Automated carbon dioxide measurement via miniaturised chemical reaction chambers under mechatronic control

Abstract

[Abstract]: We demonstrate in this paper that by using a miniature chemical reaction vessel under adaptive mechatronic control, it is possible to design and construct a low-cost carbon dioxide measurement system which is potentially suitable for commercial application (in particular as sacrificial, single-mission instrumentation packages in horticultural cargo monitoring). Operation of the instrument is described and the need for adaptive features outlined. Performance results are illustrated and limitations noted. In addition, the results of a preliminary fluid-mechanical simulation of the reaction chamber are presented and directions for improvements noted.