New Class of VOC Sensors

Alphasense has launched a new sensor for the measurement of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). The new p-type Metal Oxide sensor is a broadband total VOC detector with a range of 0 to 100 ppm (isobutylene) and 10-50 ppb detection limit, depending on the VOC. “This new class of metal oxide sensor will complement our existing range, which also includes PIDs, offering a lower cost alternative that is unaffected by humidity and has low drift,” comments Alphasense Director Arthur Burnley.

The new VOC sensor will be of particular interest to manufacturers and developers of instruments and monitoring systems for applications such as process monitoring, occupational safety, leak detection and environmental monitoring. Typical VOCs measured by the sensor include solvents, sterilants and petrochemicals.

Explaining the reasons for offering a variety of VOC monitoring technologies, Arthur says: “There are many factors affecting the choice of VOC sensor. These include: target gases, measurement range, sensitivity, power requirement, over gas limit, environmental conditions, response factors, possible interferences and of course, budget. Consequently, there is no one sensor that meets all needs, so we have developed different technologies and different variants for each technology, so that customers can choose the sensor that best meets their requirements.

“However, there is one sensor requirement that is common to all customers, and that is reliability; which is why Alphasense invests heavily in product development and a rigorous automated test and validation system. As a consequence, we are able to boast the lowest warranty returns in the industry.”