MVI
Mercury Vapour Indicator
The MVI by ION Science is a portable mercury vapour indicator that accurately detects and continuously measures mercury vapour in just 3 seconds. Revolutionary dual beam UV absorption technology means the MVI does not saturate or require regeneration between readings, a significant advantage over traditional gold film detection methods that can create costly instrument downtime. Fast, accurate and ergonomically designed for simple one-handed operation, the MVI is the ideal survey instrument for rapid mercury vapour detection across manufacturing, mining, petroleum, recycling and bioremediation applications.
KEY BENEFITS
- Revolutionary dual beam UV absorption technology: no saturation, no regeneration, no instrument downtime
- Fast 3-second response time for real-time mercury vapour detection
- Two detection ranges covering 0.1 to 200 and 1.0 to 1999 micrograms per cubic metre
- High performance pump for fast indication and recovery
- PTFE probe with moisture trap filter
+ more in the Description tab below
No Saturation. No Regeneration. No Downtime.
Traditional gold film mercury detectors have a well-known limitation: they saturate when exposed to high concentrations of mercury, requiring a regeneration period before they can take another reading. In environments where mercury levels can change rapidly, or where multiple sequential readings are needed, this creates dangerous gaps in monitoring coverage and significant instrument downtime.
The MVI eliminates this problem entirely. Using revolutionary dual beam UV absorption technology, the MVI can measure high concentrations of mercury vapour continuously without saturating, and requires no regeneration between readings. The result is an instrument that is always ready, always measuring, and always giving the operator an accurate real-time reading, regardless of what the previous reading was.
Fast, Accurate and Easy to Use
The MVI delivers a real-time response within just 3 seconds, giving operators immediate confirmation of mercury vapour levels in the area being surveyed. Two detection ranges, 0.1 to 200 and 1.0 to 1999 micrograms per cubic metre, cover everything from low-level exposure monitoring through to high-concentration leak detection and post-remediation clearance verification. Accuracy is ±5 micrograms or ±10% of reading, whichever is greater.
Designed for simplicity in the field, the MVI requires only one hand to operate. The large LCD display clearly shows the current reading, and the audible alarm provides an immediate alert when mercury levels exceed the preset threshold. The PTFE probe with moisture trap filter allows sampling in damp or wet environments without damaging the instrument.
Applications and Industries
The MVI is used wherever mercury vapour poses a risk to workers or requires monitoring for environmental compliance. Key applications include manufacturing facilities handling mercury-containing equipment, fluorescent lamp and CCFL reprocessing plants, mining and petroleum operations, hydrocarbon processing and refining, bioremediation work on contaminated sites, recycling facilities processing electrical equipment, and waste handling operations where mercury-containing devices are processed.
ION Science recommends annual factory service and calibration to maintain instrument accuracy and performance.
Benefits
- Revolutionary dual beam UV absorption technology: no saturation, no regeneration, no instrument downtime
- Fast 3-second response time for real-time mercury vapour detection
- Two detection ranges covering 0.1 to 200 and 1.0 to 1999 micrograms per cubic metre
- High performance pump for fast indication and recovery
- PTFE probe with moisture trap filter
- Large digital display with LCD backlit screen
- Audible alarm factory preset to 20 micrograms per cubic metre, adjustable to any level or switched off
- Simple one-handed operation with ergonomic design
- Robust design available in portable and fixed configurations
- Optional data logger available for compliance record keeping
Sensor
Dual Beam Ultraviolet Absorption Module
Detection range
0.1 to 200 μg/m3 and 1.0 to 1999 μg/m3
Response time
3 seconds
Accuracy
±5 μg/m3 or ±10% of reading
Repeatability
35% FSD at 1 μg/m3
Alarm
Audible, factory preset to 20 μg/m3, adjustable to any level or can be switched off
Sampling
High performance internal pump with PTFE probe and moisture trap filter
Display
Large digital LCD with backlight
Operating temperature
10°C to 50°C
Weight
3 kg
Dimensions
145 x 295 x 80 mm
Battery
NiMH rechargeable
Battery runtime
NiMH - last up to 4.5 hours from full charge
Service interval
Annual factory service and calibration recommended
Options
Fixed version available, optional data logger
Mercury Vapour
Hg
- Energy (Oil & Gas)
- Landfill & Remediation
- Mining & Minerals
The MVI uses dual beam UV absorption technology to measure mercury concentration, unlike traditional gold film detectors which chemically absorb mercury and must be regenerated before they can take another reading. The dual beam UV method is a non-destructive optical measurement, so it is always ready for the next reading regardless of the previous concentration level.
The MVI offers two detection ranges: 0.1 to 200 micrograms per cubic metre for low-level monitoring and 1.0 to 1999 micrograms per cubic metre for higher concentration surveys. The appropriate range is selected depending on the expected mercury levels in the environment being monitored.
The MVI is factory preset to alarm at 20 micrograms per cubic metre. This can be adjusted to any level or switched off entirely through the instrument settings.
The MVI's NiMH rechargeable battery provides up to 5.5 hours of continuous operation from a full charge.
Yes. The MVI is available in both portable and fixed configurations. Contact Gastech for information on the fixed version for permanent installation applications.
ION Science recommends annual factory service and calibration to maintain measurement accuracy and instrument performance.
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