Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID Fixed VOC Gas Detector

Overview

The Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID is a fixed photoionisation detector for continuous monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in hazardous and non-hazardous locations. Where catalytic and infrared LEL detectors look for flammable concentrations, a PID responds to VOCs at toxic exposure levels, down to parts per billion with the most sensitive sensor module. Honeywell offers the detector as a pumped model for sticky gases and as a diffusion model for high-humidity ambients, both housed in an explosion-proof 316 stainless steel enclosure with a graphic display.

Seven Star LLC supplies the Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID to refineries, petrochemical plants, terminals, chemical manufacturers and laboratories in the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC. Benzene monitoring in analyser shelters and around aromatics units, solvent vapour monitoring in storage areas and fenceline or process-area VOC monitoring are typical requests from Sohar, Duqm and Muscat. Our team provides engineering support in Muscat, helping choose the right DigiPID range, sampling mode and correction factor for the target compound.

Measurement Principle

In general terms, in a photoionisation detector an ultraviolet lamp emits photons with enough energy to ionise many organic molecules. As gas passes the lamp, VOC molecules are ionised and the resulting ions are collected on electrodes, producing a current proportional to concentration. The Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID applies this principle in its DigiPID sensor module, which is offered with measuring ranges of 0.01 to 100 ppm, 0.1 to 1000 ppm or 1 to 1000 ppm, a resolution of 10 ppb or 1 ppm depending on model, and a response time (T90) below 30 seconds.

As general background, a PID responds to many compounds, so in common practice the reading is calibrated with a reference gas and converted for the target compound using a correction factor. For the Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID, Honeywell pre-programs more than 200 correction factors so that the display can show the concentration of a specific target gas. The detector also uses Honeywell patents such as Electronic Auto-Zero for baseline stability, a patented pump duty cycle that extends sensor and lamp cleaning intervals, humidity compensation, and 3D sensor technology that reduces quenching and humidity response. Relays and correction factors are disabled with the 1 to 1000 ppm DigiPID version.

Engineering Design of the Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID

The Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID fixed sensor head is a 316 stainless steel explosion-proof enclosure measuring 257 x 201 x 107 mm and weighing 3.5 kg, with a 3/4 in NPT male mechanical interface and mounting on a 50.8 mm (2 in) pipe or wall. The pumped version uses an internal diaphragm pump drawing up to 500 cc/min through a flow-through design for faster response. The sensor module can be removed in hazardous locations without tools, and calibration and adjustment are performed with a magnetic key through the closed enclosure using a three-key magnetic interface.

Electrically, the Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID operates on 10 to 28 V DC, drawing 210 mA at 24 V with power below 5 W, and provides a three-wire 4-20 mA output, an RS-485 Modbus digital output and three-level programmable alarm relays rated 30 V DC, 2 A. A 128 x 64 backlit matrix LCD and an LED status indicator show readings, faults and alarms. The sensor head is certified ATEX Ex II 2(1)G Ex d [ia Ga] IIC T4 Gb, IECEx Ex d [ia Ga] IIC T4 Gb and UL/CSA Class I Division 1 Groups A, B, C and D T4, with IP65 rating.

Key Features

The Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID data sheet highlights the following features.

• Pumped and diffusion models are available, the pumped version for sticky gases and the diffusion version for humid ambients.
• DigiPID sensor ranges extend from 0.01 to 100 ppm up to 1 to 1000 ppm, with resolution down to 10 ppb.
• More than 200 pre-programmed correction factors allow readings for specific target VOCs.
• Electronic Auto-Zero and humidity compensation support baseline stability and accurate readings.
• The unique lamp design improves robustness and extends lamp life.
• The sensor module can be removed in hazardous locations without tools for easier maintenance.
• Outputs of the Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID include 4-20 mA, RS-485 Modbus and three programmable alarm relays.
• The explosion-proof 316 stainless steel enclosure carries ATEX, IECEx and UL/CSA approvals.

Industrial Applications

Honeywell lists key applications for the Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID such as benzene in refinery analyser shelters, ammonia in industry, vinyl chloride in chemical manufacturing, toluene or ammonia in semiconductor plants, solvent and chemicals storage, phenol and DME in pharmaceuticals, toluene in printing, methyl ethyl ketone in paint spray booths, heat transfer fluids and solvents in medical and pathology laboratories. In Oman the detector is especially relevant to refinery and aromatics complexes, tank farms and loading terminals, and chemical warehouses where low-level VOC exposure has to be controlled.

For flammable and toxic detection alongside VOC monitoring, Seven Star LLC also supplies the Honeywell XNX Excel gas detector, the Honeywell Sensepoint XRL fixed gas detector and the Honeywell Searchline Excel open path detector. Our engineers in Muscat help clients across Oman and the GCC combine PID, point and open path technologies in one detection philosophy.

Technical Specifications

The Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID data below are taken from the Honeywell data sheet (EMEA 0419).

How to Order

To order the Honeywell RAEGuard 2 PID, tell Seven Star LLC the target VOC, required range, pumped or diffusion sampling and the area classification, or send the existing part number for a replacement. Our team in Muscat will confirm the configuration, provide the technical datasheet for download and issue a formal quotation. Seven Star LLC supplies Honeywell gas detection products to customers in Oman and the GCC with engineering support.