VOC Meter

Lab Quality Management

Up to 200 times more sensitive to VOCs than conventional Heated Metal Oxide Sensors (HMOS)

Detects more chemicals than with any other method: 252 chemicals calibrated to date with more being tested. Air samples can be collected by device for laboratory identification of VOC

User-friendly screens make it easy to use for simple applications and flexible enough for sophisticated options

Easy-to-read display with backlight

Stores up to 267 hours of data at one minute intervals for download to a PC (with the optional datalogging)

Self-cleaning lamp and sensor: Patented self-cleaning lamp and sensor minimize the need for maintenance and calibration

3-year 10.6 eV lamp warranty. 1 year for pump, battery, sensor and instrument

Automatic humidity compensation for use in all lab environments

Strong, built-in sample pump draws up to 30m (100 feet) horizontally or vertically

Optional ultra-high resolution parts per billion (ppb) version available

VOC monitoring

Since 1998 (J Hall et al, Human Reproduction) it is accepted that IVF laboratories are at risk of environmental contamination from harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Exclusively from Research Instruments comes the RI VOC Meter for detection of VOCs at very low levels. It can be surprising where VOCs are found. In field tests we have found VOCs present in laboratories, incubators, incubator gas tubing and lab cabinets. We have also found VOCs present in laboratories where VOC removing filtration was in use.

Why use the RI VOC meter?

The RI VOC Meter is the smallest handheld monitor on the market. It is extremely sensitive and capable of detecting contamination at 0.1ppm level. The RI VOC Meter is 200 times more sensitive than Heated Metal Oxide (HMOS) sensors that have been used until now and for the first time VOCs can be detected and eliminated before they become toxic to embryos. (0.1ppm is below an established threshold of embryo toxicity. )

How is it used?

Simply start the device and use to sniff out areas of high VOC. An audible alarm will sound in areas where VOCs are higher than recommended and the concentration of VOCs present will be displayed on the screen. For added protection, the unit can be wall-mounted and VOC levels logged continuously.

How does it work?

The detection is performed by a technology called Photo-Ionisation Detection (PID). The air is drawn into the detection chamber by a pump. UV light is used to ionize the molecular bonds in any chemicals that are present. These icons are electrically conductive and the meter detects the current that flows. The more contamination, the more conductive the air becomes.

Validation

The threshold level of toxicity of Acrolein for mouse embryos has been established as 0.58ppm when dissolved in media. International consensus provides guideline limits for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in the range from 0.10 to 0.65ppm depending on location. Field experience suggests the 0.5ppm indicates potential IAQ contaminants in laboratories.