Determination of TOC in Stacks with an Innovative and Easy to Carry FID Analyser

PROBLEM: The Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions of industrial chimney's are becoming issues of global importance, and having accurate knowledge about how to test VOC turns into a strategic issue. VOC emissions are quantified and monitored according to the standard EN 12619, using an FID analyser which uses hydrogen and other reference gases in pressurised cylinder. Operators must then approach the sampling point, often placed several meters from the ground, climbing chimneys of industrial settlements with instruments and cylinders.

Is it possible to make this job easier and safer?

SOLUTION: Using the Polaris FID analyser from Pollution Srl (Italy), it is possible to carry out VOC monitoring according to EN 12619 without lifting the accessories and heavy weights typically involved with an FID analyser.

So far, the portability of such an analyser was a feature of FID's designed for fugitive emission monitoring from valves, flanges, gaskets, pumps or compressors monitoring. Moreover, when VOCs are measured in chimneys according to EN 12619, the analyser must be much more robust and fully heated to 180°C, leading to an increase in size and weight.

Polaris FID analyser complies with this standard regulation, but what is really a breakthrough, and cutting-edge, is the unmatched portability and the next generation technology.

In addition, the Polaris FID is a new concept and incorporates into chassis these important features: two rechargeable batteries that last more than three hours; a zero air cylinder for 10 hours of continuous measurement; a span gas cylinder useful for tens calibrations and, last but not least, an advanced metal hydrides cartridge for hydrogen storage to fuel the flame detector. However, the hydrogen source is not the ordinary pressurised cylinder but a small steel cartridge that weighs only 500 grams and which allows to store hydrogen for 30 hours of continuous measurements. Furthermore, as hydrogen is chemically bonded to a special metal alloy inside the cartridge, there is no risk of leakage and explosion: hydrogen cylinder will not be a concern anymore.

In conclusion, the Polaris FID incorporates, in just 13 kg and  a compact body, everything needed for a measuring campaign, making it the best choice for operators who have to climb on the chimneys of industrial settlements easily and safely.