Tech Tip – phx42 Best Practice: Storage and Delayed Use

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Overnight storage and calibration of the phx42 should be done indoors at or near room ambient conditions (15-25 °C or 59-77 °F) with a maximum humidity of 85%.

At the beginning of the day, you can triple-tap the power button to ignite the unit, or by using the app. After manually calibrating, or calibrating on a SpanBox, it is best to leave the phx42 ignited and running, uninterrupted, for the entire day. At the end of the day or when monitoring is finished, place the phx42 in “Sleep Mode” by quad-tapping the power button. Ensure the phx42 is stored in the environmental conditions stated above.

Note: The phx42 must be ignited for at least 15 minutes prior to calibration, drift, or any monitoring that will be performed. If the phx42 is used before it is warm, you may receive readings outside of the factory-specified accuracy ranges.

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Web-Based LDAR Databases: A New Age in Data Management

In an ever-evolving technological landscape, companies clinging to traditional ways of managing Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs may be left behind. Simple trips to the filing cabinet are gradually being replaced by a couple of clicks on a web-based LDAR database – a radical shift that is revolutionizing data management.

Without a doubt, the primary allure of online LDAR databases is the ease of access. No matter where you are, your office now fits in your pocket. All your vital regulatory and maintenance data can be retrieved any time, any place, from any device connected to the internet. This, of course, provides a significant edge over paper records and manual entries enables you to hone your focus on enhancing your leak detection regime.

A look at documented leaks in Chateau.

In addition to convenience, web-based LDAR databases provide other invaluable features, such as daily alerts.  Daily alerts are tailored to cater to your specific needs, enabling you to stay informed on key metrics, leaks, maintenance requirements, and other critical data. With these proactive notifications, compliance deadlines and missed repairs easily become a thing of the past.

Field technicians too can benefit from these databases. With the ability to check in and out data via Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world, this functionality bolsters real-time communication and teamwork, thus reducing delays in leakage reporting and solutions.

Moreover, compliance management becomes effortless with a web-based LDAR database. It enables centralized tracking of all necessary documentation, monitoring, and reporting processes, thereby ensuring complete compliance with all regulations. Additionally, the system’s customizable reports simplify audits, compliance reviews, and internal assessments.

Transitioning from a traditional database to a web-based LDAR database helps your organization streamline operations, increase precision, and foster collaboration. Say goodbye to paper clutter, manual errors, and routine IT issues. Say hello to, Chateau, the future of LDAR management – a powerful, cloud-based solution.

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LDARtools Employee Spotlight: Corinne Johnson

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We hope you will join us in welcoming the newest member of our merry band, Corinne Johnson.

 

Corinne Johnson joins us as our Client Success Specialist.

 

With over 10 years of experience in LDAR, she brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to LDARtools. She has hit the ground running in supporting our valued clients with their Chateau databases, and within the first month of joining us has already spearheaded LDARtools’ first-ever Chateau webinar for our clients.

 

When asked what she likes best about her new role, Corinne, said…

 

“I love talking to people, hearing what their issues or concerns are, and being able to take that back to a company that hears me, and is as eager as I am to help the clients.”
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Closed for Labor Day

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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.

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Independence Day Closure

In honor of Independence Day, our Warehouse and Support will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2024.
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phx42’s Continuing Success

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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.

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Memorial Day Closure

In honor of Memorial Day, our Warehouse and Support will be closed Monday, May 27, 2024.

 

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Closed for Good Friday

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.
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Why Choose the phx42 Over the TVA 2020 for Your Portable FID Needs

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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.

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Happy Labor Day from LDARtools!

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.

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