CO2 sensor used to upgrade datalogger for quicker results

A common application is the protection of switch rooms or control panels, and other confined space environments which house electrical components, computer or process equipment such as server farms. Other common uses include gas turbine enclosures, power generation stations, and flammable liquid storage areas.

However, there are two key challenges when using CO₂. First, the cylinders of CO₂ used in these Fire Suppression Systems could leak. Therefore, the areas where they are stored need to be monitored. Second, when such a system has been deployed, the atmosphere must be checked to ensure that the CO₂ has dispersed to safe levels for re-entry.

CO₂Meter has developed a data logger, the CM-0003, that is capable of measuring up to 100% CO₂ concentrations. The portable device is well suited for leak detection testing in fire extinguisher systems, and can detect even a slight change in the level of CO₂. By attaching a length of tubing, the unit can be run in real time along pipe connections and valves to pinpoint leaks - even in hard-to-reach places.

This unit is also used to create a three-dimensional map of the CO₂ levels in a particular space, by sampling from both horizontal and vertical locations. This helps determine when it is safe for emergency services to enter an area after a CO₂ extinguisher has been used.

"Our original design used a GSS ExplorIR-W CO₂ sensor, as the low power requirements of their LED-based technology enabled us to create a portable, battery-powered product that could go weeks between recharges," explained Irene Hicks, CEO of CO₂Meter. "It is also highly accurate right up to 100% CO₂ concentrations, which is vital for a sensor in safety applications.

"However, an almost instant CO₂ reading is needed in some situations, so in future we will be using a high speed GSS SprintIR-6S sensor in our datalogger. This sensor takes 20 readings per second, so it's ideal for recording fluctuating CO₂ levels, particularly in fast changing environments. The beauty of the SprintIR-6S is that it's still low power enough to be used in our portable data logger, so you can have high speed and low power sensing effectively combined."

A customer of the CM-0003, who uses them for full discharge tests of CO₂ fire suppression systems, said: "The meters are small enough to take as carry-on luggage, which I find very useful. I typically use three or four meters simultaneously, with test times ranging from 30-60 minutes each. To date, I've used these CM-0003 meters for testing well over 200 sites."

Rachael Yates, Marketing Manager at GSS, added: "We have a very close working relationship with CO₂Meter who use a variety of our sensors in their products. The solid-state design of our LED-based sensors makes them particularly rugged so that they can withstand the rough handling that portable devices are subjected to. We are delighted to be working with them as they integrate our latest designs of ultra-fast reacting sensors into their product range. In particular, our unique, low power, 100% CO₂ sensors are opening new market opportunities for them to create solutions for."