Co2-measuring devices: for industry, schools or offices

How does a Co2 meter work?

A CO2 meter for indoor air is equipped with IR sensors or detectors. Whether in the form of an antenna or as a cable, whether installed externally or inside the house, this complex technology measures the quality of the air in the room. Other essential components are a measuring chamber, a light source and an interference filter.

Infrared radiation is transferred through the measured gas with the help of the light source. The integrated filter ensures that only the wavelength of the gas reaches the sensor. The mode of operation of laboratory analysers of this type can vary depending on the device. The following measuring methods, for example, have proved successful:

Non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR)

In non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR), infrared rays are absorbed by carbon dioxide and other gases. This can be measured and distinguished with IR sensors. Against this background, infrared radiation is guided directly to the sensor through a measuring chamber filled with the ambient air.

The upstream filter allows only the defined wavelength of CO2 to pass through. The carbon dioxide concentration can be determined on the basis of the incident light intensity.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS)

A physical method has also proven useful for measuring the CO2 content in indoor air. This is called photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), in which specific density and temperature fluctuations are recorded with a microphone and in the course of this the number of molecules in the room air is determined.

Applications for a carbon dioxide meter

At MedSolut.com, with the professional support of our specialists, you can easily find the carbon dioxide meter that best suits the needs of your company or institute. 

Whether it is for public facilities, industry or to ensure more efficient protection against Covid-19, we have the perfect carbon dioxide meter for you.

Public facilities

A CO2 meter for schools, universities or hospitals can be very useful in times of a pandemic. Wherever there is a lot of exhaled carbon dioxide in the ambient air, there are also a lot of aerosols in the air. These are tiny particles to which SARs-CoV-2 viruses can adhere.

Because they are so small and light, they do not sink quickly to the ground and can spread over long distances. A high aerosol concentration can therefore dramatically increase the risk of contracting the virus.

Use of CO2 measuring devices for the prevention of Covid-19 CO2 monitors can be an essential component in minimising the risk of infection in indoor environments. Assuming that there are many people in a room, the number of aerosols in the exhaled air containing CO2 can be very high.

This in turn results in an increased risk of infection, as the virus binds to the aerosols in the air breathed. The CO2 measuring devices draw attention to poor air quality so that action can be taken in good time.

• CO2 measuring devices should be used here in any case:in classrooms and auditoriums of schools and similar institutions
• in school and university cafeterias
• in halls
• in public facilities such as offices and medical institutes
• in hospitals and (day) care facilities, etc.

If the proportion of breathing air aerosols in a room is too high, the risk of infection with Covid-19 increases. It is therefore essential to always ensure good ventilation of the rooms to minimise the risk. Not to mention, oxygen-rich air improves the concentration process. The Federal Environment Agency considers a concentration of 1,000 ppm to be hygienically safe. 

However, if the aerosol concentration in the air of classrooms, halls and the like exceeds 1,000 ppm, action is required. In order to achieve a target value of about 700 ppm in classrooms and hrsls, the use of CO2 measuring devices can be helpful. In this way, the carbon dioxide concentration is measured regularly and an alarm is given if the target value is exceeded.

CO2 measuring devices in industry

During alcoholic fermentation as well as during the so-called malolactic fermentation, a gaseous fermentation by-product is formed. If this CO2 escapes, it can be life-threatening for employees in wineries, breweries and food production .

This is why a CO2 measuring device is indispensable in the industry, because it can indeed save lives. Feel free to contact the MedSolut team with confidence. We will help you choose the right CO2 measuring device. When buying such a device, pay attention to the following:

• The measuring range should be adapted to the greenness of the rumour.
• Ideal in the food industry are measuring devices that also allow you to measure the room temperature and humidity content.
• If the permissible CO2 guideline value is exceeded, the measuring device should emit a signal tone so that you and your team can react immediately.
• It is advisable to preset a lower guideline value in order to specifically prevent possible limit violations.

CO2 measuring device after a fire

In more than 60 percent of all deaths caused by fires, poisoning with acutely toxic gases is the main cause. A fire produces large quantities of smoke gases, which include the invisible, odourless carbon monoxide (CO). Even after a fire has been extinguished, the CO or CO2 concentration in the smoky area is high.

The transport of oxygen in the blood and the utilisation of oxygen in the body cells is reduced. A prolonged stay in these dangerous areas can have fatal health consequences, which in the worst case can even lead to death. Therefore, a functional CO2 measuring device is an indispensable tool, e.g. in order to avoid endangering safety personnel when working on site.

Quality features of CO2 meters

• The quality of a CO2 meter is crucial. Order your CO2 measuring device in excellent quality now in the MedSolut shop. We will be happy to help you with your selection. This is what distinguishes high-quality CO2 meters:The device accurately and reliably measures the level of carbon dioxide in the ambient air.
• If the device also measures the relative humidity and the temperature in the room, this is a further indication of high product quality.
• The measured values should be clearly legible on a large display, even in poor lighting conditions.
• Devices that give an automatic indication of when to take action in the event of poor readings are particularly in demand among discerning customers.
• The alarm limits and the signal frequencies should be individually adjustable so that the device can be used flexibly depending on the area of application.

Tip: Some CO2 meters have a traffic light system. This makes it even easier to see when a possible guideline value has been exceeded.

CO2 meters from the brand manufacturer Advantages

When looking for a CO2 meter, opt for first-class quality. Because that means safety and maximum functionality. Discover the advantages of selected brand products, such as those from Dostmann, at MedSolut.com:

1. Dostmann CO2 meters excel with their high-precision measurements and outstanding reliability.
2. Thanks to their practical design, the meters can be easily integrated into the working environment, so that they do not take up any unnecessary space.
3. There is no need for lengthy training. The Dostmann meters are self-explanatory in terms of their usability and provide meaningful readings.

Price of CO2 meters

Demanding corporate customers who want to be on the safe side when buying a CO2 meter and at the same time want to be cost-oriented ask themselves the question: How much does a CO2 meter cost? Basically, the price of a CO2 meter cannot be determined across the board, but depends on several factors. 

On MedSolut.com you can find CO2 meters for as little as 138 euros.Instruments in this price category are suitable for general CO2 measurements. They measure the carbon dioxide content in the room air reliably and provide precise readings. 

Higher-priced laboratory analysers in this product category cost around 538 euros and offer the possibility of measuring not only the CO2 content, but also the relative humidity and the room temperature. Moreover, such a measuring device can also be conveniently connected to your smartphone.

Limit values for the CO2 content in the room air

• Studies have shown that a CO2 concentration of over 1,000 ppm in a room leads to fatigue and performance problems. In unventilated rooms, the CO2 level rises very quickly.
• The Federal Environment Agency recommends about 700 ppm as a guideline for acceptable indoor air. In general, a value of 1,000 ppm should not be exceeded.
• The upper limit is 1,400 ppm.

MedSolut expert tip: To achieve values that are compatible with health, you should actively ventilate every one to two hours.

FAQs: Measuring device for CO2 concentration

What does a CO2 meter measure?

A CO2 measuring device measures the carbon dioxide content in the room air.

Does the CO2 meter detect the concentration of coronaviruses?

No, it does not detect Sars-CoV-2 viruses, but is only intended to guarantee good air quality. If the CO2 content is too high, ventilation is needed to reduce the number of aerosols in the room, which can be contaminated with viruses. In this way, infection can be prevented.

Why is the CO2 content measured?

Humans exhale CO2 or carbon dioxide. As a rule, the higher the CO2 content in the ambient air, the higher the potential viral load if there is a sick person in the room. 

The CO2 content thus serves as an indicator of the risk of infection with diseases that are transmitted via the air we breathe. In addition, high CO2 levels or low oxygen levels can lead to poor performance and fatigue.

What does ppm mean?

The PPM value is a relative measure and stands for parts per million or milligrams per litre.

How high should the CO2 level in the bro be?

The ideal value is 700 ppm, the highest acceptable value is 1,400 ppm.

How is the CO2 concentration measured?

The most common methods are measurement by infrared rays and by a special physical method that measures density and temperature variations in the ambient air.

Order a CO2 meter for indoor air online

Order your CO2 measuring device directly in our online shop. Let our friendly professionals advise you individually and make use of the proven services of MedSolut.com.

We look forward to your call at +49 30 209 657 900 or your e-mail to info@medsolut.com. What can we do for you?