摘要 |
A CO2 measuring device for use in a high humidity environment typically found in re-breathing apparatus, especially underwater re-breathing apparatus, that allows commonly available CO2 gas detectors to function properly and further provides for remote, continuous and/or quantitative sensing of CO2. Under normal conditions found inside re-breathers, a 100% relative humidity condensing environment exists that prevents the use of commercially available CO2 detectors which typically require relative humidity to be less than about 90 to 95% for proper operation. A venturi mixing device is disclosed that is driven by pressurized makeup gases routinely added into the re-breathing loop, acting to draw and mix with a portion of the moisture laden gas from the re-breather environment, creating a combined gas mixture with relative humidity well within the operating range of commercially available CO2 detectors. CO2 measurements can advantageously be corrected by the venturi mixing proportions to gain a quantitative analysis of CO2 levels present in the pre-sampled 100% relative humidity condensing environment. The excess drive energy provided by the pressurized makeup gas allows for longer sampling lines that can be advantageously placed adjacent to the mouth of the re-breathing individual allowing CO2 measurement from a remote location and when drive gas is constantly applied, further allowing for continuous measurement of CO2. |