How Long Does a CO2 Sensor Last?
The question of how long does a CO2 sensor last is not as straightforward as you might think. There are various problems that can affect your CO2 sensor, and many of them are preventable. However, there are a few things that you can do to extend the life of your sensor.
NDIR sensors
A CO2 NDIR sensor works by detecting carbon dioxide levels in the air. It activates light with a certain wavelength, four microns, and the CO2 present in the air absorbs these light beams. As the amount of co2 sensor in the air increases, the amount of light reflected from the sensor decreases.
An NDIR CO2 sensor is made up of several components. These components include an IR source, a light tube, and a CO2 detector. The light tube directs IR waves that are absorbed by CO2 molecules into the sensor. The detector measures the amount of light that passes through the filter and converts the signal into an electrical output. The NDIR CO2 sensor is extremely accurate and has low power consumption.
The most common light source in NDIR CO2 sensors is an incandescent light bulb. Electric current flows through a metal filament, which glows. Some of the metal atoms condense and fall on a glass envelope. The glass envelope contains a thin metal coating to reduce the amount of light emitted by the bulb.
Detection technologies
One of the most important questions to ask when purchasing a CO2 detector is how long does it last. The answer depends on your usage and the type of detector you purchase. In the home, a basic detector will provide an audible alarm when the CO2 level reaches a certain level. More expensive models will offer more features, such as a digital readout of CO concentration in parts per million. Additionally, they can also display the current reading and a peak reading from memory.
For best results, the sensor should be calibrated on a regular basis. This calibration can be done manually or using an automatic baseline calibration method. Each method has its own pros and cons. Most CO2 products use non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) carbon dioxide sensors. The disadvantage of this type of sensor is that drift may affect the readings.
Cost
CO2 sensors measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. They transmit the data wirelessly to a computer or smartphone. This type of sensor is ideal for industries that need to monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. The cost of a CO2 sensor can vary greatly. It is best to choose the sensor for the level of CO2 you want to monitor.
The most common CO2 sensors are NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) sensors, which detect the gas in the air by its characteristic absorption. Although these devices are low-cost, they often lack in accuracy and precision. The initial evaluation of six K30 carbon dioxide NDIR sensors revealed that the sensors had individual root mean square errors of five to twenty parts per million. For higher accuracy, you can buy a sensor with a cavity enhanced laser absorption spectroscopy (CELAS).
Replacement
When a CO2 sensor fails, it means that your car is putting out less oxygen than it should. The result is poor engine performance. A faulty O2 sensor is relatively easy to replace. It typically takes about 30 minutes to replace and involves resetting the ECU. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, it is a good idea to seek the assistance of an experienced vehicle owner or mechanic.
Conclusion
The lifespan of an O2 sensor depends on the vehicle and the outside contaminants it is exposed to. The average lifespan for a new sensor is 60,000 to 100,000 miles. It may take longer to reach this mileage if the vehicle is older. On the other hand, a newer vehicle might only require calibration once in five years or so.
