Advanced Technologies for Industrial Hygiene

These are two complementary technologies widely used in industrial hygiene for monitoring fugitive emissions. FID operates by combusting organic compounds in a hydrogen flame, producing ions that generate an electrical signal proportional to the concentration of hydrocarbons; this makes the technique highly effective for detecting low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Alternatively, PID utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to ionize gas molecules, creating charged particles that produce a measurable current directly related to the concentration of the target gas. PID is known for its rapid response and broad detection range, capable of identifying various chemicals at very low concentrations.

Together, FID and PID provide a comprehensive approach to monitoring air quality, ensuring the detection of a wide array of hazardous emissions in real time, thereby enhancing environmental safety and regulatory compliance in industrial settings.

Fugitive dust is typically created through activities such as the physical movement of soil, vehicles traveling over unpaved surfaces, heavy equipment operation, blasting, or wind. Most regions have established exposure limits on those projects that typically result in high levels of particulate generation, and the exposure limits are written into the operating permit.

Monitoring for fugitive dust exposure requires instrumentation that provides a quick response, is dependable, can be quickly deployed or relocated, and has the performance capabilities stated in the governing guidelines or within the site permit. Our area dust monitors utilize highly sensitive light-scattering photometer (nephelometer) technology. This optical configuration produces an optimal response to particles, providing continuous measurements of the concentrations of airborne particles for total particulate and cut points ranging from PM10 down to PM1. The rapid feedback allows operators to take immediate corrective action when necessary.

Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) using Medium Wave Infrared (MWIR) technology is a powerful method for detecting and visualizing gas leaks. MWIR cameras are designed to detect infrared radiation emitted by gases that absorb light in the mid-wavelength infrared spectrum. This allows for the visualization of otherwise invisible gases, such as methane, in real time. OGI-MWIR is highly effective for identifying leaks in complex industrial environments, providing a non-intrusive way to monitor and maintain safety standards. The ability to quickly and accurately detect fugitive emissions helps prevent environmental contamination and ensures regulatory compliance.

Particulate matter monitoring systems are used to protect miners’ health by monitoring individuals’ exposure to dust and airborne debris.  Our personal dust monitoring systems employ Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance technology, or TEOM, and are “gravimetric” instruments that draw (then heat) ambient air through a filter at a constant flow rate, continuously weighing the filter and calculating near real-time mass concentrations of particulate matter.

The TEOM monitor technique relies upon an exchangeable filter cartridge seated on the end of a hollow tapered tube. As particulate deposits land on the filter, the filter mass change is detected as a frequency change in the oscillation of the tube. The mass of the particulate matter is thus determined directly. When this mass change is combined with the flow rate through the system, the monitor yields an accurate measurement of the particulate concentration in real time. The major advantage of this method is that any changes in aerosol characteristics will not influence the accuracy of the mass measurement.