What is Passive Groundwater Sampling?

Passive groundwater sampling is a technique that collects groundwater samples without the need for purging prior to sampling.

A passive sampler captures a representative sample within a specific interval of the monitoring well screen, avoiding the aerated or stagnant water at the top of the screen or in the casing. This method utilizes the natural flow of groundwater from the surrounding aquifer to refresh the monitoring well, allowing for an accurate representation of conditions.

Advantages of Passive Groundwater Sampling Over Active Sampling

Passive groundwater sampling offers several advantages over other methods:

  • Time Efficiency: Without extensive purging or waiting for stabilization, time on site is reduced.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: It saves equipment, labor, and sample disposal costs.
  • Reduced Turbidity Bias: Passive sampling will pick up any background turbidity within the well without adding any artificial, method-induced turbidity into the sample.
  • Representative Sampling: It provides samples representative of the actual groundwater conditions, free from agitation caused by pumping or bailing.
  • Environmental Considerations: Because there are few materials, no batteries, gasoline, compressed air, or electricity required, there are fewer impacts to the environment, making passive sampling a greener and more sustainable sampling solution.

Understanding the Science Behind Passive Samplers

Passive groundwater sampling uses the established principle that groundwater flowing naturally through a saturated section of well screen has the same chemical properties as the surrounding aquifer.  Passive samplers are devices that can acquire a sample of this water from the screen interval without artificially moving water from other intervals or pulling stagnant, chemically different, water in from the casing. Bypassing the stagnant water means purging and stabilization are not needed to obtain a representative sample of the aquifer.

There are two main types of passive groundwater samplers that function differently but have the same general benefits of cost reduction, ease of use, and they do not produce purge water.

  • Passive Grab Samplers, capture a whole-water sample at an interval in the saturated screen. The water and everything in the water are recovered without inducing flow in the well that could cause mixing with stagnant well water. The HydraSleeve is the most-used passive grab sampler. See Video Here.
  • Passive Diffusion Samplers collect a water sample containing contaminant molecules that have diffused through the pores of a semipermeable membrane filled with deionized water. The contaminant concentration in the sampler reaches and maintains the same concentration as the surrounding water.

Implementation of Passive Sampling in the Field

The process of implementing a passive sampling routine involves a few key steps:

  • Understand your Monitoring Well Configuration: Be sure the passive is located within the saturated screen. In wells with saturated screens longer than ten feet, consider which interval best represents the project sampling objectives, or whether multiple intervals should be sampled.  
  • Sampler Selection: Choose the correct type of passive sampler based on the contaminants of concern and the project’s objectives.
  • Deployment: Construct or purchase a simple suspension tether, attach the passive sampler(s) and lower the samplers to the intended depth.
  • Retrieval and Analysis: Retrieve the samplers any time after the minimum designated period, discharge the contents into standard laboratory bottles, and send the samples to your laboratory the same way as pumped samples. Then, simply place a new sampler on the tether and lower into the well for the next event.

Best Practices for Passive Groundwater Sampler Deployment

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, follow standard groundwater sampling best practices, including,

  • Avoid cross-contamination: Use clean equipment and gloves during deployment, retrieval, and discharge.
  • Proper Documentation: Recording each sampler’s depth, date, and deployment and recovery time. Note and unusual occurrences and water level changes from previous events.
  • Quality Control: Acquire field equipment rinsate, and deionized water  blanks and duplicates in accordance with project requirements as quality checks on the sampling process.

EON provides several Passive Sampler SOPs to help companies help ensure they get consistent, reliable results from passive samplers.

Case Studies: Success Stories of Passive Sampling

For over 25 years, numerous case studies have demonstrated the benefits that passive groundwater sampling can bring while also providing consistent, reliable data.

For instance, at a Superfund site in California, passive sampling was shown to cost 70-80% less than per well than pumped samples. Another study at landfills in Kansas demonstrates extremely reliable data with a significantly lower cost of operation.

Passive groundwater samplers are in use across all types of groundwater monitoring sites including those managed by the USEPA, USACE, USGS, and DoD, as well as many state and private sites in the US and other countries.

Read the case studies.

Concluding Thoughts

Passive groundwater sampling represents a leap forward for groundwater monitoring. For environmental consultants looking to enhance their groundwater monitoring practices, passive sampling offers a compelling, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious choice.

By integrating these insights into your practice, passive groundwater sampling can be a game-changer in environmental monitoring. Have you considered the benefits it might bring to your projects?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can passive groundwater sampling be integrated into existing monitoring networks?

Passive groundwater sampling can be integrated into existing networks by:

  • Identifying sites where; pumping or waiting for parameters to stabilize adds to labor cost, large numbers of wells mean days at a site, high-traffic, remote locations, or equipment needs cause logistical problems, contaminated purge waste (IDW) disposal is difficult or expensive.
  • Selecting appropriate sites where sampling laboratory sample volume requirements align with passive sampler specifications.
  • Evaluating passive samplers along with traditional methods on a few representative wells at your site to compare and validate data sets.
  • Gradually transitioning monitoring wells to passive samplers, starting with those used for long-term monitoring where minimal disturbance is preferred.

Q2: What are the limitations of passive groundwater sampling and how can they be mitigated?

The limitations of passive sampling include:

  • High sampling volume requirements – if more volume is needed than is present within the saturated well screen, passive sampling may not work for your site.
  • Always reach out to your lab prior to your first passive sampling event to let them know you are transitioning methods and ask them the minimum volume required for each test. Some labs may eliminate duplicates and decrease your sampling volume required to align with your passive method.

Q3: Can passive groundwater sampling methods be used for all types of contaminants, or are there specific scenarios where they are most effective?

While passive sampling can be used to sample any contaminant found within the monitoring well, it is important to select the correct sampler for your project:

  • Passive Grab Samplers like the HydraSleeve can sample for any compound
  • If sampling for PFAS, EON recommends using an HDPE sampler
  • Passive Diffusion Samplers can be made from different membranes to sample different compounds
  • The original, Equilibrator PDB samples for VOCs only
    • The Dual Membrane PDB can sample for all dissolved compounds, including PFAS
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Collecting Groundwater Samples for PFAS Analysis

Bench and field scale studies indicate that dual membrane passive diffusion bags may be a viable and readily available technology for the collection of groundwater samples of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

The Military Engineer Magazine – By Paul Caprio, PG, S.SAME, Erica Thiekman, M.SAME, and Steven Gragert, CHMM

Due to the historical use of aqueous film forming foam with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the Department of Defense (DOD) is currently managing a growing number of sites with known or suspected contamination. Groundwater monitoring for PFAS at these locations is conducted using low-flow well sampling procedures, which employ portable pumps, dedicated tubing, real-time water quality measurements, and may require management of investigation-derived waste.

A research team comprising EA Engineering, Science and Technology Inc. PBC, EON Products Inc., and the Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers evaluated the effectiveness of Dual Membrane Passive Diffusion Bag (DMPDB) technology to collect representative groundwater samples for PFAS analysis. Although passive sampling groundwater technologies have been routinely used for more than 20 years at DOD sites for volatile organic compounds, metals, and inorganic analysis, their reliability for monitoring PFAS in groundwater is the subject of ongoing bench scale and field study research.

CURRENT ALTERNATIVES

There are several passive samplers under evaluation for the collection of groundwater samples for PFAS analysis. These include grab samplers for instantaneous recovery; sorption-type samplers where contaminant mass accumulated over a known duration is used to calculate concentration, and equilibrium-type samplers that reach and maintain equilibrium with the sampled medium.

Traditional PDBs consist of semi-permeable membrane bags filled with deionized water. The bags are placed in the saturated screen intervals of groundwater monitoring wells where molecules diffuse across the membrane pores into the smaller until the concentration equalizes between the groundwater and the outside of the sampler. The single polyethylene diffusive membrane utilized in traditional PDBs is permeable to non-polar volatile organic compounds but not to other common analytes.

It has been well documented that the collection of groundwater samples using passive samplers results in both significant cost and time savings relative to other common sampling techniques, due to lower equipment and labor costs. Passive samplers also lower the chance of cross-contamination, allow for depth-specific profiling and generate less investigation-derived waste. This is of particular concern at PFAS sites where treatment and disposal techniques are still evolving. Additionally, several passive sampling technologies yield very low turbidity sample aliquots, which is vital for reduced matric interference during laboratory analysis. Equilibrium-type samplers allow for sample aliquots to be collected directly in the field and prepared using conventional methods. Conversely, sorptive samplers require additional preparatory work to extract target chemicals from the sorptive media prior to analysis.

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

DMPDBs apply the same concept as PDBs, but utilize two membranes with different diffusion capabilities to expand the analyte list beyond volatile organic compounds. None of the DMPDB materials are considered to be sources of PFAS. The upper membrane, made of polyamide, has larger pores and is hydrophilic; this facilitates diffusion of polar and larger molecules into the sampler, such as metals, cations, anions, and 1,4-dioxane. PFAS, which consists of carbon chains bonded to fluorine atoms with hydrophilic polar functional groups, are both polar and relatively large compared to volatile organic compounds. They pass through the upper membrane of the DMPDBs. The lower membrane, made of high-density polyethylene, has smaller pores and is hydrophobic. It is permeable to relatively small volatile organic compound molecules.

This lower membrane also prevents water from escaping the smaller, serving as a sample reservoir. Suspension tethers are typically made of polypropylene=braided cord manufactured without PFAS and are dedicated to each well.

BENCH SCALE TESTING

In 2017, a bench scale study evaluated the ability of DMPDBs to collect representative PFAS samples in a controlled environment using a polyvinyl chloride test chamber filled with a known volume of PFAS-free water that was spied with eight PFAS — including long-, medium-, and short-chain substances — at target concentrations of 20-30 ng/L. The liquid was mixed and allowed to stabilize for six days. The first test consisted of nine samplers that were allowed to equilibrate with the tank water for 21 days (three DMPDBs) and 41 days (six DMPDBs) prior to sample collection.

A second test was performed for tank concentrations between 1- ng/L and 10-ng/L and a residence time of 21 days. A pair of control samples were taken from the chamber port during each retrieval event. All the samples were analyzed for the eight PFAS using a modified Method 537.

FIELD STUDY METHODS

Side-by-side samples were collected from 10 wells with known PFAS impacts at a DOD facility using PMPDB and low-flow purge techniques. DMPDBs were filled with PFAS-free primer water, installed in one mobilization, and allowed to equilibrate for 21 days. This duration was applied based on the shorter of the two durations used during bench scale tests (21 days and 41 days), where comparable results were observed. There is no maximum known timeframe for retrieval. A sample of the water used to fill the PMPDBs was collected to confirm it was PFAS-free. A single DMPDB was placed in the center of the screen of each well, and two DMPDBs were deployed in tandem in two of the wells.

After 21 days, the DMPDBs were retrieved from each well and sampled. High-density polyethylene tubing and a submersible pump were then deployed to purge and collect another sample using low-flow procedures. Flow flow, DMPDB, and field quality control samples were packed in ice and shipped to a DOD-accredited analytical laboratory for analysis in accordance with Quality Systems Manual Version 5.3 Table B-15 for 24 PFAS.

DATA AND RESULTS

Some apparent stratification was observed in one of the two wells with tandem DMPDBs. As a result, only the lower DMPDBs were used for comparison to low flow samples for consistency. PFAS were reported in 126 pairs of the 240 pairs of results that were analyzed. All pairs with detections were used for compassion on a 1:1 regression plot, with low-flow results on the x-axis and DMPDB results on the y-axis. However, only pairs with results greater than five times the reporting detection limits were used for relative percent difference analysis to eliminate artificially high results produced from comparing low values.

This process also was used to analyze results from a set of low-flow field duplicate samples collected during the field event for comparison, and for field study results less than 200 ng/L, which are more representative of values within the range of existing screening levels.

REAL-WORLD APPLICATION

DMPDB PFAS results correlated well with the bench scale and field study samples. They were comparable to the low flow field duplicate sample, and did not produce any results that affected comparisons to screening levels. Additionally, DMPDBs appeared to produce consistent results for both long- and short-chain substances, indicating that it may be suitable for PFAS sampling in future projects — although it may be better suited for sites with regular sapling events to eliminate the need for two mobilizations.

The cost benefits of DMPDBs were not evaluated in this effort. However, studies performed by both the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council in 2004 and DOD’s Strategic Environmental Research & Development Program/Environmental Security Technology Certification Program in 2014 indicated that the cost savings associated with switching from low flow to equilibrium passive samplers can be expected in the range of 40 to 70 percent for long-term monitoring programs.

This article was written by Paul Caprio, PG, S.SAME, Erica Thiekman, M.SAME, and Steven Gragert, CHMM, and published by The Military Engineer magazine. To read the original article, click here.

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Water Level Instruments for Automatic, Accurate Groundwater Monitoring

EON’s selection of Heron portable water level tools and interface meters are perfect for routine checking of water levels and the thicknesses of a floating layer of light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) in wells when technicians are on site. When used with our other tools for measuring groundwater, such as water quality meters and data loggers, these portable water level devices help provide site information quickly and efficiently.

4 Function Water Level Meter

The Heron Instruments Inc. dipper-T Water Level Meter is designed for well drillers, consultants and hydrogeologists all across the globe. The dipper-T is manufactured for professionals who require the most accurate measurements of water levels, length of well-casing and total well-depth.

The dipper-T water level meter can be conveniently converted to a multi-functional instrument, not only able to measure static and falling head levels, but also to determine the length of casing and well depth. The water level sensing probe can be easily removed at the link connection and substituted with either the Well Casing Indicator Probe or Well Depth Indicator Probe. The FOUR FUNCTION capability of the dipper-T water level meter makes this unit an asset to groundwater professionals and rural property owners during the construction of new wells, maintaining wells or decommissioning abandoned wells.

Static mode is used for measuring the depth of water in wells, boreholes and standpipes. DrawDown mode is used for measuring falling water levels during purging, well development and for low flow sampling.

Let an EON Expert Help!

The EON team is eager to help. Contact us directly to discuss your application with one of our in-house experts. 

View our complete line of water products, including water level and interface meters on our website. For online shopping, visit EON’s online store. 

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Gas Detectors in Wastewater Plants: Portable and Fixed

Gas hazards are an unseen and unavoidable component in the operations of wastewater treatment plants.  Implementing the right gas detection equipment into wastewater facilities is the best way to ensure the safety of personnel and to protect the environment.

Ammonia

Chlorine

Chloride Dioxide

These 3 listed above are purifying chemicals that are used in the decontamination of wastes and water. As these chemicals are often spilled or dumped into the waste system, both toxic and explosive gases have the potential to be emitted.

EON offers an array of both fixed and portable gas detectors capable of sensing and alerting to a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or explosive and asphyxiating gasses. Our Ion Science  Tiger/Tiger LT PIDs are portable handheld gas detectors that can be used to spot check or monitor an area.  The new ARA is small portable personal gas detector worn by the user as a personal gas monitor, while the Falco is a fixed gas detector installed at locations that require constant area monitoring.

The Benefits of Portable Gas Detectors

Portable gas detectors offer three distinct advantages that benefit wastewater plants, including: enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and low maintenance.

In a life-or-death situation, personal gas detectors such as ION Science’s ARA can save a life.

The ARA personal gas monitors alert peers in the precise area of the leak when someone is in danger. These features are designed to ensure workers can get to safety before it’s too late.

A personal monitor loses its appeal if its upkeep is challenging or time-consuming. For that reason, ARA personal gas monitors have options to make maintenance simple. They are also designed to be low-cost, disposable devices that are easily replaceable after standard 2-year use.

Benefits of Fixed Gas Detection

When there is a gas leak, the first step toward performing vital maintenance and repair is to determine the origin of the leak. Because gas is most concentrated nearest the leak, gas detection allows workers to pinpoint the area or location of the leak’s source by reading the concentration on the meter. In wastewater applications, the continuous risk of a gas leak means that continuous detection of multiple gases is critical.

When toxic gases exist in an area, fixed gas detection is essential to provide protection for plant and personnel–giving instantaneous alarms that are both visual and audible. Gas detectors such as the Falco provide the reliable detection that wastewater treatment facilities count on.

Portable Handheld PID detectors

Incorporating patented photoionization detection (PID) technology, the Tiger is a handheld VOC detector with humidity resistance and anti-contamination design for the harshest environments. Simple display and easy-to-use operation, the Tiger provides a dynamic detection range of 0-20,000 part per million (ppm) with a minimum sensitivity of 0.001 ppm (1 ppb). In addition, safe replacement of batteries and fast battery charging offers extended run time in the field.

Let an EON Expert Help!

Safety should never be taken lightly. Every water and wastewater treatment plant should take a holistic approach to addressing gas safety, including fixed and portable detectors. To learn more, view our complete line of fixed and portable gas detection products or contact our experts today.

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Soil Gas Vapor Sampling Systems: Points vs. Probes

EON Products offers a variety of soil gas vapor sampling systems and equipment to help environmental consultants and project managers collect and sample soil gas vapor from shallow depths, either by using temporary soil probes or permanent soil gas points. 

Soil Vapor Points

Soil Gas Vapor Sampling Systems: Points vs. Probes - EON Products

Soil vapor points are a low-cost option for soil gas vapor sampling. They are small, dedicated stainless steel points that are configured with vapor ports for gas inlet and a hose barb on the backside for sample tubing. 

These devices are installed into a small drilled hole or pushed into place with extension rods and left in-place indefinitely. The ports are protected from debris by a screen and are shielded from failing soil debris by an optional umbrella disk. 

Soil vapor points are ideal for obtaining samples from beneath the soil’s surface or beneath slabs when monitoring hydrocarbon spills, tank and pipe leakage, landfills, hazardous waste sites, and intrusive vapors.  

Soil Gas Vapor Probes

Soil gas vapor probes are reusable stainless steel devices that can temporarily extract vapor from up to four feet below the soil’s surface. 

Soil Gas Vapor Sampling Systems: Points vs. Probes - EON Products

The probe is manually pushed into place with a rigid extension rod and a T-handle or drive hammer. Inner rods prevent soil from entering the sample during driving and are removed for sampling. Sample tubing is attached to the top rod to extract the vapor sample. The probe is removed after sampling.

Soil gas vapor probes are useful instruments for checking beneath the soil surface when monitoring hydrocarbon spills, tank and pipe leakage, and hazardous waste sites. 

No matter the project, EON provides a selection of the finest-quality soil gas vapor sampling systems that can be used in many applications. 

To learn more, contact our experts today. 

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Continuous VOC Monitoring in Harsh Environments

Continuous VOC Monitoring in Harsh Environments - EON Products

Gas detection systems play a vital role in protecting working personnel in harsh environments, such as chemical plants, laboratory settings, industrial paint applications and wastewater facilities. Because volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic gases can produce major health effects, continuous VOC monitoring may be necessary to alert nearby workers and neighbors if harmful concentrations are reached. 

EON supplies the ION Science Falco – an in-place VOC monitoring system that continuously detects a wide range of VOCs and provides alerts when concentrations exceed designated levels.  

Designed with typhoon technology for extreme weather conditions and condensing atmospheres, Falco offers reliability, accuracy, and maximum protection to the end user. Falco is built using patented photoionization detection (PID) technology, providing ultimate flexibility and cutting-edge performance, minimizing drift and downtime in the field.

Falco has an externally located Intrinsically Safe sensor for quick and easy servicing without the need for a hot work permit. Dual certification allows the instruments to be serviced and calibrated in a hazardous environment, without having to remove power.

Continuous VOC Monitoring in Harsh Environments - EON Products

Simple to operate, the Falco fixed VOC detector has a high contrast OLED screen and an intuitive graphical user interface–ensuring installation and servicing are both quick and easy. A multi-colored LED status display and bright status indicator (RED, AMBER and GREEN) can be seen from a distance of twenty meters in sunlight, ensuring hazards are alerted efficiently.

Other key features of the Falco include:

  • Fitted with a long-life lamp for two years continuous use
  • Four detection ranges available
  • Selectable response factor for varying VOC selection
  • Pumped or diffused models available 
  • Intrinsically Safe photoionization sensor with 10.6 eV lamp
  • RS-485 Modbus, 4-20 mA and Relay outputs standard
  • Configurable Relay outputs for high or low alarms, fault conditions or test cycle synchronization 
  • Ex d approved

For more information on continuous VOC monitoring with the Falco, visit our website or contact our knowledgeable team today.

See the Product in Our Store

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Multi-Parameter Water Quality Field Meters for Complex Projects

EON offers a selection of YSI multi-parameter water quality field meters capable of performing tests for several parameters with one probe and an easy-to-read meter. 

Our high-performance, reliable multi-parameter field meters allow you to test for various water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, ORP, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and more. They are also available with a flow cell for above ground use or with extended cable for in-situ testing.

Each of our water quality field meters integrates specific advanced features, including easy calibration, automatic temperature and compensation. Additionally, waterproof and impact-resistant cases are available – making them ideal for rugged field use in complex environments. 

YSI ProDSS

The YSI ProDSS is a multi-parameter instrument for the measurement of several critical parameters – dissolved oxygen, total algae, turbidity, pH, ORP, conductivity, specific conductance, salinity, TDS, resistivity, TSS, ammonium, ammonia, chloride, nitrate, depth, temperature and GPS coordinates.

Multi-Parameter Water Quality Field Meters for Complex Projects - EON Products
  • User-replaceable cables and sensors
  • KorDSS software (included) and USB on-the-go connector assist with data management
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Color display and backlit keypad; menu-driven operation
  • Long-life lithium-ion battery; ensures reliability and minimizes waste
  • 4 port cables feature user-replaceable sensors
  • Optional GPS
  • Digital smart sensors are automatically recognized by the instrument and store calibration data
  • Optional depth sensor and up to 100-m cable lengths
  • Large memory (>100,000 data sets) with extensive site list capabilities
  • Multiple languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, and Chinese
  • Military spec connectors, waterproof IP67 rating and rubber over-molded case
  • 3 year instrument warranty; 2 year cable warranty (sensor warranties vary)

YSI ProPlus

The YSI Professional Plus handheld multiparameter meter provides extreme flexibility for the measurement of a variety of combinations for dissolved oxygen, conductivity, specific conductance, salinity, resistivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, ORP, pH/ORP combination, ammonium, nitrate, chloride and temperature. 

Multi-Parameter Water Quality Field Meters for Complex Projects - EON Products
  • Easy-to-install cable weights; can be daisy-chained for additional weight
  • Rubber, over-molded IP-67 waterproof case (even without the battery cover)
  • 3-year instrument warranty
  • Rugged cables, sensors, and military-spec connectors
  • Instrument floats
  • 5,000 data set memory
  • Interval or single-event logging
  • Detailed GLP data
  • USB connection also powers the instrument
  • 6-point cal with auto-buffer recognition*
  • User-upgradeable software via waterproof USB port
  • Recalibration prompts
  • Backlit display and keypad 

If you’re not sure which of our multi-parameter water quality field meters is right for your application, contact our knowledgeable team today. We make sampling easier for you!

See the Product in Our Store

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Tiger Handheld VOC Detector Model Comparison

EON Products supplies a range of ION Science revolutionary handheld PID instruments for rapid, accurate detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The instrument’s patented Fence Electrode Technology with three electrode format and anti-contamination design ensures optimal performance within humid and heavily contaminated atmospheres, extending run time in the field.

The Tiger series is designed to perform within a variety of applications, such as environmental screening, hazardous materials handling, arson investigation, hazmat response, confined space entry, indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

With three models featuring different distinct benefits, you may be wondering which Tiger best suits your application. Here’s the breakdown:

Download our complete comparison document HERE

Tiger LT

The Tiger LT is a low-cost VOC Detector with market leading accuracy.

  • Accurate results across all environments from 0.1-5000ppm
  • Anti-Contamination design minimizes drift and extends run time
  • Fastest 2 second response time and rapid clear down
  • Patented humidity resistance to 99% RH-no compensation needed
  • Push-to- log data logging, 128 zones, 80,000 points
  • Large, clear visual display
  • Li-ion battery for up to 24 hours continuous operation
  • 6.5 hours battery charge time maximizes uptime
  • Batteries field replaceable, even in explosive environments
  • Filter and lamps replaceable in minutes
  • Simple icon driven menu requires minimal user training
  • 95 dBA, bright LED and vibration alarms alert users to gases present
  • Intrinsically safe; meets ATEX, IECEx, UL and CSA standards

Tiger

The Tiger provides rapid, accurate detection of VOCs with exceptional resistance to humidity and contamination.

  • Humidity resistant and anti-contamination design
  • Dynamic range ppb to 20,000ppm
  • Fast response time and clear down
  • Internal gas table with over 480 VOCs & toxic compounds
  • Fast Start up
  • Battery life up to 24 hours continual use
  • Simple icon driven menu requires minimal user training
  • Direct USB connectivity for fast data download
  • Large clear keypad and slim design allows one handed operation
  • Keypad backlit in low light conditions
  • Intrinsically safe; meets ATEX, IECEx, UL and CSA standards
  • 5 Year warranty when instrument registered online

Tiger Select: Benzene

The Tiger Select rapidly detects Benzene and Total Aromatic Compounds (TACs).

  • Displays real-time data of benzene concentrations down to ppb levels
  • Utilizes a 10.0 eV detection system, allowing a reading for TACs on start-up
  • Flashing Alarms
  • Provides 15-minute short term exposure limits (STELs) and 8-hour time weighted average (TWAs) for TACs.
  • Displays real time data-ensuring the final reading represents the full value of actual benzene present.

For more information on our selection of portable PID instruments, visit our online store or contact the knowledgeable team at EON today

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The Benefits of Portable Gas Detection

Gas detection and monitoring systems are used as safety devices to alert workers of the potential danger of poisoning by toxic gas exposure, asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen or explosion caused by combustible gases.

The Benefits of Portable Gas Detection - EON Products

Although fixed monitoring systems may be ideal for certain applications, when workers are under the threat of continuous exposure or unpredictable conditions, personal monitoring with portable gas detection is the safest measure. 

Portable gas detection instruments are designed to keep personnel safe from hazards by continuously monitoring a user’s breathing zone, while stationary and moving about. These devices are essential in many areas where gas hazards could occur.

Monitoring the air for oxygen, combustibles and toxic gases is essential to ensure the safety of all personnel. Portable gas detectors have built-in alarms to properly notify workers of dangerous conditions within an application, like a confined space. Once an alarm is detected, a large, easy-to-read LCD display will verify the concentration of a dangerous gas or gases.

The Benefits of Portable Gas Detection - EON Products

In every industry that involves entering confined spaces, handheld gas detection provides convenient, reliable monitoring and data-logging for ease of use. Portable gas detection is lightweight and may be designed for a single substance or can be fitted with multiple sensors–increasing company productivity while minimizing downtime and worksite accidents.

EON Products supplies a range of ION Science portable, handheld gas detectors including the Tiger, Tiger LT and Tiger Select for benzene, along with the Cub for personal monitoring. ION Science photoionization detectors (PID) are designed for the rapid and accurate detection of VOCs down to low levels within a variety of applications, such as environmental screening, hazardous materials handling, arson investigation, hazmat response, confined space entry, indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

Tiger, Tiger LT and Tiger Select handheld gas detectors incorporate ION Science patented PID technology with humidity resistance and anti-contamination design, proven to dramatically extend run time in the field.

For more information on our selection of portable gas detection instruments, visit https://store.eonpro.com/store/c/131-Handheld-VOC-Detectors.aspx or contact the knowledgeable team at EON today. 

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The Dangers of Soil Vapor Intrusion

Soil vapor intrusion is the process by which volatile chemicals move from a subsurface source into the indoor air of overlying buildings. 

How does it work?

Soil vapor or gas is the air found in the pore spaces between soil particles. Because of a difference in pressure between the vapor in the soil and the interior of the building, the vapor enters buildings through cracks in slabs or basement floors and walls, as well as through openings around pipes and electrical wires. Heating, ventilation or air-conditioning systems may also create a negative pressure that can draw in the contaminated vapor.

The Dangers of Soil Vapor Intrusion - EON Products

Soil vapor can become contaminated when chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from subsurface sources enter the soil. Subsurface sources may include contaminated soil and groundwater. If contaminated vapor enters a building, indoor air quality may be affected. 

What chemicals are involved?

VOCs are the most likely group of chemicals found in soil vapor. These may include solvents used for dry cleaning, degreasing, and other industrial purposes. Petroleum-related VOCs include benzene, toluene, styrene, hexane, and xylenes. 

VOCs are also found within many household products, including paints, glues, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, new carpeting or furniture, lubricants, refrigerants, and cigarette smoke. 

These commonly used products may find their way into the soil from industrial spills, leaking underground storage tanks and pipes, illegal dumping, and improper drum storage. At the consumer level, disposing of used motor oil, paint and cleaners on the soil or into a stream can create and contribute to soil vapor contamination.

What are the risks?

Current and potential exposures are considered when evaluating vapor intrusion at a site that has documented subsurface sources of volatile chemicals. However, exposure to VOCs does not mean health effects will occur. Health effects depend on various factors, including inhalation exposure, the length of exposure, the frequency of exposure, and the toxicity of the chemical. 

The Dangers of Soil Vapor Intrusion - EON Products

How is it investigated? 

To properly investigate and examine the extent of vapor contamination on a site, four types of environmental samples can be collected: soil vapor samples, sub-slab samples, indoor air samples, and ambient air samples.

EON Products offers several types of soil vapor sampling systems and equipment to help you collect and sample vapor from shallow depths, either by using temporary soil probes or permanent soil gas points. We also provide environmental field supplies, including samples bags, gloves and more.

For more information on EON’s high-performance environment equipment for your soil sampling project, contact our team today. 

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