Smarter together: How PIDs and FTIR revolutionise gas monitoring
28th April 2025
At a glance
> The XplorIR is a portable gas detector that delivers real-time identification and quantification of gases and toxic vapours, something traditional Photoionisation Detectors (PIDs) cannot do.
> By leveraging FTIR spectroscopic analysis, the XplorIR enables emergency responders to instantly identify contaminants, leading to faster and more effective incident outcomes.
> When used in conjunction with conventional PIDs or even without, the XplorIR provides a comprehensive and accurate understanding of hazardous gas environments.
Challenges with traditional PIDs
Emergency responders often face a wide range of hazards when encountering unknown gases including flammability, oxygen deficiency, toxicity, corrosivity, radioactivity, and reactivity. While PIDs are commonly used to detect and quantify hazardous chemicals, they are unable to identify specific substances or determine precise concentrations without known correction factors. This makes accurate risk assessment difficult.
908 Devices' XplorIR overcomes this limitation by offering real-time identification of gases and vapours. This critical capability enables responders to:
> Accurately assess toxicity based on recognised safety thresholds and provided built-in Safety Data information.
> Applies correction factors for precise and quantified concentration readings.
> Improve overall risk evaluation and decision-making.
> Accelerate response times by identifying the source of contamination more quickly.
Enhanced air monitoring
Integrating the XplorIR into air monitoring strategies empowers responders to identify hazardous gases on the spot, enhancing their ability to:
> Evaluate toxicity accurately through quantification and using established exposure limits.
> Reduce response time and limit public exposure by pinpointing contamination sources more efficiently.
By combining the strengths of the XplorIR with traditional PIDs, emergency teams can now achieve a complete, real-time picture of hazardous gas and toxic vapour incidents. This innovative approach transforms air monitoring, enabling faster, smarter, and safer decision-making on the ground.
Find out more
You can learn more about the XplorIR by clicking the button below to speak to a product specialist directly.