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Ion Science Pid Response Factors An en
Ion Science Pid Response Factors An en
When an Ion Science detector display mode of mg/m3 is selected, the instrument uses the above conversion internally and the
user does not need to make any adjustments. However, the user should make sure to enter or adjust all High, Low, STEL and
TWA alarm limits in the appropriate units if these are not provided by the instrument database.
Estimated RFs are based on careful review of previously documented technical data, and RF measurements of homologous
series of chemicals. Clearly the accuracy of these values cannot be asserted, and they are typically given to one significant
figure. An estimated RF of 1 should generally be regarded as a rough estimate, and may be incorrect by a factor of two.
All RFs are subject to some variation in PID electrode stack design, UV light intensity. However, particular care should be
taken ain measuring the PID response of gases at concentrations exceeding a few 1000 ppm as non-linearity of PID response
varies between chemicals. In short, it is strongly recommended for PID devices to be calibrated for any specific volatile of
interest, at the concentration of interest.
Caution should also be taken in making measurements at low concentrations of gas following exposure to concentrations
which are 100’s of times higher, due to the time required for sensor clear down. Calibration of the detector at divergent
concentrations of interest is strongly recommended.
In the table below, RF’s listed as ‘ZR’ indicate zero response. ‘NA’ that the value is not available, because the PID response
is insignificant at toxic concentrations of the volatile, or its RF is difficult to predict or measure.
* Ionisation energies were primarily sourced from P.J. Linstrom and W.G. Mallard, Eds., NIST Chemistry WebBook, NIST Standard
Reference Database Number 69, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg MD, 20899, http://webbook.nist.gov,
(retrieved and updated from June 19, 2014).