EPU1: Understanding Interference in Real-Time Industrial Hygiene Detection Systems
Mon, 6/1: 11:45 AM - 12:10 PM CDT
Pop-Up Education Sessions
Pop-Up Education Sessions
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Room: Exhibit Hall, Booth 516
Description
Real time detection technologies have become essential tools in modern industrial hygiene, enabling rapid decision making and enhanced worker protection. However, these systems are not infallible. Sensor interference whether chemical, environmental, or mechanical-can lead to inaccurate readings, false alarms, or dangerous underreporting of hazards. This session will explore common and emerging interference mechanisms affecting gas detection and spectroscopic monitoring systems used across industrial settings.
Participants will gain practical insight into how and why sensors fail, what warning signs to look for, and strategies to reduce risk when relying on real time data for exposure assessment and emergency response.
Key Topics & Examples:
1. Oxygen Sensor Poisoning
• Mechanisms of catalytic bead and electrochemical sensor degradation
• Common poisons: silicone compounds, lead, sulfur containing vapors
• Field indicators of poisoning and troubleshooting approaches
2. Cross Sensitivity Between H₂S and SO₂ Sensors
• Why electrochemical sensors respond to chemically similar gases
• Real world examples of misreading in refineries, wastewater treatment, and chemical manufacturing
• Calibration and verification practices to reduce misclassification
3. Water Interference in FTIR Spectroscopy
• How water vapor absorption bands overlap with target analytes
• Effects of humidity, condensation, and sampling system design
• Techniques for compensating or correcting for water interference
Target Audience
Industrial hygienists, safety professionals, emergency responders, environmental health specialists, and anyone who relies on real time detection systems for exposure assessment or hazard identification.
Participants will gain practical insight into how and why sensors fail, what warning signs to look for, and strategies to reduce risk when relying on real time data for exposure assessment and emergency response.
Key Topics & Examples:
1. Oxygen Sensor Poisoning
• Mechanisms of catalytic bead and electrochemical sensor degradation
• Common poisons: silicone compounds, lead, sulfur containing vapors
• Field indicators of poisoning and troubleshooting approaches
2. Cross Sensitivity Between H₂S and SO₂ Sensors
• Why electrochemical sensors respond to chemically similar gases
• Real world examples of misreading in refineries, wastewater treatment, and chemical manufacturing
• Calibration and verification practices to reduce misclassification
3. Water Interference in FTIR Spectroscopy
• How water vapor absorption bands overlap with target analytes
• Effects of humidity, condensation, and sampling system design
• Techniques for compensating or correcting for water interference
Target Audience
Industrial hygienists, safety professionals, emergency responders, environmental health specialists, and anyone who relies on real time detection systems for exposure assessment or hazard identification.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Identify common types of sensor interference that impact real time industrial hygiene monitoring.
• Explain how oxygen sensor poisoning occurs and recognize conditions that increase susceptibility.
• Describe cross sensitivity issues between hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) sensors and their implications for field accuracy.
• Understand how water vapor and condensation interfere with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements.
• Apply practical mitigation strategies to improve data reliability and instrument performance in the field.
• Identify common types of sensor interference that impact real time industrial hygiene monitoring.
• Explain how oxygen sensor poisoning occurs and recognize conditions that increase susceptibility.
• Describe cross sensitivity issues between hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) sensors and their implications for field accuracy.
• Understand how water vapor and condensation interfere with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements.
• Apply practical mitigation strategies to improve data reliability and instrument performance in the field.
Core Competencies
Aerosols & Airborne Particulates
Big Data, AI, and Sensor Technologies
Indoor Air Quality
Safety
Keywords
Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring
Gas and vapor detection
Real-time detection services and direct reading instruments
Safety
Session Availability
In-person
OnDemand
Targeted Audience
Practitioner