Signal Group (UK) has launched a portable gas analyser, the SOLAR XPLORE, which apparently brings the advantages of the firm’s Flame Ionisation Detection (FID) technology for VOC measurement to a compact, easily transportable device.
“There are two unique features in the SOLAR XPLORE that set it apart from any other analyser in the world,” says Signal’s Stephane Canadas. “Firstly, we have taken the detachable tablet interface from our S4 fixed analysers and built it into the new instrument.
This will be an enormous benefit for stack testers that have to travel up ladders and across roofs, because using the tablet, they will be able to operate the analyser wirelessly from a convenient location up to 50 metres away.
“Secondly, the new analyser can be fitted with twin FIDs, which means that users will be able to monitor total VOCs, methane, and non-methane VOCs (NMVOCs) simultaneously.”
The new SOLAR XPLORE is also supplied with an ethernet connection and software to enable remote operation. This means that users will be able to manage the analyser and monitor the data from almost anywhere in the world.
New design features include an inbuilt datalogger and a lightweight but robust frame.
However, users will be particularly impressed with the chassis design, because it allows the internal electronics to simply slide out on a rail and unfold for maintenance operations.
NMVOCs are organic compounds that differ significantly in their chemical composition but display similar behaviour in the atmosphere. NMVOCs are emitted from a large number of sources including combustion activities, solvent use and production processes. However, biogenic NMVOCs are also emitted by vegetation.
The measurement of total NMVOC emissions provides an indicator of the emissions of the most hazardous NMVOCs.
NMVOC emissions have declined in recent decades as a result of the use of catalytic converters and other factors.
VOCs are significant air pollutants because they act as precursors to tropospheric (ground level) ozone and secondary organic aerosols (particulate matter), both of which represent significant health hazards.
