CO₂ Enrichment

Continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in controlled atmosphere agriculture where CO₂ levels are artificially elevated to promote plant health and growth.

Typical CO₂ Enrichment System

Target Gases

Gases monitored in this application

Carbon Dioxide

CO₂

Oxygen

O₂

Why Gas Detection is Required

Controlled environment agriculture facilities including cannabis cultivation deliberately elevate carbon dioxide levels to 800-1500 ppm to accelerate plant growth—concentrations 2-4 times higher than normal ambient air and dangerous to human health. Enriching the air with CO₂ can be done by means of the combustion of natural gas or using cylinders of liquefied compressed gas or a carbon dioxide generator. CO₂ displaces oxygen and if a leak occurs or inadequate, faulty ventilation exists, it could cause an asphyxiation hazard. Continuous monitoring ensures grow room CO2 safety protecting workers and ensuring enrichment equipment operates within target ranges.

System Architecture

A complete CO₂ enrichment monitoring system typically consists of carbon dioxide sensors positioned at worker breathing height and near floor level, connected to a controller that manages both enrichment optimization and safety alarming. The controller monitors CO₂ levels across growing zones and manages enrichment equipment operation while ensuring worker safety limits are never exceeded. For smaller growing operations, self-contained detector-controller units provide economical monitoring with integrated display showing current CO₂ levels. Larger commercial facilities benefit from networked architectures with sensors in each growing zone reporting to a central controller, enabling optimized enrichment distribution and coordinated safety response. Alarm outputs activate audible/visual notification devices at entry points, trigger emergency ventilation, and can interface with enrichment equipment for automatic shutdown. Controllers with relay outputs provide direct equipment control, while data logging enables trend analysis to optimize enrichment schedules.

Key Considerations

Important factors for planning your system

Two CO2 gas detector systems both in the growing area one mounted 6-7 ft / 72-84 in for plant health and another mounted at 30-46 cm/ 12-18 in for life safety monitoring, covers approximately 3,000 ft2 / 288 m2

CO₂ gas detector in the carbon dioxide cylinder storage room is for life safety purposes (not required if supply of CO2 is outside)

Integration with enrichment equipment can prevent over-dosing and wasted CO₂

Gas detection system controls the CO2 flow and triggers the ventilation system

Additional Information

NDIR (infrared) CO₂ sensors are ideal for enrichment applications as they provide accurate readings across the 0-50,000 ppm range needed to monitor both normal and enriched conditions. Sensors should be calibrated regularly as high humidity and temperature fluctuations common in growing environments can affect accuracy. Oxygen monitoring provides additional safety against asphyxiation hazards.