Carbon Dioxide Sensor for the LogIT Microsense system

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1 Carbon Dioxide Sensor for the LogIT Microsense system Overview The Carbon Dioxide sensor is designed to measure the amount of Carbon Dioxide gas present in air. It provides measurements in Parts Per Million (ppm). It uses NDIR (Non Dispersive Infrared Absorbance) to measure the CO 2 molecules present in the air. Ideas for use Environmental monitoring of CO 2 levels. Greenhouse CO 2 monitoring. Plant growth and measurements of optimum growing conditions. Photosynthesis studies. Human breath composition. Office/Classroom/Home environmental studying. Specifications Standard Range: ppm (resolution 1 ppm) Alternative Range (via software): ppm (resolution 1 ppm) Accuracy at 22 O C ppm range: +/- 40ppm + 3% of reading Temperature dependence: 0.2% FS per O C Stability: < 2% of FS over sensor life (>5 years typical) Pressure Dependence: of reading per mm Hg Data reading: Every 2 seconds (depending on logging mode) Operating Conditions: 0 O C to 50 O C (32 O F to 122 O F) 0 to 95% RH, non condensing Storage conditions: -40 O C to 70 O C (-40 O F to 158 O F) External power connector: 2.1 mm DC plug centre negative. External power required: 9V DC 45mA Average, 150mA Max Battery requirement: 2 x Alkaline or rechargeable AA type Care This sensor is not waterproof. Do not use the sensor in excessive damp conditions or extremes of temperature as permanent damage will result. Do not disassemble this sensor, no user serviceable parts inside. Trouble shooting If the sensor reads 13 ppm continuously your batteries need to be replaced or the external power supply needs checking This is a very new sensor and your software and/or LogIT with display may need updating to support it, which is usually available over the internet free of charge. If the sensor is not recognised by your software or LogIT (for example if the datalogger displays???) you probably need a software update. LogIT Lab will also update the LogIT datalogger - if you are using different data logging software you can download an evaluation version of LogIT Lab to update your LogIT(s): Instructions & Resources 1: Visit the LogIT website 2: To upgrade your datalogging software click on the Downloads tab followed by Software Updates. The installation instructions are available from the same page. 3: To upgrade the datalogger, select the logger from the list on the left of the page followed by the Support tab and then select Logger Updates. Follow the on screen instructions. Note: Sensorlink, LogIT SL and LIVE will not need to be upgraded, only the datalogging software they are used with. Note the Carbon Dioxide sensor is not compatible with the CheckIT display for LogIT SL/LIVE. Basic recalibration can be done by the user on sensors manufactured after July see Recalibration on instructions page. The resources shown overleaf are available in PDF form at

2 Carbon Dioxide Sensor for the LogIT Microsense system Instructions & Resources In Use The LogIT CO 2 sensor uses NDIR (Non Dispersive Infrared Absorbance) technology which is generally considered superior in life and performance to electrochemical type measuring. The infrared source takes a considerable amount of power and so in order to enable optimum portable battery operation the sensor incorporates intelligent power management to both conserve power and optimise perfomance. This power management is automatically controlled by the sensor s own microprocessor and will balance data capture with battery conservation to produce accurate and reliable data making best use of battery life. This allows long term portable datalogging in remote places such as greenhouses or environmental monitoring. Preparing for use When first plugged into a LogIT Datalogger the sensor should ideally be left for 10 minutes for the internal sensor to stabilise and give the most accurate readings, although usable readings can be obtained after 2 minutes. Powering the CO 2 sensor from an external power pack If you are using the sensor in a lab or where a mains supply is readily available then it will probably be most convenient to power it from a mains power adapter. The sensor requires 9 volts dc at an average of 45mA with peak at 150mA so that the standard LogIT power pack or many other DC power units may be used (The connector required is a 2.1mm diameter DC power plug with centre pin negative polarity). When powered from an external power pack the sensor reading is updated every 2 seconds and LogIT will always display & record the last reading it receives from the sensor. Powering the CO 2 sensor from internal batteries If you wish to use the sensor in a remote or portable environment you will probably find it appropriate to power it from internal batteries. Fit 2 AA Alkaline or fully charged AA Rechargeable cells into the battery compartment. When powered by batteries internal software uses the following sensor update rates to conserve power (these do not apply when being powered by a mains power pack): Autolog Logging: When the sensor detects the datalogger is in Autolog mode the CO 2 sensor takes readings every 2 seconds for the first two hours and therefter changes to only taking a fresh measurement every 30 minutes to conserve battery life. Note that LogIT will always display and record the last reading taken so that this power saving mode does not interfere with logging and graphs, but you should be aware that after 2 hours it is only taking a fresh reading every 30 minutes. For more frequent logging on battery power use Set Log rate as below. Set Log rate When the CO 2 sensor detects that the datalogger has been set up to a specific log rate, it only powers on and takes a reading when required. Low Battery warning If you see 13 PPM continuously on the datalogger display this indicates that the internal batteries of this sensor need replacing or that an external power adapter plugged into the sensor is not working correctly). Recalibration Your CO2 sensor is supplied precalibrated but accuracy can change over time. On units manufactured after July 2009 you can perform basic recalibration yourself outdoors (which is typically 400ppm). You will need your CO2 sensor with batteries or power pack, a straightened paper clip and a LogIT with built-in display or a computer connected - note this recalibration MUST be done outside where there is ample flow of fresh air. Turn on your logger and plug in the CO2 sensor. While the display counts down from 3 to 1 GENTLY push a paper clip into the small hole on the side of the case. The display should change from displaying PPM to DATA and the value on the screen will now count down from 999 to 0 which will take just over 16 minutes as the sensor warms up, after which automatic calibration will commence and will take about 1 minute. When calibration is over the display should show the CO2 level - if you breath over the grille you will see the readings change. To complete calibration and return the sensor to normal mode displaying PPM, just unplug it from the LogIT and it is ready to use.

3 Photosynthesis and the Plant Subject: Biology Sensor: Carbon Dioxide sensor, Temperature sensor, Light sensor Overview: By mounting the Carbon Dioxide sensor within a small Biosphere a plants ability to absorb CO 2 can be monitored over a short space of time along with the temperature and light indicating the effects these parameters have on the CO 2 levels. Equipment required: LogIT Carbon Dioxide sensor LogIT temperature sensor (ProTemp or HiTemp) LogIT light sensor (LUX, Smarteye or SPX LUX) LogIT Datalogger Sensor extension leads Plastic bag or propagator and some elastic bands Plant Hazards: Place the apparatus in such a way that it will not come into contact with water or be exposed to excessive moisture. Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or SSERC for guidance on the use of any hazardous material. Suggested Method 1. Attach the CO 2 sensor to the side of the plant pot using an elastic band or similar. ( If using a small propagator as shown in the photo, place the sensor in the bottom) 2. Place the temperature sensor and light sensor in a similar way to the CO 2 sensor. 3. Connect the sensors to the datalogger. 4. Switch on the logger and allow the sensor to stabilise for 10 minutes. 5. Place the whole plant and sensors into a plastic bag sealing the end with another elastic band. 6. Start logging the CO 2 using the logger remotely or connected to a computer. Results: Note: Do not place in direct sunlight as this can kill the plant in such a small propagator. Biology Do the results show that Photosynthesis has taken place? What happens to the concentration of CO 2 when the light increases/decreases? Is this a surprise? Why does this happen? What happens to the temperature? Why does this happen? Going further: Try and get some data from a greenhouse or similar plant propagation. How might you set up an experiment to see how CO 2 levels effect plant growth?

4 The classroom Subject: Biology Sensor: Carbon Dioxide sensor. Overview: By placing the CO 2 sensor in a classroom, the levels of CO 2 can be recorded along with the effects of opening and closing windows and doors. Equipment required: LogIT Carbon Dioxide sensor LogIT datalogger Hazards: Place the apparatus in such a way that it will not come into contact with water or be exposed to excessive moisture. Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or SSERC for guidance on the use of any hazardous material. Suggested Method 1. Position the CO 2 sensor on a suitable table. 2. Connect the sensor to the LogIT Datalogger. 3. Switch on the logger and allow the sensor to stabilise for 10 minutes. 4. Start logging the CO After a predetermined time eg. near the end of the lesson, stop logging. Results: Note: This procedure can be run for the length of a lesson or during an entire day. It is also good logging practise to add markers when an event occurs such as a window being opened or a door left ajar. You may also like to perform the experiment connected to a computer and the results discussed during the lesson as changes take place. What do the results show? Can you see a pattern? How does opening a window affect the readings? Environment Going further: What other rooms might you consider monitoring? Monitor a sports hall during a sports event. How might the level of CO 2 effect the performance of the players?

5 Human breath Subject: Biology Sensor: Carbon Dioxide sensor Overview: By breathing into a bag, the amount of CO 2 can be recorded before and after exercise to see if more or less CO 2 is expelled. Equipment required: LogIT Carbon Dioxide Sensor (Use software to select ppm range) LogIT datalogger Large plastic bag or similar. Hazards: Ensure any exercise is suitable for the student and the surrounding environment. Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or SSERC for guidance on the use of any hazardous material. Suggested Method 1. Place the CO 2 sensor into a large plastic bag. 2. Plug the sensor into a LogIT datalogger and connect to a computer (change scale to ppm) 3. Switch on the logger and allow the sensor to stabilise for 10 minutes. 4. Breathe into the bag and allow the value to peak. Record the value. 5. Perform some exercise. 6. Again, breathe into the bag and note the peak value. Note: It is important that when breathing into the bag the breath is not forced out as over range and false readings can be taken. It might be better to simply breathe normally and then placed the bag over the mouth at a suitable out breath. A large bin liner was found to produce good results. You can overlay the two sets of results. Results: Biology What do the results show? Does this confirm your prediction as to what might happen? Why is there a change in the amount of CO 2? What does this suggest is happening in the body during exercise? Going further: Try monitoring different forms of exercise. Does this make a difference to the CO 2 levels? What other sensors might be used in conjunction with the CO 2 to show how the body works during exercise? An example might be a temperature sensor or Heart receiver.

6 Pollution - Road side monitoring Subject: Environmental Sensor: Carbon Dioxide sensor Overview: By mounting the Carbon Dioxide sensor by the side of a road, the CO 2 levels emitted by passing traffic can be directly compared with other roads in different locations. Equipment required: LogIT Carbon Dioxide sensor LogIT datalogger Elastic band Hazards: Students should be supervised at all times when used near roads or by traffic. Do not cause a distraction to any road users. Place the apparatus in such a way that it will not come into contact with water or be exposed to excessive moisture. Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or SSERC for guidance on the use of any hazardous material. Suggested Method Results: 1. Attach the CO 2 sensor to the logger using the elastic band as shown. (The photo shows a LogIT Voyager datalogger being used). 2. Connect the sensor to the LogIT Datalogger. 3. Switch on the logger and allow the sensor to stabilise for 10 minutes. 4. Start logging the CO After a predetermined time stop logging. Note: For this example, the logger and sensor were held in the hand and was then walked around the town. This enabled a good mix of data from the main street in a small market town. Of course you can also obtain data by staying in one location. What happens to the CO 2 levels? Where is this CO 2 coming from? How might buildings affect the readings? Environment Going further: How might different times of day change the results? How might the height of the sensor effect the results ie. what would the levels of Carbon Dioxide be at the height of an office window?

7 Ideas for other experiments Car journey. By simply monitoring the CO 2 levels in car during a journey, the effects of opening and closing windows or the sun roof can be observed. The results can change quite dramatically. You may like to discuss how stuffy cars can bring on tiredness. Note: In no way should you ever artificially alter the CO 2 levels by sealing vents or other ventilation systems fitted to a car. These are fitted for the very purpose of preventing build up of fumes. The results shown below are from a typical journey from home to work with windows being opened at various times. (The peaks occur just after a window was opened and the troughs just after the window was closed) Journey through a town and country. Try mounting the sensor and logger onto a bike and cycle through a town. Then cycle through the countryside. Any difference in the data obtained?

8 DCP Microdevelopments Ltd Bryon Court Bow Street Great Ellingham Norfolk NR17 1JB Tel: Fax: Waste electrical and electronic products must not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or Retailer for recycling advice. Product number: D Document number: D773180/3 July 2009