Altair 5X PID Detector
The ALTAIR 5X PID Gas Detector is capable of measuring up to 6 gases simultaneously and the integrated PID sensor detects Volatile Organic Compounds in ppm concentrations. Driven by advanced MSA XCell Sensor Technology, the MSA ALTAIR 5X PID Gas Detector delivers faster response time, better stability, accuracy, longer service life, and cost savings over the life of the instrument.
Often, leak concentration is too low to be smelled by humans. PIDs are often used to detect low-level leaks in order to detect compounds at levels of less than 1 ppm. PIDs can be used for leak detection to detect leak sources. Higher concentrations of gases are found at or near the source of a leak. When a substance is detected, users wearing adequate personal protective equipment should move in the direction of higher concentrations when trying to identify the leak source.
Substances that PIDs can detect
PIDs measure organic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene, and also certain inorganic such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. As a general rule, if compounds measured or detected contain a carbon (C) atom, a PID can be used. However, such is not always the case, as methane (CH4) and carbon monoxide (Co) cannot be detect with a PID.
A common misconception about PIDs is that they are analyzers. Many expect that a PID will provide exactly the vapor present at a spill site; such is not the case. While PIDs are extremely sensitive and effective tools, they are not analyzers and cannot determine if a spill is benzene or jet fuel, for example. A PID can detect that a substance is present and can alert you as to potentially hazardous situations, but additional steps are necessary to properly identify the substance’s exact composition and quantities present.
Listed here is a sample procedure to identify a substance’s concentration at a spill site:
- Set the PID to isobutylene
- Detect and record a reading
- Identify, via placard or MSDs, the specific substance
- If the placard or MsDs reads that the substance is vinyl chloride, set the PID response factor to vinyl chloride to enable direct reading of actual vinyl chloride level.
- Detects combustible gases in LEL and/or volume percentage range, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, chlorine, VOCs, and many others depending upon sensor configuration.
- Rugged over-moulded polycarbonate housing provides unsurpassed durability, including ability to survive 10-ft. (3m) drop; IP65-certified.
- Field-proven integral pump provides consistent gas flow, eliminating concerns of externally-attached components.
- High performance XCell Sensors last longer:
- Typical life greater than 4 years for combustible, O2, CO/H2S, SO2, CO/NO2 and CO (high concentration) sensors.
- Typical life greater than 3 years for NH3 and Cl2 sensors.
- Most sensor response and clear times <15 seconds.
- Less calibration gas used:
- Requires about half of test gas typically used for calibration and bump tests.
- Rapid bump test gives results in less than 10 seconds for most common sensor configurations.
- Span calibration time of 60 seconds for most common sensor configurations.
- Motion-Alert feature option tells others that user has become immobile.
- Instant-Alert feature provides manual alarm to alert others as to a potentially hazardous situation.
- PID option allows for accurate, reliable VOC response with programmable reference factors.
- Large buttons and bright display provide easy operation, even when users wear gloves.
- Exclusive end-of-sensor warning cautions users when unit’s sensor nears end-of-life.
- Compatible with GALAXY GX2 Test System and MSA Link Pro Software for fleet management.
- Wireless Bluetooth included standard.
Powered by Performance
• 4-year sensor life on LEL, O2 , CO, H2 S, SO2 , NO2 , and IR sensors –
60% longer than industry average
• 3-year sensor life on NH3 and Cl2
• Advanced PID and IR sensor options
• MSa exclusive instrument end-of-sensor-life warning
• MSA exclusive Motion-Alert and Instant-Alert features
• 40% less calibration gas used per minute than industry average
Gas type | Range | Resolution |
Combustible | 0-100% LEL | 1% LEL |
Combustible Vol % CH4 | 0-5% Vol CH4 | CH4 0.05% |
Oxygen | 0-30%Vol | 0.1%Vol |
Carbon Monoxide | 0-2000 ppm | 1 ppm |
Carbon Monoxide | 0-10,000 ppm | 5 ppm |
Hydrogen Sulphide | 0-200 ppm | 1 ppm |
Hydrogen Sulphide | LC 0-100 ppm | 0.1 ppm |
Sulfur Dioxide | 0-20 ppm | 0.1 ppm |
Chlorine | 0-10 ppm | 0.05 ppm |
Ammonia | 0-100 ppm | 1 ppm |
Nitrogen Dioxide | 0-20 ppm | 0.1 ppm |
Nitrogen Dioxide | 0-50 ppm | 0.1 ppm |
Chlorine Dioxide | 0-1 ppm | 0.01 ppm |
Phosphine | 0-5 ppm | 0.05 ppm |
Hydrogen Cyanide | 0-30 ppm | 0.5 ppm |
Carbon Dioxide, CO2 | 0-10%Vol | 0.01%Vol |
Butane, C4H10 | 0-25%Vol | 0.1%Vol |
METHANE, CH4 | 0-100%Vol | 1%Vol |
Propane, | C3H8 0-100%Vol | 1%Vol |
PID – 10.6Ev | 0-2000 ppm | 0.1 ppm |
Housing: Rugged rubberized armour
Weight: 1 lb (without IR sensor)
Dimensions: (L X W X D) 6.69” H x 3.49” W x 1.79” D
without belt clip, PID, or IR sensor
Audible Alarm: >95 dB typical
visual Alarm: 2 ultra-bright LEDs, on top vibrating
Alarm Standard
Motion Alert & Instant Alert
Display: High-contrast monochrome or colour display
Backlight: Adjustable time-out
Battery: Rechargeable Li-ION or AA alkaline
Run Time: 20 hrs @ room temperature
Ingress protection: IP65
Standard Warranty
– 3 years on CO, H2S, LEL, O2, SO2 and IR sensors
– 2 years on NH3, Cl2 sensors
– 1 year on other sensors
Listed here are some common Substances that a PID can detect and monitor:
• Benzene
• toluene
• vinyl chloride
• Hexane
• Isobutylene
• Jet fuel
• styrene
• Allyl alcohol
• Mercaptans
• trichloroethylene
• Perchloroethylene
• Propylene oxide
• Phosphine
