How Does Photoionization Detector Work?

A PID uses an ultraviolet (UV) light source to break down VOCs in the air into positive and negative ions. The PID then detects or measures the charge of the ionized gas, with the charge being a function of the concentration of VOCs in the air.

What does a photoionization detector do?

Photo Ionization Detector. The Photo Ionization Detector (PID) is a portable vapor and gas detector that detects a variety of organic compounds. Photo ionization occurs when an atom or molecule absorbs light of sufficient energy to cause an electron to leave and create a positive ion.

Is photoionization detector destructive?

In a photoionization detector high-energy photons, typically in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) range, break molecules into positively charged ions. ... Thus, PIDs are non-destructive and can be used before other sensors in multiple-detector configurations.