#AIHceEXP: The @pidgirl experience

Photo by Jennifer Morris Photography

#AIHceEXP May 20-23 2018 Philadelphia, PA

The primary reason that we attend the #AIHceEXP annually is to exhibit our suite of gas detection products.

Featured real-time detection products included: 

First level screening tools for rapid identification of the source of the spill/smell/area of concern-Total VOC monitoring: Model 102+ PID with multi-sensor options and Model 115 FID





Second level screening tools for separation of components where general knowledge of types of contaminants/chemicals are being used: Continuous monitors: Model 112
(PID/FID or TCD).
Hand-Held GC: Model 121

Third level tools for sophisticated monitoring:
Model 312 Portable Gas Chromatograph with PC on board and dual detector capability-ideal for applications where the user can eliminate sending samples to the lab
Model 301C: Process Analyzer for 24/7 data reporting of complex matrices.

Nearly everyone who came by my booth at #AIHceEXP wanted to know what makes our PID lamps last so long? How do we have an 11.7eV lamp that operates for 500 hours? The answer is simple: We developed the technology and have, since 1973, had a reputation in the gas and vapor detection industry for manufacturing durable, accurate and reliable instrumentation. While there are commercially available products that are in smaller and in sleeker packages, our competitively priced PID remains the most sensitive and selective on the market. Interested in trading in your old PID and upgrading to an HNU? Contact me today.

My father, Jack Driscoll, and I are also members of the Real-Time Detection Systems Committee which meets in-person at this meeting. This is a very active committee and although there was a 6am start time for this group, the room was full! Additionally, I moderated an education session for the Real-Time Detection Systems Committee programming titled: Studies in Real-Time Detection Systems: Monitoring Exposures. This session had over a hundred people at it and was broadcast live to the virtual conference attendees. One of the speakers in the session, Phil Smith, who is a longtime colleague and friend of our family, was inducted as an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Fellow at the Mark of Excellence Breakfast!

Photo by Jennifer Morris Photography

I've been Chair of the AIHA Teen Workplace Safety Task Force since September 2017 and we had our first in-person meeting at #AIHceEXP. This is a grass-roots effort that is under the AIHA Government Relations umbrella. We are currently seeking additional task force members and if educating teens in your community about workplace safety and taking legislative action in your state to require that teens receive workplace safety as part of their educational curriculum in schools peaks your interest, please contact me to learn more.

AIHA excels at organizing and facilitating networking events! From the Catalyst Merry-Go-Round to the MSA Power Hour, I logged lots of networking at this conference!

I even managed a quick visit to LOVE Park on my way between #AIHceEXP social events!

Real-time detection of ppb levels of benzene by gas chromatography/PID

Real-time detection of ppb levels of benzene by gas chromatography/PID

New real-time detection method for benzene at ppb levels using a hand-held GC/PID system with the ability to simultaneously provide real-time data and collect samples for lab verification if necessary.

Scientific/Research Presentation:

#AIHCE, Tuesday June 6, 2017, 11:15am-12:15pm, Seattle, WA, 

F4: Studies in Real Time Detection and Sensor Technology

Authors:

J Driscoll^{1 ,} J Maclachlan¹, 

Institutions: 

¹PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, MA

Author:

John Driscoll
PID Analyzers, LLC

Co-Author:

Jennifer Maclachlan 
PID Analyzers, LLC

Objective:

Benzene is a known carcinogen and long term exposure to this chemical may result in leukemia. The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) therefore is 1 ppm and the short term exposure limit (STEL) is 5 ppm. EPA has just announced (October 2016) a plan to regulate benzene, at 2.8 ppb, at the fenceline of refineries and chemical plants. It is clear that even low ppb levels of benzene are a health concern so that the measurement of benzene in the workplace at ppb levels should be a concern for industrial hygienists.

Methods:

We have developed a five pound, compact GC/PID system that will utilize a special 10.0 eV/10.2eV lamp to improve the specificity for benzene. We have employed a capillary column to provide a fast, specific, and sensitive method for benzene. As a result, we can detect > 1 % of the PEL. The analysis time for benzene is 1 minute, so, five measurements can be used to determine the STEL. The reproducibility (CV) for benzene at 1 ppm is 1-2% and 4-5% at 1/10th of the PEL.

Results:

A concentrator has been developed that fits on the tip of probe of the analyzer. A valve is selected to determine whether the sample is directed to the GC or the concentrator. The volumetric flow is measured with a calibrated flow sensor in the analyzer and date, time and location are recorded. This adsorbent can returned to the lab for confirmatory analysis of benzene and any other components trapped on the adsorbent.

Conclusions:

Having a simple, effective and accurate real-time method to meet monitoring needs of workers is critical to remain in compliance with the present or new OHSA standards for benzene. This system is designed for multiple users, features a color graphics screen with simple push button operation and remote data collection via Bluetooth.

Hazard Recognition and Evaluation:

Real-Time Detection Systems

Keywords:

Real-Time Detection Systems

Practical Application

How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?

Real-time detection systems help limit worker exposure to chemical hazards. This scientific presentation will discuss the specific hazards and share new tools that will improve the accuracy of detection (without the use of detector tubes) as well as allow operators to collect samples for lab verification while capturing the real-time field analysis data. This equipment is ruggedly designed for a multi-user environment with various levels of technical expertise.

Studies in Real Time Detection & Sensor Technology

#AIHCE, Tuesday June 6, 2017, 11:15am-12:15pm, Seattle, WA

F4: Studies in Real Time Detection & Sensor Technology

Philip Smith, PhD, CIH Moderator
U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA
Sandy, UT 
United States of America

Phil has received degrees from Brigham Young University (BS), the University of California, Berkeley (MPH), and Utah State University (PhD, toxicology). He served over 23 years in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps as an industrial hygiene officer, and over 5 years as a member of the OSHA Health Response Team. He now supports nationwide OSHA field activities as the Director of the Industrial Hygiene Chemistry Division located at the OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center. Phil has published over 50 book chapters and peer-reviewed publications and is the lead editor of the 2013 American Industrial Hygiene Association publication "Important Instrumentation and Methods for the Detection of Chemicals in the Field." Phil became board certified by the ABIH (comprehensive practice) in 1993.

Jennifer Maclachlan Presenter
PID Analyzers, LLC
Sandwich, MA 
United States of America

As a co-owner and sales manager of PID Analyzers, LLC, Jennifer Maclachlan is responsible for managing relationships with distributors and key clients as well as the web-based marketing, social and digital media initiatives, of which she was an early adopter. Maclachlan is the Chair of the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Committee on Public Relations and Communications (CPRC) and is a founder of the Cape Cod Science Cafe and STEM Journey, a K-12 STEM Education outreach program.

Jhy-Charm Soo Presenter
NIOSH
Morgantown, WV 
United States of America

Dr. Soo currently is engaged as an Associate Service Fellow at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. Department Health and Human Services. His research interests includes: Environmental health science. Industrial hygiene. Indoor air quality. Health-related aerosol assessment in occupational and non‐occupational environments. Exposure assessment for occupational crystalline silica exposure and sampling technology. Noise and vibration measurements. Direct-reading instrument for VOCs in air. Particle size-selective sampling. Pump pulsation in respirable size-selective Sampling. Collection efficiency of air sampling filtration media. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Micro- Gas Chromatography (Micro- GC) technology. Predictive model based on surrogate monitoring results.

Mr. Kwonchul Ha Presenter
Changwon National University
Changwon, Gyungnam 
Korea, Republic of

Kwonchul Ha, Prof., Ph.D., CIH Dept. of Health Science & Biochemistry College of Natural Sciences Changwon National University

Tue, 6/6: 11:15 AM  - 12:15 PM  Education Session 

Washington State Convention Center 

Room: 611, 612 

Career Stage

Professional

Topics

Hazard Recognition and Evaluation: Real-Time Detection Systems

Keywords

Gases

Real-Time Detection Systems

Sampling & Analysis

Sensor Technologies

Presentations

Real Time Detection of ppb Levels of Benzene

11:15 AM - 11:35 AM  Total Time: 20 

New real time detection method for benzene at ppb levels using a handheld GC/PID system with the ability to simultaneously provide real time data and collect samples for laboratory verification. 

Author

Jennifer Maclachlan, PID Analyzers, LLC Sandwich, MA 
United States of America

CoAuthor

John Driscoll, PID Analyzers, LLC
PID Analyzers, LLC
Sandwich, MA 
United States of America

---

Evaluation of a Portable GC/PI Detector

11:35 AM - 11:55 AM  Total Time: 20 

Most portable direct-reading instruments are not capable of specifying individual chemical compounds or extremely bulky. Recently, a portable gas chromatograph/photoionization detector has been commercialized. This instrument is designed to measure individual VOC compounds, measure a worker's breathing zone exposure, and be portable. However, this instrument has not been fully evaluated via laboratory performance tests.  

Author

Jhy-Charm Soo, NIOSH Morgantown, WV 
United States of America

CoAuthor(s)

Martin Harper, NIOSH Morgantown, WV 
United States of America
Ryan Lebouf, NIOSH - Respiratory Health Division Morgantown, WV 
Eun Gyung Lee, CDC/NIOSH Morgantwon, WV 
United States of America

---

Recommendations for a Continuous Gas Monitoring System

11:55 AM - 12:15 PM  Total Time: 20 

Installation of a continuous gas monitoring system is recommended for the management of toxic and hazardous gases at a semiconductor manufacturing facility in South Korea. 

Author

Mr. Kwonchul Ha, Changwon National University Changwon, Gyungnam 
Korea, Republic of

---

Real Time Detection Systems II #AIHce 2014

EDUCATION

L To r: e. ligus, p. smith, j. maclachlan and e. floyd

PO 123

Real Time Detection Systems II

Live tweeting during this session? Use hashtag #RTDS2 in addition to the conference hashtag #AIHce

DATE: Wednesday June 4, 2014 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

LOCATION: San Antonio, TX Convention Center 0006 C-D

TOPIC: Real-Time Detection Systems

Arranger: W. Groves, Energy and Mineral Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA
Moderator: P. Smith, U.S. Department of Labor  - OSHA, Sandy, UT
Monitors: E. Ligus, Draeger Safety, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA; T. Pearce, OSHA, Edmond, OK

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Field Measurement of Common Fumigants via Portable GC with PID & FUV Detectors
J. Driscoll, J. Maclachlan, PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, Massachusetts, MA

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM WITHDRAWN. PHIL SMITH LED AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION WITH AUDIENCE MEMBERS ABOUT REAL TIME DETECTION SYSTEM NEEDS.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Elimination of Sensor Maintenance by Sensor Interrogation and Correction T. Scheffler, Mine Safety Appliances Co., Cranberry Township, PA

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Estimating Integrated VOC Exposure in Near Real-TimeE. Floyd, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK; C. Lungu, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

- See more at: http://aihce2014.org/course/real-time-detection-systems-ii/#sthash.JpNFdp80.dpuf

Real Time Detection Systems I at #AIHce 2014

EDUCATION

PO 115

Jennifer Maclachlan presenting A Rapid and Accurate
Field Method for Reduced Sulfur Compounds by GC/FPD
San Antonio, TX June 3, 2014

Real Time Detection Systems I

Live tweeting during this session? Use hashtag #RTDS1 in addition to the conference hashtag #AIHce

DATE: Tuesday June 3, 2014| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

LOCATION: San Antonio, TX Convention Center 214A

TOPIC: Real-Time Detection Systems

Arranger: P. Smith, U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA, Sandy, UT
Moderator: W. Groves, Energy and Mineral Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA
Monitors: M. Roe, 3M, Blaine, MN; P. Moser, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Field-Portable Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for Simultaneous Detection and Quantitation of an Unexpected Airborne Contaminant

P. Smith, J. Hill, U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA, Sandy, UT

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM A Rapid and Accurate Field Method for Reduced Sulfur Compounds by GC/FPD

J. Driscoll, J. Maclachlan, PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, MA

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Real-time Field Assessment Methods for Quantifying Carbon Dioxide Levels Present in Workplace Atmospheres

J. Hill, P. Smith, U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA, Sandy, UT

- See more Real Time Detection Systems at #AIHce 2014

REAL-TIME DETECTION SYSTEMS PROGRAM TRACK AT #AIHce

A Rapid and Accurate Field Method for Reduced Sulfur Compounds by GC/FPD

The session "Real Time Detection Systems I",  PO115  is scheduled to take place on June 3, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.  Room numbers will be available closer to conference date.

PRESENTATION TYPE: Podium

CURRENT TOPICS: Real-Time Detection Systems

ABSTRACT BODY:  Objective: The OSHA method for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is complex and involves precipitation, oxidation and ion chromatographic analysis. The dimethyl sulfide and carbon disulfide are collected, desorbed with a solvent and analyzed by a gas chromatograph (GC) configured with a flame photometric detector (FPD). These methods are complex, time consuming and do not provide a fast response for the toxic sulfur compounds. A portable GC with an FPD should have sufficient sensitivity at part per billion (ppb) measurements to detect these sulfur compounds rapidly in the field without any need for sample concentration. Methods: The Model GC312 portable gas chromatograph with an FPD was used for these tests. The PeakWorks™ four point calibration software was used to linearize the FPD sulfur (normal output is a square root response). A 30 meter thick film capillary column provides an accurate and reproducible separation for the three sulfur compounds at ppb to ppm levels in under four minutes. Samples were injected automatically using a 10 port valve. Low level samples were prepared using permeation tubes. Results : Utilizing the portable GC with FPD allows for the rapid detection of sulfur compounds at ppb levels in the air. The sulfur compounds of interest include hydrogen sulfide (PEL =10 ppm), dimethyl sulfide (PEL= 10 ppm) and carbon disulfide (PEL = 20 ppm).The detection limits for the GC/FPD were found to be < 1% of the PEL. Conclusions: The GC/FPD method provides a very rapid and sensitive technique for the analysis of sulfur compounds in the field in real-time. The precision of H2S for 10 samples at one tenth of the PEL was approximately 1%. Although, we have analyzed three of the problematic sulfur compounds, the same method could be applied to other compounds such as methyl mercaptan, carbonyl sulfide, etc.

AUTHORS (FIRST NAME INITIAL LAST NAME): J. N. Driscoll1, J. L. Maclachlan1

AUTHORS/INSTITUTIONS: J.N. Driscoll, J.L. Maclachlan, PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, Massachusetts,  UNITED STATES;

Field Measurement of Common Fumigants via Portable GC with PID & FUV Detectors

The session "Real Time Detection Systems II",  PO123 occurred on June 4, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  

AUTHORS (FIRST NAME INITIAL LAST NAME): J. N. Driscoll¹, J. L. Maclachlan¹PID Analyzers, LLC, Sandwich, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

PRESENTATION TYPE: Podium

CURRENT TOPICS: Real-Time Detection Systems
Field Measurement of Common Fumigants via Portable GC with PID & FUV Detectors

ABSTRACT BODY: 
Objective: More than two dozen different chemicals have been used as fumigants for grain including organics like methyl bromide, inorganic chemicals like sulfuryl fluoride ,and even chemical agents such as cyanogen chloride. Deaths from fumigants have occurred in rail cars, ships, grain elevators, green houses, pest control … A field method for detecting common fumigants is essential since many workers encounter these dangerous chemicals which do not have OSHA field detection methods.

Methods: Utilizing a portable gas chromatograph Model GC312 equipped with a battery and weighing in at 26 pounds, this field tool can detect part per billion (ppb) levels of fumigants with a photoionization detector (PID). A 30M x 0.32 mm capillary with 5 or 10 micron methyl silicone film is used for separating gases and volatile compounds. The far UV absorbance (FUV) detector detects the low or sub ppm levels of a variety of hydrocarbons & low molecular weight (MW) gases such as hydrogen cyanide, sulfur dioxide, and sulfuryl fluoride that absorb at 126 nano meters (nm).

Results : Some of the common fumigants used today are methyl bromide, ethylene oxide, phosphine, and ethylene dibromide. All of these compounds can be detected at ppb levels by GC/PID with a thick film capillary column. The PID has a detection limit of < 5 ppb for PH3, and can detect part per trillion (ppt) levels of dibromochloro propane (PEL = 1ppb) by PID if the internal concentrator on the portable GC is used. The FUV can detect hydrogen cyanide, ethylene dichloride, dichloropropane, sulfur dioxide and sulfuryl fluoride at low or sub ppm levels. The detection limit for SO2 by FUV is 0.5 ppm.

Conclusions: A portable GC with a thick film cap column equipped with PID and Far UV detectors can detect the most common fumigants in use today at levels of 0.1 of the PEL. The portable GC is easily carried to the field and can be operational in about 20-30 minutes. It can detect the ten most common fumigants described above plus many of the more than two dozen chemicals used in fumigation.

Below is a new application note illustrating the use of our Model 100 series portable analyzer for fumigant gas analysis

  Fumigation Analyzer by Jennifer Maclachlan

Calling all techie trekkies of the IH variety...

• SS 001 - Closer to Spock’s Tricorder — The Latest in Real-Time Detection Monday, 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. 

  
  Monday | 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. |

  Topics:
  Real-Time Detection Systems, Safety, Symposia
  Arranger: P. Smith, OSHA, Sandy, UT. Moderator: E. Bishop, Parsons, Council Bluffs, CA. Monitors: J. Golden, 3M Company, Cottage Grove, MN; D. Bolstad-Johnson, Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix, AZ.
  Advances in real-time detection systems and informatics now allow for high reliability data that are immediately available to decision makers. This roundtable will bring together a panel of experts who as individuals are involved in designing, testing, or using the latest innovations in real-time chemical detection and identification tools and informatics platforms to get the resulting data to those who need it as quickly as possible. Assembled experts will discuss microfabricated sensor arrays, miniature mass spectrometers, traditional and atmospheric pressure ionization for mass spectrometric detection in the field, and pulling it all together with wireless transmission of data and positioning to present 3-D models of the results.
  • Smaller, Faster, Better: Mass Spectrometers Designed for High Performance in the Field.  P. Smith, OSHA, Sandy, UT.
  • Field Portable GC-MS and Enabling Sampling Technologies for Collection of Analytes from Air, Water, Particulates  and Surfaces.  N. Porter, Torion Technologies, American Fork, UT.
  • Development of Mobile Ambient Ionization MS for Homeland Security and Defense.  M. Wells, Griffin Analytical, FLIR, West Lafayette, IN.
  • Prototype Micro-Gas Chromatograph for Rapid Determination of Explosive Marker Compounds. G. Serrano, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • Field Testing of a Micro-Gas Chromatograph Prototype: Near Real Time Analysis of TCE Vapors in Indoor Air in Contaminated Homes. J. Bryant, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • The Chemical Exposure Monitor with Indoor Positioning (CEMWIP) Project. K. Brown, NIOSH, Cincinnati, OH.
  • Immediate, Wireless, Synchronized, Visual, Affordable and Elegant — Using Integrated, Real-Time Exposure Assessment Data to Make Better Decisions. B. Groves, Emilcott Associates, Inc., Morristown, NJ.