Carbon dioxide measurement is achieved using a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor and is essential across a number of different industries. Despite the fact that carbon dioxide is difficult to detect, Edinburgh Sensors’ range of CO₂ detectors allows for reliable carbon dioxide measurement via the strong absorption of non-dispersive infrared technology. This article takes a look at the importance of measuring carbon dioxide and the use of carbon dioxide monitors.

What Is Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a chemical compound that is an odourless and colourless gas at room temperature. The compound consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through a number of ways; it is released by the exhaling of organisms and it is given off through the combustion of matter. Plants also take in carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis. The gas is not toxic, unless concentrations become elevated.

There are many uses of CO₂, such as extinguishing fires, freezing food, producing carbonate beverages and many more within the agricultural and medical industries.

Carbon dioxide can be harmful to the environment. This is because it is a greenhouse gas which traps heat energy within the earth’s troposphere. This raises the surface temperature of the earth and has led to global warming. Furthermore, excessive carbon dioxide emissions can cause ocean acidification.

How To Measure Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is measured using gas sensors that are specifically designed to measure carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. Some common applications for a CO₂ detector are monitoring indoor air quality, landfill, process control and controlled environment horticulture.

Despite the fact that carbon dioxide is difficult to detect, Edinburgh Sensors’ range of CO₂ detectors allows for carbon dioxide measurement via the strong absorption of non-dispersive infrared technology.

As well as being failsafe and easy to use for continual monitoring, NDIR sensors offer highly sensitive detection for gases such as CO₂. This is because gases such as methane and carbon dioxide absorb infrared light very strongly and have characteristic fingerprint signals for unambiguous identification so even trace amounts of gases can be detected.

Where Is Carbon Dioxide Measured?

Carbon dioxide measurement is essential across a number of different industries. Below is a list of the different applications with possible uses for a carbon dioxide sensor and links to their subsequent page on our website.

• Mining
• Biogas
• Landfill
• Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
• Process Control
• Controlled Environment Horticulture
• Controlled Atmosphere Storage
• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
• HVAC
• Indoor air quality
• Gasification

Each of these applications would not be possible without a reliable and precise CO₂ detector for precise carbon dioxide measurement. For further articles on specific examples of carbon dioxide measurement, please view the links below.

• The Use of a Carbon Dioxide Sensor in the Conservation and Ripening of Fruits
• The Role of Carbon Dioxide Measurement in the Prevention of Sick Building Syndrome
• Monitoring Volcanoes using a CO2 detector
• The Role of Carbon Dioxide Measurement in Wine Production
• Nuclear Applications using a Carbon Dioxide Sensor
• Stored Grains: Carbon Dioxide Measurement for the Early Detection of Spoilage
• Monitoring CO2 Concentrations in Pig and Poultry Processing

Carbon Dioxide Measurement With Edinburgh Sensors

At Edinburgh Sensors, we are the market leaders with over forty years of experience developing highly sensitive, rapid response near-infrared sensors for carbon dioxide measurement. We produce a carbon dioxide detector for every need. Our products can be used for all of the above applications, as well as many more.

Depending on the exact needs, Edinburgh Sensors offers a range of CO₂ sensors including the Gascard NG, Guardian NG, the IRgaskiT, and the Gascheck. Of these, the Gascard NG offers a huge amount of flexibility in its set-up, monitoring options and integration into connected systems.

There are two versions of the Gascard NG available. It can be purchased either as the stand-alone card or as the Boxed Gascard that contains the Gascard NG card inside but in a pre-built housing to minimise installation and set-up time. Given the low concentrations of CO₂ and O₂ that are often optimal for controlled atmospheric preservation of fruits (for apples, between 2 – 6 % of CO₂ and 2 – 3 % of O₂) then the high sensitivity and accuracy of these sensors are essential for this application.

For example, The Gascard can detect CO₂ concentrations in the range of 0 – 5000 ppm. It is also able to work under realistic temperature and humidity conditions and is capable of providing accurate readings over humidity conditions spanning 0 – 95 %. Another powerful feature of the Gascard NG is that, by using RS232 communications, the Gascard can be integrated with other control or data logging devices easily and there is also with the option for onboard LAN support where required. This means it is relatively straightforward to set up feedback systems to constantly monitor, log and adjust the atmosphere around the fruit, ensuring the produce is always at its best.

Further Information

For further information on any of our carbon dioxide measurement solutions or to find out more about possible carbon dioxide sensor applications for your carbon dioxide measurement, please do not hesitate to contact us – we look forward to hearing from you.

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Carbon Dioxide Measurement Solutions From Edinburgh Sensors