Ion Science launches world’s first continuous benzene specific monitor

Ion Science recently unveiled the world’s first continuous benzene specific monitor. The revolutionary ‘Titan’ has been specially designed for the accurate and reliable detection of ambient benzene in petrochemical applications where traditional methods suffer cross interference  – providing the ultimate real-time protection of workforce, environment and plant.

A constituent of crude oil, benzene becomes gaseous during petrochemical processing but it is also used as a solvent in the production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubbers and dyes. It is a carcinogen with very low work exposure limits making sub parts per million (ppm) measurement an essential requirement.

Traditional photoionisation detection (PID) monitors can detect benzene but they also identify other less harmful VOC gases that are present at the same time.

As the world’s first truly selective wall-mounted benzene monitor, the Ion Science ‘Titan’ is a real game changer for the petrochemical industry and refinery applications. Incorporating the well proven Ion Science MiniPID technology, ‘Titan’ is highly sensitive and capable of detecting benzene levels down to 0.1ppm and up to 20ppm.

Offering rapid and accurate detection, ‘Titan’ continuously samples and analyses the environment to provide real-time feedback of ambient benzene levels. When a sample is taken, the benzene component is chemically filtered using a robust separation technology so ensuring no false-positives are measured with potential cross-contaminating compounds in the atmosphere.

Ion Science’s ‘Titan’ features a clear display and provides users with an immediate warning alarm system. The instrument provides two relays with configurable levels to integrate into site alarm systems. ‘Titan’ stores data internally and remotely connects to a PC. Designed to operate in conditions ranging from -20 ºC up to +60 ºC , ‘Titan’ is unaffected by changes in ambient temperature. 

Modular in design, ‘Titan’ is easy to service and designed to operate for as long as possible without intervention. It also provides removal of particulate contamination in the air stream to provide long-term service free sampling.

‘Titan’ utilises the company’s unique patented Fence Electrode technology for unrivalled resistance to humidity and contamination. This key feature makes ‘Titan’ ideal for extended operation in harsh environments.

Duncan Johns, Managing Director at Ion Science, said: “Like most Ion Science products, the ‘Titan’ has been developed as a result of listening to our customers and understanding the changing needs of our target markets. The petrochemical industry has been clamouring for a benzene specific monitor for some time so we’re excited at being able to offer the ‘Titan’ as a robust, reliable and accurate solution.

Duncan added: “The ‘Titan’ utilises Ion Science’s 25 years’ experience and is the result of significant research and development. It is truly revolutionary and a further reinforcement of our market-leading position at the forefront of global gas detection instrumentation.” 

‘Titan’ is designed to IP65 and meets ATEX / IECEx hazardous area safety approvals.