The Many Marvellous Applications of a CO2 Monitor that You Should Know

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2019: a year of increasingly liberal social norms, intensifying political unrest and continuously advancing technologies. Everything, it seems, is escalating. Although there are some things we are happy to see grow, there are others we would rather forget about. Innovative technology is something that most people are thrilled to see advance, especially when it assists with making the world a safer place. Gas sensing is a technology that has seen dramatic growth over the last decade and today a CO2 monitor can be used across a myriad of applications, any of which are standard operations that are relevant to average businesses and people.

What is a CO2 Monitor?

A carbon dioxide sensor (CO2 sensor), sometimes known as a CO2 monitor is an instrument used to measure the volume of carbon dioxide gas in specific areas, rooms, spaces or locations. As you are probably well aware too much CO2 in a confined space is detrimental to the health of humans. So, safeguarding against that is one of the most common, and important, uses of a CO2 monitor. Of course, there are many processes and industrial circumstances within which there is a requirement for a specific level of CO2. Therefore, CO2 sensors are crucial to the operation of various businesses all over the world.

Man in yellow hazmat suit stands in room with co2 monitor.

How Do CO2 Sensors Work?

There are two main principles for CO2 sensors: infrared gas sensors, commonly known as NDIR, and chemical gas sensors. NDIR CO2 sensors are spectroscopic sensors to detect carbon dioxide in a gaseous environment by its characteristic absorption. NDIRs CO2 monitors are comprised of a light tube, a wavelength filter and an infrared detector. Gas from the surrounding atmosphere diffuses into the light tube, then the electronics measure the absorption of the characteristic wavelength of light. The average DIR CO2 monitor costs from around £80-£800. Of course, the price will be largely dependent on the application you require it for.

Industrial storeroom filled with large tankers of different gases and a CO2 monitor.

What Can A CO2 Monitor Be Used For?

As previously mentioned, there is a broad range of applications within which a CO2 monitor can be hugely beneficial and in many cases a necessity. As with all technology, the more we learn about it and the advanced versions become more commonplace, the more frequent we will see its application on average, everyday operations. For a better idea of some of the placements of CO2 sensors, here is a list:

  • Modified Atmospheres
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Stowaway Detection
  • Cellar and Gas Stores
  • Marine Vessels
  • Greenhouses
  • Landfill Gas
  • Confined Spaces
  • Cryogenics
  • Ventilation Management
  • Mining
  • Rebreathers
  • Occupancy Counting
  • HVAC Applications
  • Applications where direct temperature measurements are not applicable

Person asleep on chair with magazine over face, no CO2 monitor installed.

Where to Buy CO2 Sensors

You can purchase a basic, low cost, CO2 monitor, online. If your requirements are a domestic, commercial and fairly low risk then this is an acceptable way to go around obtaining your sensor. Of course, if you require a CO2 monitor for a more industrial or high-risk application, it is advised that you seek the professional consultation of a CO2 sensor manufacturer to ensure you choose the correct model.

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