Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1366

CO2 Gas Sensor Detail Information

CO₂ Gas Sensor, order code CO2-BTA, $249.00
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: There are two types of CO2 Gas Sensors. One model was sold up to ~1/2007. The new model was sold after 1/07 and replaces the old. There are specifications for both models in this TIL.

-Primary Test: Plug in the sensor, start up the data-collection program and allow the sensor to warm up for at least 90 seconds. Blow directly on the shaft of the sensor. You should see an increase in CO2 levels. The sensor will max out at 5000 ppm.

-Secondary Test: Germinate some peas overnight. Place 30 peas in the Nalgene bottle that ships with the CO2 Gas Sensor. Allow the sensor to warm up for 90 seconds and collect data. You should see a steady increase in CO2 levels.

PUBLIC TIL ENTRIES
-TIL 1134: Tips for using the CO2-O2 Tee
-TIL 1020: What are the CO2 Gas Sensor power issues? Can I use two CO2 Gas Sensors at the same time?
Public List of TIL Entries for CO2-BTA

SPECIFICATIONS
- new order code: CO2-BTA
- old order code: CO2-DIN

- Measurement range: 0 - 5000 ppm CO2 (old model); 1-10,000 ppm and 0-100,000 ppm (new model)
OLD MODEL SPECS
- Accuracy (at standard pressure, 1 atm):
+/- 100 ppm in the range of 0-1000 ppm
+/- 10% of reading in the range of 1000 - 5000 ppm.
- Typical Resolution, old model: 20 ppm
- Response Time: 95% of full-scale reading in 120 seconds
- Warm-up Time (connected to powered interface): 90 seconds
- Output signal range: 0 - 2.5 V
- Output impedence: 1 k
- Input potential: 5 V (+/- 5 deg C)
- Gas sampling mode: diffusion
- Normal operating temperature range: 25 deg C (+/- 5 deg C)
- Storage temperature range: -40 to 65 deg C

NEW MODEL SPECS
-- Accuracy
+/- 100 ppm or +/- 10% of reading (low range)
+/- 100 ppm or +/- 20% of reading (high range)
Typical Resolution
-13-bit resolution (SensorDAQ): 1.5 ppm (low range); 15 ppm (high range)
-12-bit resolution (LabPro, LabQuest, Go! Link, ULI, or SBI): 3 ppm (low range); 30 ppm (high range)
-10-bit resolution (CBL 2): 12 ppm (low range); 120 ppm (high range)
-Response Time: 95% of full scale reading in 120 seconds
-Warm up time: 90 seconds
-Pressure effect: 0.19% of reading/mm Hg from standard pressure
-Output signal range: 0 - 4.0 V
-Input potential: 5V (+/- 0.25 V)
-Gas sampling mode: diffusion
-Normal operating temperature range: 25 deg C (+/- 5 deg C)
-Operating humidity range: 5 - 95% (non-condensing)
Storage temperature: -40 to 65 deg C

CALIBRATION
- Calibrate? Usually no.
- If you do find that you need to calibrate your CO2 Gas Sensor, it can be calibrated using one known CO2 level. Note: This calibration method is different from the usual two-point calibration performed using other Vernier sensors. See the Specifications and User Guide for the CO2 Gas Sensor for detailed instructions on how to calibrate.

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
-250 mL Nalgene Bottle w/Lid, order code CO2-BTL, $3.00
-CO₂ to O₂ Tee, order code CO2-TEE, $5.00
BioChamber 250, order code BC-250, $6.00
BioChamber 2000, order code BC-2000, $15.00

Created by: gstahmer on January 19 2005
Last updated by: jrandall on October 09 2007