PID Hire: Renting a Photoionisation Detector for VOC and Benzene Monitoring

Photoionisation detectors (PIDs) are specialist instruments, and many organisations only need one for a specific survey, remediation project or spill response. That is where PID hire makes sense. This guide explains what a photoionisation detector does, when photoionisation detector hire is a better option than buying, and what to consider if you need a benzene monitor for hire.

What is a photoionisation detector?

A PID uses an ultraviolet lamp to ionise gas molecules drawn into the sensor. The resulting current is proportional to the concentration of the gas, allowing the instrument to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low concentrations, often in parts per million or lower.

PIDs respond to a wide range of VOCs, including solvents, fuels and many industrial chemicals. They are commonly used for:

• Contaminated land and environmental surveys

• Industrial hygiene and exposure assessments

• Leak detection and checking for solvent or fuel vapours

• Spill and incident response

• Screening before entry into tanks and vessels where VOCs may be present

PID hire vs buying

PIDs are more specialised and more costly to own than a typical single gas or 4 gas monitor. They need regular calibration with appropriate test gas, and the lamp and sensor need care to keep readings reliable. If you only need a PID occasionally, owning one can mean paying for an instrument that sits unused between jobs while still needing maintenance.

Photoionisation detector hire gives you a calibrated instrument for the period you need it, without the ongoing upkeep. It also lets you try a PID on a real project before deciding whether to buy.

When buying makes more sense

If your team uses a PID week in, week out, buying is usually more economical over time. We supply VOC monitors for purchase, and can calibrate and service them afterwards.

Using a PID for benzene monitoring

Benzene is a VOC of particular concern because of its health effects at low concentrations. A standard PID responds to benzene, but it also responds to many other VOCs and cannot on its own tell you which compound it is measuring. If other VOCs are present, a standard PID reading will reflect the combined total.

When you are looking for a benzene monitor for hire, it is important to be clear about what you need to measure. Some PIDs offer benzene-specific measurement using a separation tube or similar accessory. Talk to us before hiring so we can discuss the application and help you choose a suitable instrument.

Correction factors

PIDs are usually calibrated with isobutylene and then use correction factors (also called response factors) to display readings for specific compounds. Your instrument's manual will list the factors available. Using the right setting matters for meaningful results.

How our PID hire works

Our 1 week hire of a hand-held PID gives you a calibrated photoionisation detector, supplied with a calibration certificate, for weekly hire. Before you hire, it is worth confirming:

• Which VOCs you expect, and whether you need a total VOC reading or a specific compound such as benzene

• The concentration range you expect to measure

• Whether you need datalogging for reports

• How long the project is likely to run

You can see our wider range of hire instruments on the gas detector hire page and in our hire category.

Calibrating your own PID

If you already own a PID, our manufacturer-trained engineers can calibrate it. Calibration and service of any hand-held or personal PID costs £140 plus VAT, with a calibration certificate. Instruments can be posted to our Hampshire service centre in Waltham Chase, Southampton, and our Northern Service Centre covers the North East and Yorkshire. Find out more on our calibration and service page.

Frequently asked questions

What does a PID measure?

A PID measures volatile organic compounds, such as solvents and fuel vapours, typically at low concentrations. It gives a combined reading rather than identifying individual compounds.

Can a standard PID measure benzene specifically?

A standard PID responds to benzene but also to other VOCs. For benzene-specific readings, a dedicated method or accessory is usually needed. Speak to us about your application.

Is the hire PID calibrated?

Yes. Hire instruments are supplied with a calibration certificate.

How long can I hire a PID for?

PIDs are hired on a weekly basis. If your project is likely to run for longer than a week, let us know when you get in touch.

Arrange PID hire

To hire a photoionisation detector or discuss your VOC or benzene monitoring requirements, call 01489 326031 or email info@7solutions.co.uk.