CO2 and humidity sensors in incubator

CO2 Measurements

Carbon dioxide measurement is required in many applications from building automation and greenhouses to life science and safety.  Many technologies are used to measure CO2. Infrared (IR) sensing is the most widely applied one.

Benefits of IR sensors over chemical sensors: 

  • stable and highly selective to the measured gas
  • a long lifetime and
  • they withstand high humidity, dust, dirt, and other harsh conditions.
How to measure CO2

How to Measure CO2?

CO2 is a colorless and odorless gas that is soluble in water. It is the bubbles in the fizzy drink, a greenhouse gas, a byproduct of burning reactions, and in the air we exhale. CO2 is itself non-combustible and inert gas, which makes reliable measurement challenging. The most dependable method for CO2 measurements is Vaisala CARBOCAP® carbon dioxide sensor, an optical infrared measurement with groundbreaking innovations. Learn more on how to measure CO2.

Watch the video

Vaisala CARBOCAP® - Advanced Carbon Dioxide Measurement Technology

What Makes Vaisala’s CO2 Sensors Unique?

Vaisala uses a single-beam and dual-wavelength NDIR (Non-dispersive infrared) technology for measuring CO2. The patented CARBOCAP® technology is used in all its CO2 sensors. This technology incorporates a unique tunable band pass filter that was developed by Vaisala and is manufactured in our own state-of-the-art cleanroom. 

Watch the video

Installation of a Vaisala HVAC Sensor

Measurement Excellence

The CARBOCAP® sensor allows for measurement of both the CO2 absorption signal and a reference signal using a single set of components. Because of this, Vaisala is getting a real reference measurement in every measurement cycle. This eliminates the most common drift factors normally associated with all other NDIR sensors. The results of this breakthrough are excellent long-term stability, a long service life and the ability to function in the most demanding environments, including warm, humid, and dusty environments.

CO2 measurement in a greenhouse

Typical Applications for CO2

Vaisala CARBOCAP® instruments are well suited to a wide range of applications, from ppm (parts per million) to percentage-level CO2 measurements. Since CO2 replaces oxygen, it can be harmful to people in very high concentrations. CO2 is present at percentage levels only within closed processes such as fermentation and controlled-atmosphere storage environments. Percentage-level measurements are also typical in life-science applications such as CO2 incubation.

Benefits of Vaisala’s CARBOCAP® sensors

Benefits of Vaisala’s CARBOCAP® sensors

Stability

The unique design of CARBOCAP® results in recommended calibration intervals of up to 5 years.

24/7 Occupation

Suitable for use in spaces occupied 24/7 as well as dusty and dirty industrial environments.  CARBOCAP® does not rely on the assumption of CO2 concentrations dropping to background levels in order to make any drift compensations.

Long lifetime

Its microglow light source is rated for 15+ years of stable light output providing many years of trouble free use.

Out of the box performance

Shows correct values immediately after power-up because the CARBOCAP® does not need to “learn” its environment like other technologies do.

Carbon dioxide measurement related products

Indigo520 with probe

Indigo500 Series Transmitters

The Vaisala Indigo500 series transmitters are host devices for Vaisala Indigo-compatible, stand-alone smart probes. The Indigo500 series include multi-functional Indigo520 transmitter and Indigo510 transmitter with basic features.

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP231 is a CO2 meter for incubator manufacturers needing reliable incubator CO2 sensor.

CO₂ Probe GMP231

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP231 is designed to provide incubator manufacturers with accurate and reliable carbon dioxide measurements and sterilization durability at high temperatures, up to 180 °C

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP251 is an intelligent, stand-alone, %-level probe for stable and accurate CO2 measurements.

CO₂ Probe GMP251

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP251 is an intelligent, stand-alone, %-level probe for measuring CO2 in life science incubators, cold storage facilities, fruit and vegetable transportation, and in all demanding applications where stable and accurate percentage-level CO2 measurements are needed.

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP252 is an intelligent, stand-alone, ppm-level probe for stable and accurate CO2 measurements.

CO₂ Probe GMP252

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP252 is an intelligent, stand-alone, ppm-level probe. It's intended for measuring CO2 in agriculture, refrigeration, greenhouses, demanding HVAC applications, and for plant growth chamber manufacturers.

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP343 is an accurate and rugged probe-type instrument for ecological measurements.

CO₂ Probe GMP343

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Probe GMP343 is an accurate and rugged probe-type instrument for ecological measurements. Typical applications include CO2 soil respiration, ambient CO2 monitoring, plant growth chambers, and OEM applications.

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Hand-held Carbon Dioxide Meter GM70 is a CO2 measuring device or CO2 meter, that measures volume concentration of CO2 in the units of ppm or %.

Handheld CO₂ Meter GM70

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® Hand-held Carbon Dioxide Meter GM70 measures volume concentration of CO2 in the units of ppm or %.

CO₂ Transmitter Series GMD20

The duct-mounted Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Transmitter Series GMD20 are specially designed for demand-controlled ventilation (DCV).