Fixed Continuous VOC Monitor for Maximum Plant & Worker Safety Launched

Ion Science (UK) has announced the launch of its Falco series of fixed continuous VOC (volatile organic compound) monitors for the on-going protection of workers operating in potentially hazardous industrial environments, such as refineries, petrochemical plants and laboratories. Incorporating first of a kind ‘typhoon’ technology for added reliability, Falco is specially designed to work in condensing atmospheres and extreme weather conditions.

Reinforcing Ion Science’s position at the forefront of gas detection instrumentation for occupational health and the environment, Falco boasts fast response times and several innovative design features. The instrument’s ‘typhoon’ technology prevents condensation forming on the sensor and removes the risk of the system short circuiting - making it ideal for use in harsh weather conditions.

The new PID (photoionisation detector) is simple to operate while an externally located, IS (intrinsically safe) sensor facilitates quick and easy servicing without the need for a hot work permit.

Ion Science Managing Director, Duncan Johns, comments: “Falco will set a new benchmark in fixed VOC monitoring for hazardous areas and help ensure plant-wide safety and on-going protection of employees likely to be exposed to VOCs. The ‘typhoon’ technology was developed as a result of feedback from customers who said that similar monitors had failed in extreme weather conditions. Our R&D team discovered that where ambient air quickly changes from cold to hot, it generates condensation in the sensor which adversely affects performance. The new ‘typhoon’ technology enables the system to cope with these sudden fluctuations.”

Falco is operated via an intuitive user interface with OLED display and five magnetically activated switches – up, down, left, right and enter – which are back lit to help confirm the correct button is being pressed.

For added convenience and ease of use, brightly coloured red, amber and pulsing (optional) green status indicators are clearly visible in sunlight allowing checks to be conducted from a distance.

Incorporating Ion Science’s market-leading PID technology with advanced patented fence electrode system, Falco’s three-electrode format ensures increased resistance to humidity and contamination for ultimate reliability and accuracy in the field, as well as considerably reduced drift issues and extended run time.

Falco utilises a diffusive sample technique resulting in less contamination issues compared to pumped systems, reducing lamp cleaning and servicing requirements. Pumped models are available for applications where a sample needs to be drawn to the unit.

There are eight models in the Falco series offering detection ranges as low as 0 - 10ppm with ppb sensitivity or as high as 0 - 10,000ppm. Customers can upgrade to a unit with a higher detection capacity by purchasing a different electrode and simply recalibrating.

Duncan continues: “Falco underlines our commitment to designing gas detection technology that provides both flexibility and cost benefits. A customer normally purchases a fixed VOC monitor based on its detection range. Previously, choosing the wrong model by mistake meant they would have to purchase a completely new system. With Falco, they can easily and cheaply upgrade by buying the relevant electrode.”

The Falco’s flame and explosion proof enclosure is certified to EX d IIC T4 II and the external sensor to EX ib IIC T4 Gb II.  A 4 – 20 mA analogue output enables Falco to be easily integrated into a DCS control system to give warning or control of high VOC levels in the working environment. Two relay outputs means it can be connected remotely plus RS485 output with Mobus protocol included as standard allows the instrument to be connected to a network.