ability can still hold tremendous value for workers that know it's limitations and idiosyncracies, for which 7Solutions gives many training courses. Many PID instruments and multi gas instruments with PID options are available. 7Solutions can advise the optimal PID instrument for every situation.