Egenskaper

Portability

The CIRAS-2 main console is lightweight, compact and extremely rugged for demanding field research.  It is powered by two lightweight, rechargeable 12V NiMH battery packs capable of running the entire system up to 6-8 hours (including LED light unit).  Batteries can be easily changed in the field without the need to shut down the system.

Measurement Ranges

CO2: 0-2,000 µmol mol^-1 (optimal)

CO2: 0-9,999 µmol mol^-1 (Maximum)

H2O: 0-75 mb

For measurements at elevated CO2 concentrations, the CIRAS-2 is factory calibrated up to 9,999 µmol mol^-1 as standard.

True Differential Analyzer

The CIRAS-2 is a true differential system.  It features 4 independent, non-dispersive gas analyzers for accurate, simultaneous measurement of both CO2 and H2O, eliminating the problems associated with "gas switching" systems.  Also, for enhanced reliability, there are no moving parts such as chopper motors or filter wheels.  The analyzers (reference and analysis) include an infrared source, highly polished, gold plated sample cells and detectors.

The analyzers act as absorptiometers measuring infrared absorption only (4.26 µm for CO2 and 2.60 µm for H2O).  The CIRAS-2 optical bench is temperature controlled and pressure compensated for the most accurate CO2 and H2O measurements under changing ambient conditions.

Calibration

The design of the CIRAS-2 ensures an inherent calibration stability that has been confirmed by over 25 years experience in gas analysis technology.  The CO2 analyzers do not require recalibration but we do recommend periodic checks to confirm system integrity.  The CIRAS-2 features an "Auto-Zero" facility which ensures long term stability and accuracy of the analyzers. It automatically corrects for sample cell contamination, dirty optics and drift in electronics. There is an integral CO2 verification facility and external H2O calibrator for automated calibration of the H2O gas analyzers.

Independent, Automatic Control of CO2 and H2O

The CIRAS-2 system is capable of providing independent, automatic control of CO2 and H2O to the leaf cuvette (reference) and within the leaf cuvette (analysis).  Control of CO2 and H2O can be dynamic or pre-programmed for automatic response curve generation.

CO2 Control

A built-in, removable CO2 regulator and gas cylinder holder allows for the use of pure mini CO2 cartridges (8g).  Each cartridge is capable of providing automatic control of CO2 between 0-2000 µmol mol^-1 for at least 1 full day.

H2O Control

On-board, self-indicating desiccants are used for conditioning the H2O concentrations per user selected levels from 0-Dewpoint.

The CIRAS-2 is an ideal system for automatic generation and measurement of A/Ci curves like the ones to the left on soybean cv. Stressland.