Israeli Hazardous Materials Logistics Handling Company Uses TVOC Fixed VOC Monitors for Leak Detection

Ion Science (UK) has recently provided 12 TVOC fixed volatile organic compound (VOC) monitors as part of a successful tender by its distributor, Amos Gazit Ltd, for the design, supply and installation of a complete gas detection solution at leading hazardous materials logistics handling company, Israel-based Globus.

Globus has established the largest, state-of-the-art logistics handling centre for hazardous materials in Israel. Located in Ne ‘ot Hovav near Be‘er Sheva, which is the largest city in the Negev desert, the 23,000 metre facility extends over 25.6 acres. The centre has received all the necessary approvals from the Israeli Ministry for Environmental Protection.

Ra'anan Katz from Ion Science distributor, Amos Gazit comments: “There are a wide range of hazardous materials that require monitoring at the Globus facility. With potential VOCs such as Toulene, Heptane, Dioxane, Tetrahydrofuran, Dimethyl, Formamide, Dichloromethane, we were quick to recommend the Ion Science TVOC fixed PID as a robust, reliable and accurate leak detection solution for this application.”

Some of the TVOC fixed VOC monitors have been installed within Globus’ reinforced concrete storage building for hazardous materials. It is divided into six separate areas with three storage rooms in each section. There are two TVOC monitors located in opposite corners of each room.

In addition, several TVOC systems have been fitted in refrigerated containers which are also being used by Globus to store hazardous substances. The monitors are fixed approximately 30cm above floor level as they are detecting vapours heavier than air.

Ra'anan continues: “There are numerous chemical substances present in the storage rooms but the area isn’t generally accessed by people, except when transporting materials to and from the units using a forklift, so we were confident the application required a leak detection solution rather than TLV monitoring.”

Each TVOC system features a custom-designed cage to protect them from being damaged by the forklift trucks that regularly access the facility.

The gas detection control system is located externally, outside the Globus storage building, and linked to horn and strobe units which are triggered by alarms generated by the TVOC monitors in each section. Operators are alerted via SMS text messages sent to mobile devices using an integral cellular modem.

Ideal for use in manufacturing and process industries where VOCs are typically present, the Ion Science TVOC boasts a selectable detection range of 0-10 parts per million (ppm), 0-100ppm or 0-1000ppm. The unit’s advanced PID capabilities utilise the Ion Science advanced patented Fence Electrode technology, a three-electrode format with increased resistance to humidity and contamination.

With a 4-20 mA analogue output, the TVOC VOC monitor can be simply integrated into a DCS control system to provide warnings and enable control of high VOC levels in the working environment. Plus ATEX approvals facilitate a three-wire TVOC system to be used in Zone 2 hazardous areas, without safety barriers.

Ra'anan adds: “As the storage rooms contain a broad variety of substances and the application is defined as leak detection, the measuring range has been set at 1,000ppm, with an alarm level to 100ppm and a cycle time of three minutes.”

“The Ion Science TVOCs are easy to install, maintain and service and have proved very reliable for the Globus application,” Ra'anan concludes.