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Knowledge center Mechanical Equipment How do you calibrate a CO2 meter?How do you calibrate a CO2 meter?
Written by Ben Peter | Last update: 24-08-2018
If you use a CO2 meter for a longer period, a measurement error can occur in the CO2 meter. You can determine this measurement error by calibrating the CO2 meter. This means you compare the result of a measurement with the (inter)nationally determined standard value. The most commonly users CO2 meters – such as those from Priva, Siemens, Guardian, Union and Horiba – must be calibrated three to four times per year. But how does calibrating a CO2 meter work?
Zero gas
For calibrating a CO2 meter, you use two types of gas: zero gas and calibration gas. The zero gas is used to set the zero point of the CO2 meter. That is the first step. You connect the cylinder with the zero gas to the CO2 meter using a pressure regulator and open the feed. After a minute, the measurement is stable and the CO2 meter will indicate a concentration of 0 ppm CO2. If not, then manually set it to 0 ppm.
Calibration gas
You then connect the CO2 meter to the cylinder with calibration gas in the same way. Choose a calibration gas with roughly the same CO2 content as the CO2 content in the working area of the meter (note: this can vary between seasons). For example, if the CO2 content in the working area is 1000 ppm, then choose a calibration gas of, for instance, 900 ppm. Then open the feed for one minute so that a stable measurement occurs. The CO2 meter should now indicate the value of the calibration gas. If this is not the case, then repeat the above steps or contact one of our specialists.
Points of attention for CO2 meter calibration
Note: both with the use of the zero gas and the calibration gas, it is important that the gas is fed constantly. If the gas feed stops, this affects the calibration. It is also important that after calibrating, you always remove the pressure regulator from the calibration gas cylinder. If you do not, the cylinder will empty out.
Manual
The general method for calibrating a CO2 meter is described above. However, specific manuals are also available for most types of CO2 meters. If this is the case, always consult it before calibrating the CO2 meter.
More information about calibrating a CO2 meter
Do you have questions about calibrating a CO2 meter, or would you like advice tailored to your situation? Then please contact one of our product specialists or ask your question via the form below. We will then contact you as soon as possible - on working days even within 24 hours.
 About Ben Peters
Ben Peters,
salesman and product specialist of technical projects at Royal Brinkman, has had
no less than 40 years of experience. He specialises in electronics and computer
installations, but is also quite knowledgeable about water technology. "This
job will always have its challenges, technology is always on the move,
literally, and there are always new developments. The great thing about
technology is that you take on projects together with a team, so you are not
working alone. Also finding the right installations and results, in cooperation
with the customer, is absolutely worthwhile.”
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