Photo Ionisation Detector – Plus (PID-Plus)

Alphasense (UK), an independent gas sensor technology company, has been working with Owlstone to apply their Advection Diffusion Spectrometry (ADS) technology for chemical detection, on a new development based on the Alphasense PID modules giving enhanced selectivity through the use of the Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (IMS) - ADS technology.

Utilising existing PID technology and linked to a sensor module that has been produced featuring a chip, fan for gas sampling, the micro-controller with associated electronics uses UV as the preferred ionisation source. The sensor module/chip, has embedded firmware, is mounted to a rigid circuit board as part of the newly developed Owlstone IMS-ADS module.

Gas flow through the chip must be regulated and at least two signals will be output (peak height and peak width), a third signal (kurtosis) is possible but will require additional work to the sub-module. Signal outputs could be analogue, PWM or serial. End-users will have no need to see raw spectra, as all processing will be performed on-board.

Arthur W Burnley, Sales and Marketing Director for Alphasense, stated, “Successful development of this new sensor technology will open a range of exciting commercial opportunities for Alphasense. We are very happy to be working with Owlstone in what will prove to be a mutually rewarding partnership, and we are anticipating that this device will be available for sale in Q3 of 2011. Alphasense is a centre of excellence for gas sensor technology and the PID-Plus is just one of several new and exciting product introductions planned for 2011. Further developments from Alphasense include expansion of our existing NDIR, Catalytic and Electro-Chemical sensors (measuring as low as 10ppb) plus the addition of Mixed Metal Oxide sensors and more.”