How it works

Isotopic measurements of carbon dioxide allow the determination of its transport uptake, residence time, sequestration and depletion modes in the atmosphere and biosphere. Carbon dioxide is a useful gas for using this type of analysis due to its presence and integral role in the metabolic processes of living organisms and being a by-product of combustion processes.

The LGR-ICOS gas analysers build on the heritage and proven track record of Los Gatos Research analysers, incorporating patented Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) Technology. This is the latest advancement in tuneable diode laser absorption technology (TDLAS) .

Accurate isotopic carbon dioxide measurements require:

• Accurate measurements over a wide range of mole fractions
• High precision
• Ability to report reliable values even if mixing ratios are rapidly changing
• Portability
• User-friendly interfaces
• Low drift
• Insensitive to H₂S, NH₃, as well as methane and other hydrocarbons.

The GLA132-CCIA2 Ultraportable Carbon Dioxide Isotopic Analyser meets all of these requirements. The Enhanced Performance (EP) series from ABB incorporates proprietary internal thermal control for ultra-stable measurements with precision, accuracy, and drift. 

The  analysers offer reliable guaranteed measurements at mole fractions more than 20 times ambient levels. Leveraging  ABB’s patented OA-ICOS technology, a fourth-generation cavity-enhanced absorption technique, these analysers have  many advantages over conventional Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS) techniques. These advantages include alignment insensitivity,  shorter measurement times, no dependency on requiring tight control of cavity pressure and temperature, and not needing expensive and power-consuming auxiliary elements. 

The analyser includes an internal computer that is capable of storing data practically indefinitely on its internal hard drive, which is ideal for applications that require  unattended longer term operation. It can send real-time data to a data logger through its analog and digital (RS232) outputs. Optional features are available to improve the flow time response, accommodate multiple inlet sources, or enable remote access and control of the analyser via the Internet.