Omni Sensors and Transmitters Ltd provide a range of sensors to monitor the air quality in both domestic, public and commercial settings.
Many settings require accurate monitoring of carbon dioxide levels to avoid toxicity. This has become increasingly important since the pandemic as air quality and ventilation are key factors in reducing transmission of the virus.
We offer sensors that are designed purposely for carbon dioxide gas detection. All monitors incorporate a traffic light indication of the ventilation level and some display the actual carbon dioxide value together with humidity, temperature and pressure readings.
Carbon Dioxide: What is it?
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a gas that is both odourless and colourless at room temperature. The chemical compound is made up of one part carbon and two parts oxygen.
Carbon dioxide is a gas that in small quantities is harmless. It is naturally occurring as we exhale and is also produced when materials are burned. The problem arises when it reaches high concentration levels in the air due to poor ventilation.
When CO2 levels are too high in an enclosed space it indicates that ventilation is poor and there is an increased risk of spreading airborne viruses such as COVID in addition to other adverse effects;Â loss of concentration, decreased cognitive ability, tiredness, headaches and a greater likelihood of ear, nose and throat infections.
Carbon Dioxide Sensor: Why are they needed?
According to Wikipedia, a CO2 sensor is an instrument for measuring the levels of carbon dioxide. There are two types of carbon dioxide meters: infrared gas sensors (NDIR) and chemical gas sensors. They are important to not only measure the quality of indoor air but also to monitor lung function and industrial processes.
NDIR sensors offer highly sensitive CO2 detection as well as continual monitoring of air quality. Even small traces of carbon dioxide can be detected as it absorbs infrared light very strongly and has an unambiguous fingerprint. Good carbon dioxide detection enables users to ensure that CO2 is kept at a safe level to indicate the adequacy of ventilation. Good ventilation prevents the transmission of viruses and keeps people feeling healthier.
CO2: Why is Air Monitoring Important?
Following the COVID pandemic, everyone has become aware of the increased importance of maintaining good ventilation to minimise the transmission of the virus. Many workplaces and public places have become accustomed to following scientific advice to keep doors and windows open to protect people.
This works great in the summer months but in winter there is a difficult compromise between good ventilation and losing heat.
A carbon dioxide meter will measure the levels of CO2 that are being exhaled in a closed environment and will also provide a warning when levels are too high. This will be a clear indication that there is not enough ventilation and fresh air to dilute the gases being expelled when people breathe and act as a call to increase airflow by opening some windows or doors. By monitoring CO2 levels and acting upon high readings, it will be possible to reduce the risk of COVID transmission and keep people safe while maintaining their comfort.
Carbon Dioxide: UK Legislation
CO2 is present in the air naturally at about 400ppm in the atmosphere. In a closed unventilated room, this will rapidly increase as people exhale CO2 when they breathe.
To ensure safety, the government produced guidelines for schools that limit exposure to CO2 to 1000ppm in all schools, colleges and universities. It would seem sensible to consider this as good advice for all workplaces and public spaces to keep people feeling well and reduce the transmission of viruses.
As well as being a risk for the transmission of viruses, high levels of CO2 can cause sickness. Some symptoms of high CO2 levels are:
- Drowsiness/fatigue
- Headaches
- Feeling stuffy
CO2 Detection: Choosing a monitor
Choosing the right Carbon dioxide detector to monitor air quality will depend on what level of data you need. You can choose between a monitor that provides a reading of CO2 concentration together with humidity, temperature and pressure which may be important if your setting is covered by legislation, or one that provides a colour-coded indication of air quality levels. Some CO2 detection devices record data to produce an accurate understanding of ventilation levels over time.
Looking at low-cost options are a great idea for places that are focused simply on an early warning system to maintain good air quality and ventilation. However, it is important to consider only sensors that are valued for their accuracy and are easy to use.
Aranet
Aranet is an experienced Latvian manufacturer of industrial IoT environmental monitoring solutions.. Part of the SAF Tehnika Group, they have a strong record in wireless communications that they have now included in their CO2 sensors.
Their sensors not only display CO2 values, but they also feature a useful traffic light system that indicates the quality of ventilation. In addition, they display humidity, temperature, and pressure readings to give a more thorough breakdown of air quality.
These two CO2 NDIR monitoring devices are battery operated for easy placement and can be fixed or portable.
Aranet Home
This CO2 detector is particularly user friendly as it communicates its data via Bluetooth to a mobile phone. Coming with its own free app, it allows the user to view 7 days’ worth of data to get a broad picture of how well ventilated a room is over time.
Benefits:
- CO2 Concentration display
- Traffic light System for air quality
- Comprehensive data recording
- Bluetooth Communication for monitoring statistics away from the device
- Portable or Fixed
Aranet 4
This CO2 detection system features a base that transmits its data to a PC or laptop. This allows up to 50 sensors to be connected wirelessly around a building for monitoring larger settings. AÂ handy email alert will let the user know if any of the sensors detect a reading that exceeds the user’s defined limit.
Benefits:
- Multiple sensors to be installed across a single site
- Multiple sensors in a large building or multiple buildings.
- Multiple sites in different geographic locations.
- PC based software enables monitoring of all sites.
E+E Elektronik
E+E Elektronik are an Austrian manufacturer of sensors that monitor relative humidity, temperature, dew point, moisture in oil, pressure, CO2, air velocity and mass flow. They are the accredited Austrian national calibration laboratory for all the aforementioned sensors.
Whilst the display and number of measurements from their CO2 monitors are reduced when compared with Aranet, they offer good value for money and a commitment to performance and quality. Although they accurately monitor CO2, they do not display the actual concentration in ppm. With a lower price point than the Aranet monitors, the E+E Elektronik portable or static CO2 detection devices are a perfectly reliable budget system that provides a visible traffic light style warning to monitor CO2.
Benefits:
- Accredited Manufacturer
- Good value for money
- Simple Traffic Light System
CO2 Detector: Who needs one?
Anyone who cares about air quality and wants to monitor CO2 levels, or the quality of their ventilation systems will benefit from a CO2 detector.
Anywhere that people congregate indoors will be at risk of high levels of CO2 and managers should focus on improving their ventilation and reducing the transmission of viruses to keep staff, customers and users safe. The easiest way to monitor air quality is with an appropriate carbon dioxide detection sensor.
Installing a carbon dioxide meter not only protects people but is a good way of showing staff and customers that a company or organisation is taking careful COVID precautions and monitoring their ventilation systems.
Aranet 4 has a new fun and engaging feature to use alongside their Aranet 4 sensor. Users can display a QR sticker that lets them share air quality with customers. A great way to assure customers that premises are safe and precautions have been taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
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Education: Schools, colleges and universities that are covered by UK legislation will benefit from Aranet products that give readings of the CO2 concentration as evidence of compliance.
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Vulnerable People: Care homes, GP surgeries and hospitals should take extra care that their ventilation is adequate to protect their vulnerable patients or residents and staff. Multi-site services such as hospitals may prefer the Aranet 4 system that can link sensors to a central hub so that data can be monitored centrally.
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Public Services: Community centres, libraries, registry offices, crematoriums, prisons and police stations will benefit from a monitoring system like Aranet that can track data that can be reported to local authorities when required.
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Large workplaces: They will benefit from the Aranet 4 system that can even be linked across different geographic sites and monitored at their head office.
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Close Contact: Hairdressers, beauty salons, spas and gyms, are particularly high risk with the close contact and high concentration of people inside.
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Hospitality: Hotels, theatres, cinemas, cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs have large concentrations of people in enclosed spaces that can be difficult to ventilate. CO2 detectors are a great way to keep track of levels.
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Retailers and Offices: Installing CO2 detection can bring peace of mind. A portable sensor is ideal for checking different parts of the environment and keeping customers, workers and clients safe.
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Smaller organisations: They may prefer a budget option such as the one made by E + E Elektronik where an easy to read traffic light system can act as an early warning sign to open windows. Also ideal for holiday homes and caravans.
