Elevated levels of CO2 can be extremely hazardous and many people and industries are not even aware about this which is why they do not even know that their industries are emitting harmful inert gasses like CO2 and that too at dangerous levels. In order to find out the solution to either stop the emission completely or do something else to reduce the environmental hazards, it is extremely important to identify and monitor the levels and this is where the portable co2 monitor comes to use.
There are many industries in India like restaurants, beverages, cultivation etc., which are emitting dangerous levels of carbon dioxide either purposely or unknowingly and the best way to reduce and stop them is to monitor them first.
In this article, we will be discussing the portable CO2 meters, its usage and its importance in various industries.
Who all need CO2 monitors?
Well, before getting to know about CO2 monitors in detail, we must know who actually requires them. In simpler words, anybody or any industry that works in and around carbon dioxide gas are in need of the CO2 monitors. CO2 leaks can occur in a variety of locations, depending on the industry in which you operate.
The food and beverage industries frequently operate with CO2 which is essential in the restaurant and beverage sectors for that special fizz which we all feel and know but we don’t recognize the dangers that comes with it.
CO2 poisoning from a leak can strike at any time, causing lethargy, headaches, irregular pulse, hypercapnia, and even death. Some of you may already be aware of the risks of CO2 and have been advised by your local fire inspector that you need to have a CO2 monitor since it is required by law, but many people either do not want to take the extra pain for monitoring of this harmful gas or just ignore everything and carry out their business without worrying for their employees and other people around.
Importance of personal CO2 monitors
Wall-mounted devices are necessary for informing everyone in a facility about CO2 levels; however, these gas detection monitors are fixed and cannot be transported while the employees travel from one place to another in a vicinity. Personal CO2 monitoring devices allow users to operate while wearing a mobile device that protects them from inert gasses at all times.
Consider your workplace and staff. Your gas detection monitor will almost certainly never be able to cover every probable leak location. A transportable gas detection equipment that checks for personal safety is required for you and your workers. Every employee’s personal safety is ensured by the convenience of having a gas detection monitor affixed to their belt or safety harness which they can take to every place they go and monitor harmful gas levels wherever and whenever they feel.
While none of these devices are required by law, the consequences of a leak, whether fatal or not, may be extremely costly in terms of insurance, fines, and lost income due to a shutdown so it becomes mandatory by every industry to take care of these gasses and monitor them from time to time so that they can be handled as soon as they cross the dangerous and hazardous levels.
Working of a CO2 monitor
CO2, often known as carbon dioxide, is a colorless, odorless gas that we exhale. We only exhale little quantities, but this can progressively rise over the course of a day at your house, at school, or at work. The ratio of CO2 levels in the air is measured in parts per million (PPM) . The amount of carbon dioxide in the air may be detected with a CO2 monitor, and action can be made depending on the results.
The CO2 monitor should be placed at table height in a location where people will not breathe in directly, as this will result in unreliable high readings. Also, keep the CO2 meter at least 1.5 meters away from an open window or door to avoid cheating. The monitor may also be hung on the wall. If the cable on your CO2 meter is less than 1.5 meters, you can use a longer cable or extension lead, or connect the CO2 meter to a computer, for example. The gadget is appropriate for areas of up to 100 m2 in size. You can use numerous CO2 meters or take readings at different spots in the room if the area is greater.
Important PPM values
Different PPM values of the CO2 monitor and its effects on human health are described below.
PPM ranges from 450 to 800– You are in a well-ventilated room.
PPM ranges from 800 to 1200– A poorly ventilated and crowded room. Long-term exposure can have a negative impact on your concentration, among other things. It is necessary to have adequate ventilation.
PPM ranges from 1200 to 2000– Because of the high concentration of CO2, the brain will receive less oxygen than required which can cause health problems. Ventilation is required.
When the carbon dioxide meter finds an abnormally high PPM number in the room, it will alert you to the need for ventilation. You can do it naturally by opening a window or door, but this is only a short-term solution. If you need to ventilate more or less, the CO2 monitor will notify you.
Calibration of CO2 monitors
Whatever CO2 monitor portable you use, the monitor must be able to tell you when the CO2 level is too high in a timely manner. Drift (a minor variation in measurement results from the same instrument under the same settings) can occur when a CO2 meter is in use for a long period, independent of the sensor source. The only way to tell if your CO2 meter is working properly is to calibrate it on a regular basis. Temperature and humidity may be manually adjusted and CO2 sensors can be manually calibrated. Manually calibrating the CO2 meter at least once a year is recommended.
