Following the latest product launch, we are reviving our application highlight series to discuss all the applications where the VPro Benzene monitor is essential. This first blog covers one of the most important applications to implement a Benzene monitor: Oil and Gas.

Why do you need a Benzene monitor in Oil and Gas applications?

Oil and Gas applications involve the extraction, refining, storage and transportation of both Natural Gas and Crude Oil. Depending on the product being handled, different processing requirements will be undertaken to get to the end usable product. However, one thing that is similar about these materials; they are both made up of a large mix of Hydrocarbons and naturally contain some level of Benzene. So those extracting the material, refining the material, or even cleaning the tanks that the material has been stored in need to be aware of the potential Benzene hazards at play. Both the material itself and the residuals left by the material can present a harmful Benzene hazard to workers around it.

Benzene is a highly toxic gas and is one of the most dangerous VOCs workers can come into contact with. In applications like this, it can be found in both a liquid and gaseous form, and will quickly evaporate into the atmosphere. It has a TWA of just 1ppm and no listed short-term exposure limit under EH40 (UK GOV directive), meaning exposure above 1ppm is not permitted at any time in the workplace.

Short term exposure to Benzene can cause swelling and a build up of fluid in the lungs, neurological effect and problems with heart function. Short term exposure can also lead to a coma and convulsions. Long term exposure to Benzene has been shown to culminate in a wide range of diseases, such Leukaemia and other types of Cancer. Long term benzene exposure can also lead to permanent DNA damage and a decrease in white blood cells. So, managing and minimising exposure wherever possible is essential to the health and safety of staff working in close proximity to the chemical.

How can the VPro Benzene monitor help?

The VPro Benzene monitor provides an essential understanding for the Benzene levels in your environment. With this benzene-specific variant of the VOC detector, accurate and true readings are guaranteed, as it contains a pre-filtering tube wiping all other potential cross-interfering VOCs from the measurement.

The VPro Benzene monitor comes kitted with a host of accessories and spares, making simple maintenance tasks and tube changing for your device much smoother and quicker. This package of the unit and accessories/spares also means that the long-term cost of ownership is significantly reduced, as you have everything you need from the moment the device arrives.

Each VPro Benzene monitor comes with a 60-hour battery life, ideal for multiple site checks or long days of detection. Our Benzene monitor is also capable of wireless communication, allowing for easy, instantaneous data reviewing and downloading whilst on site.