LDARtools will be closed Monday September 2, 2024 in recognition of Labor Day.
We will be conducting normal business operations Friday August 30 and Tuesday September 3.
In honor of Independence Day, our Warehouse and Support will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2024.
This chart depicts one of the most amazing achievements in the history of the LDAR industry. It tells the story, with cold, hard numbers, of the unprecedented success of the phx42 FID analyzer, also commonly known as a Toxic Vapor Analyzer or TVA*, as an LDAR tool.
The blue line shows the increase in phx42s sold since 2018. Thanks to our friends and customers for the warm reception our favorite analyzer has experienced! But the green line tells an even more amazing story. It shows the total number of RMAs per quarter since the birth of the phx42.
An RMA represents an incident in which a phx42 has to be sent to our lab for repair. You can see the green line’s initial jump (in RMAs) when the phx42 was introduced. We learned with each RMA. We thought deeply, made changes, improved our training, and made things better.
So even as the number of phx42s in service has grown dramatically (to more than 1300), we have been able to keep the RMAs per quarter to the same level we were at when we had only 250 phx42s in the field. The LDAR industry has never seen anything like it.
Thanks to our staff, customers, vendors, and suppliers! We are making history.
*This is a misnomer, but also a term the industry has accepted to describe portable FIDs.
In honor of Memorial Day, our Warehouse and Support will be closed Monday, May 27, 2024.
LDARtools will be closed Friday March 29, 2024 in recognition of Good Friday.
We will be conducting normal business operations Thursday March 28 and Monday April 1.
Portable FID (Flame Ionization Detector), also commonly known as Toxic Vapor Analyzer or TVA*, technology has evolved significantly, and when it comes to choosing the right equipment for Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR), it’s crucial to make an informed decision. Today, we’re comparing two leading portable FIDs: the phx42 and the TVA 2020, to see why the phx42 emerges as the superior choice.
*This is a misnomer, but also a term the industry has accepted to describe portable FIDs.
Lighter and More Compact
For professionals regularly using a portable FID, the weight and size of the device are critical. The phx42 weighs a mere 7.25lbs (3.29kg), making it significantly lighter than the TVA 2020, which weighs 9.4lbs (4.26kg). This difference is not just about comfort; it’s about reducing fatigue during long hours of fieldwork. The phx42’s compact dimensions (10 x 2.16 x 7.5 inches or 25.4 x 5.5 x 19 cm) also make it more manageable in confined spaces, a common challenge in field operations.
Rugged Build and Advanced Features
In the demanding environments where portable FIDs are used, durability is non-negotiable. The phx42’s aluminum case stands out against the TVA 2020’s plastic construction, promising better resilience against the rigors of fieldwork. Moreover, the phx42 comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, a feature that costs extra with the TVA 2020. This modern necessity enhances data transmission efficiency and aligns with current EPA Consent Decrees.
Enhanced Performance and Adaptability
Performance-wise, the phx42 offers a wider detection range of 0-100,000 ppm compared to the TVA 2020’s 0-50,000 ppm. This broader range allows for more precise and varied measurements. Both devices offer a 10-hour run time, but the phx42 facilitates continuous monitoring, a critical feature for comprehensive area assessments. It also boasts automatic temperature compensation for extreme cold, a feature requiring manual intervention in the TVA 2020.
Ease of Maintenance and Use
The phx42 shines in its user-friendly design. It features quicker hydrogen refill times (~15 seconds), an important factor in maintaining operational efficiency. The device also conducts self-checks for machine health, reducing the likelihood of field breakdowns. Additionally, the phx42’s automated shutdown sequence to prevent internal moisture accumulation is a thoughtful feature that prolongs device life.
Cost-Effective Maintenance
Cost is a crucial factor in equipment selection, and the phx42 offers significant savings in maintenance and replacement parts. Components like the pump, battery, and charger are more affordable compared to those for the TVA 2020, reducing the total cost of ownership over time.
Conclusion
When evaluating the phx42 against the TVA 2020 for your portable FID needs, the phx42 stands out for its lighter weight, robust construction, advanced features, enhanced performance, ease of maintenance, and cost efficiency. These factors make the phx42 not just a tool, but a reliable partner in the demanding field of LDAR.
For LDAR professionals seeking a portable FID that combines performance, durability, and operational efficiency, the phx42 is an unmatched choice.
We’ll be closed on Monday. If you need assistance over the long weekend to meet a compliance deadline, please call 877-788-1110 ext. 704 and we will do our best to find someone to help you.
The LDAR Tools API is a powerful tool that can be used to automate and streamline LDAR workflows. The API can be used to perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Importing and exporting data
- Running LDAR Tools analysis and reporting
The LDARtools API is RESTful, which means that it uses standard HTTP methods to perform requests. This makes it easy to integrate the API with other applications and services.
To use the API, you will need to create a token. Our Devs would be happy to help with that if you email your request to support@LDARtools.com.
The Chateau API documentation provides detailed information about the API’s endpoints, parameters, and responses. You can find the API documentation on the LDAR Tools website below.
If you are using Chateau, I encourage you to explore the API documentation and learn how you can use it to improve your productivity. The Chateau API is a powerful tool that can help you to automate and streamline your LDAR workflows.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
The future of leak monitoring in industries is rapidly transforming with state-of-the-art tools and technologies. One such advancement that’s driving accuracy and efficiency in leak detection is the portable Flame Ionization Detector (FID). But using a portable FID requires precise location descriptions to ensure the accuracy of results. Enter Chateau Mobile’s Location Description Builder.
Why is Location Description Crucial with Portable FID?
The precision with which a portable FID works depends significantly on the location description provided. An accurate description ensures the detector can pinpoint the exact leak source, making the technician’s job easier and ensuring the integrity of the system being tested.
Chateau Mobile’s Location Description Builder: How it Changes the Game
If your existing Location Description is in the required format, Chateau Mobile allows you to tweak specific elements in the description. For example, you can easily switch from “4 FT WEST” to “6 FT WEST”. However, if your location description doesn’t align with the required format, Chateau Mobile enables you to reconstruct it from the ground up.
Here’s a breakdown of the terms and how they’re applied:
- Level: This describes the platform or height the technician will be on to monitor the component using the portable FID.
- Ground: Implies the technician is standing on the ground. Interestingly, ‘Ground*’ can also indicate the necessity of elevation tools such as scaffolds or ladders. The subsequent section, ‘Feet from Boots’, would then clarify this with a higher number.
- Top: Indicates the technician is on top of the named REN.
- 2: Suggests the technician is on the second level of a structure.
- Feet from Boots: This term represents the distance between the component and the technician’s boots.
- Examples include ‘3’ (3 feet above the boots), ‘-2’ (2 feet below the boots), ‘8’ (8 feet above), etc. A notation like ’22’ indicates that elevation equipment is necessary.
- REN (Relational): It outlines the component’s position relative to the closest primary equipment (or REN).
- For components within 3 feet of the REN, use the SIDE feature, highlighting the direction. You can toggle the SIDE feature on and off.
- If the component lies more than 3 feet from the REN, build the distance or type the specific number.
- REN Reference Equipment Number: It’s a vital equipment piece that technicians use to locate the component.
- You can select the REN in three ways:
- Using Quick Pick to display the last three utilized RENs.
- Inputting a portion of a known REN in the Filter for faster results.
- Opting for Select to open the full list of RENs. However, using the FILTER is quicker!
- You can select the REN in three ways:
In Conclusion
For those leveraging the power of portable FID for leak detection, optimizing location description is paramount. Chateau Mobile’s intuitive Location Description Builder simplifies this task, allowing technicians to work faster and with higher accuracy.
The need for responsible and sustainable operations has never been more critical in our evolving energy landscape. Essential aspects of this responsibility are establishing and maintaining leak rate standards. Learn more about the importance of these regulations.
What Are Leak Rate Standards?
Leak rate standards dictate the acceptable level of emissions during various industrial processes, particularly in the oil and gas industry. These standards encourage companies in this industry to minimize the release of harmful pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere from equipment leaks. The standards cover different equipment with unique leak rate limits, including valves, pumps, connectors, and flanges.
Various regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States or the European Union’s Industrial Emissions Directive, set these limits to ensure industries operate responsibly and contribute to a cleaner environment. The New Source Performance Standards set by the EPA is a prime example of industry-specific leak rate regulations. Alternatively, some businesses set their own standards at or above those recommended by government oversight agencies.
The Importance of Compliance
Leak rate standards play a significant role in protecting public health and the environment. Emissions from industrial leaks can contribute to air pollution, which is linked to various health issues, such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. By adhering to established leak rate standards, energy companies can minimize the release of harmful pollutants and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of surrounding communities.
Compliance with leak rate standards helps energy companies maintain a positive reputation and strong relationships with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and the general public. Non-compliance often leads to fines, penalties, operational shutdowns, or legal actions that can damage a company’s reputation and erode trust among investors and customers.
Financial Benefits
Adhering to leak rate standards also yields substantial financial gains for energy companies. By implementing LDAR programs, companies can identify and repair leaks more efficiently, reducing the loss of valuable resources such as natural gas or other chemicals. This can improve operational efficiency, leading to cost savings and increased profits.
By proactively addressing leaks and complying with regulations, companies can avoid costly fines, penalties, legal liabilities, and damaged assets. In some cases, energy companies are eligible for tax incentives or credits for demonstrating exceptional compliance or implementing emission reduction technology.
Establishing and adhering to leak rate standards are important for energy executives and professionals working in refineries and processing facilities. Companies can protect public health, reduce environmental impact, maintain a positive reputation, and reap financial benefits by embracing proper LDAR protocols and practices. Ensure your facility has the ideal leak detection equipment by exploring our selection of FID analyzer devices and related products at LDARtools!
Quality & Information Security
