CO2 meters: Precise check of the interior air quality
Use a CO2 meter to test and monitor CO2 concentration in commercial and private buildings. There are many areas of application for carbon dioxide measurements - from proper ventilation to comfort measurements for workplace assessment and testing of indoor air systems to industrial use.
- CO2 meters reliably detect thick air
- What is a carbon dioxide meter useful for?
- Why you should determine the CO2 concentration
- How does a CO2 meter work?
- What is the difference between a CO2 meter and a CO-Warner?
- Important selection criteria for CO2 meters
Current conveyor program for ventilation systems
The Federal Ministry of Economics is responsible for the conversion and upgrading of ventilation systems in public buildings and assembly facilities in Corona. For this purpose, the state will make a staggering EUR 500 million available by 2014.
CO2 meters reliably detect thick air
Carbon dioxide with the chemical code CO2 is a natural component of the ambient air. The gas is known primarily as a climate killer because it reduces the heat radiation from the earth and thus heats up the atmosphere. Indoors, CO2 concentration is an important indicator of indoor air quality. The gas is produced as a natural degradation product of breathing and when burning carbon-containing substances. With a CO2 meter you can determine the exact carbon dioxide part in the air and thus optimize your ventilation behavior.
You can choose between measuring devices for wall mounting or table mounting and mobile handheld measuring devices. The display shows the amount of carbon dioxide in the air with high accuracy. If the preset values are exceeded, a visual notification or an acoustic alarm is triggered, which prompts you to ventilate. In addition, the probes of the devices also measure the temperature and humidity as further quality factors of the interior air. The data helps you with the room climate analysis, the detection of ventilation deficits and the prevention of mold.
CO2 data loggers are practical for long-term analysis. With these indoor air meters you can continuously monitor the carbon dioxide concentration. The evaluation of the recording takes place either directly on the device or via a software for processing and evaluating the measurement data on the computer.
The most well-known manufacturers of CO2 measuring devices include Chauvin Arnoux, Extech, Fluke, Komerci, TFA, Voltcraft, vernier, Ebro, Rotronic and Testo.
What is a carbon dioxide meter useful for?
On average, outside air has a CO2 content of about 400 ppm. The ppm unit stands for parts per million and indicates the number of parts per million. An increased CO2 concentration in indoor and public areas is considered to be an indication of inadequate ventilation. The gas spreads rapidly in poorly ventilated rooms. From a CO2 limit of 1000 ppm, we perceive ambient air as consumed. The more people are in a room, the faster the CO2 volume increases, which we then register in the form of unpleasant depositions.
Too much CO2 is problematic for the body, as it is already obstructing oxygen uptake in the lungs at a low concentration. Well-being is impaired even at a concentration of more than 800 ppm. Possible consequences of the thick air are lack of attention and difficulty in concentration. With the CO2 knife you can determine the right time for ventilation, for example by supplying fresh air through opening the windows.
The hand-held measuring instruments are also very suitable for industrial applications. Devices and systems that rely on fresh air supply can be calibrated by means of targeted CO2 measurement and ventilated as required. The measuring instruments play an important role in setting up systems that produce CO2 themselves. They are also used for the storage and transport of CO2 gas and dry ice, emission checks and environmental impact assessments.
Why you should determine the CO2 concentration
There are a number of reasons that speak for CO2 monitoring in business, public and private spaces.
Carbon dioxide is a widespread productivity inhibitor in offices, training and seminar rooms, houses, workshops and production halls. Increased carbon dioxide levels lead to a reduction in attention, lack of concentration and fatigue in many people. The result of such insensitivity disorders is often a reduction in overall performance and ultimately personal productivity. The health effects in humans can lead up to the Sick Building Syndrome SBS with tensions, irritated mucous membranes and headaches.
In high concentrations, C02 may lead to unconsciousness if inhaled. The gas is heavier than air and concentrates in ground wells. This can become problematic, for example, in agricultural silos or car workshops.
The determination and logging of the CO2 values is important in the setup, control and maintenance of ventilation systems. Regular readjusting ensures a regulated operation with adequate air change and proper hygiene.
In the context of controlled ventilation, measuring the carbon dioxide values supports energy-efficient room air conditioning and building automation. The measurement results serve as the basis for programming automatic ventilation systems, which ventilate rooms cost-effectively depending on the actual occupancy rate, when necessary.
In commercial plant applications, compliance with CO2 limit values is often crucial for production. Routine determination of CO2 levels prevents creeping CO2 saturation of industrial or agricultural equipment. Continuous monitoring of the carbon dioxide concentration is also carried out by CO2 detectors, which can be installed in any room.
How does a CO2 meter work?
Most CO2 indoor air meters use infrared light to measure the amount of CO2. Carbon dioxide has the capacity to absorb infrared radiation in a certain way. The infrared sensor in the measuring chamber of the CO2 sensor determines how much of the amount of infrared light introduced by the light source is absorbed by the gas. The remaining light intensity determines the gas concentration value.
In addition to devices with built-in room air sensors or exchangeable cable sensors, there are models with wireless Bluetooth sensors, NFC sensors and smart sensors with smartphone operation.
The measuring instruments are calibrated in the factory. A manual or automatic calibration function prevents the zero point deviation of the sensor. Some models require a calibration kit for calibration.
What is the difference between a CO2 meter and a CO-Warner?
CO2 meters show the amount of carbon dioxide and other climate-related parameters. To determine an increased concentration of carbon monoxide in the ambient air, use a carbon monoxide detector, or CO detector. These devices warn people about carbon monoxide leaks and thus minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Highly toxic carbon monoxide is produced during combustion processes, such as in heating systems, and is odorless, invisible and tasteless.
Important selection criteria for CO2 meters
When purchasing a meter, pay attention to the following items:
Measurement functions or measured variables
The product description tells you which sensors are available to diagnose the air condition. 3-in-1 devices show not only the carbon dioxide concentration but also the relative humidity and temperature. 5-in-1 devices also measure the air speed, the air pressure or the dew point depending on the model. Devices with data logger or recording function for long-term monitoring of the CO2 content as well as of temperature and humidity record test results with time stamp in the measured value memory.
Power supply
The power is supplied via a mains adapter, batteries or rechargeable batteries. Pay attention to the specified cable length. An automatic switch-off when not in use is convenient for protecting the batteries.
Measurement range
The measuring range specifies the range within which the detector can determine measurement results such as the CO2 content.
Response time
The specified response time indicates how fast the sensor registers a change in the sensor.
Application area
The range of application indicates the weather conditions permitted for the device, such as temperature range and maximum humidity.
Accuracy
For a high-quality measurement, accuracy is important. Based on the measurement accuracy expressed in percent, you can find out by what percentage the measured result can deviate from the actual value at the maximum. The smaller the % value of a measuring device, the more accurately the measuring device measures.
Resolution
The resolution indicates the step width and thus the smallest noticeable difference in measured value, for example 1 ppm. The higher the resolution, the more accurate the measurements.
Display
It is important to have a large, easy to read and illuminated display. Features such as color indicators, adjustable alarms, date and time display, and measurement logging and storage simplify the use of the room air meter.
(This text is machine translated.)