General information on CO / Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. It is produced, among other things, during the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances with insufficient oxygen supply. Carbon monoxide is combustible and burns with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. In combustion processes, CO is an important indicator of the efficiency of combustion.The measurement of CO concentration is used, among other things, in stationary and mobile emission monitoring (CEMS) and in limit value monitoring.
Properties for Carbon monoxide (CO)
The molecular weight of carbon monoxide (CO) is about 28.01 g/mol.
- Colorless: CO is an invisible gas.
- Odor and taste: CO is odorless and tasteless.
- Non-irritant: CO does not irritate the respiratory tract, which means it often goes unnoticed.
- Lighter than air: carbon monoxide has a lower density than air and can therefore disperse in a room.
- Toxic: CO binds with high affinity to hemoglobin in the blood, which impairs oxygen transport in the body and can lead to serious health problems or even death.
- Combustible: In high concentrations, CO is flammable.
- Sources of formation: CO is formed during incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels such as wood, coal, gasoline, natural gas, and oil.
- Water soluble: At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, about 0.03 g of CO dissolves in one liter of water
Application examples for CO
- Syngas production: CO is often referred to as synthesis gas or “syngas” in combination with hydrogen. This gas mixture serves as an intermediate in the production of ammonia, methanol and other chemicals.
- Fischer-Tropsch synthesis: CO and hydrogen can be used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to produce liquid hydrocarbons that can serve as fuel or chemical intermediates.
- Reducing agent in metallurgy: CO can be used as a reducing agent in metallurgy, especially in iron production in blast furnaces. Here it reduces iron oxide (Fe2O3) to iron.
- Acid acid production: CO is used in the Cativa process to produce acid acid from methanol.
- Phosgene production: CO is used to produce phosgene, which is used in the production of polyurethanes and other plastics and chemicals.
- Carbonyl metal complexes: In organometallic chemistry, carbonyl-metal complexes such as nickel carbonyl and iron pentacarbonyl are often prepared with CO directly bonded to metals.
- Detection gas: In some calibrated gas mixtures, CO is used as a detection or calibration gas.
- Neurotransmitter: There is evidence that CO acts as a neurotransmitter in very small amounts in the human body, similar to nitric oxide (NO).
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it imperceptible.
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Some relevant Applications to CO
- Detection limit (3 sigma) < 0,1 Vol.%
- Linearity error < 0,5 %F.S. (Fullscale)
- Including Temperature-compensation 5 - 45 °C
- Including pressure compensation 600 - 1200 mbar
- Ready to use module
- Area saving solution for 2 gases with best technology selection (NDUV & NDIR)
- Data rate of 100ms possible
- Correction algorithm for SO₂ to CO₂ and vice versa
- Long lifetime of radiation source
- SO₂ measurement possible with NDIR as well as NDUV
- For high carbon monoxide ranges additional gas filter for suppression of interfering gases are integrated
- Low N₂O measurement without CO₂ interference powered by software algorithm
- Solution for stationary, mobile and maritime analyzer
- Vibration tested according to DIN EN60068-2-64(04/2009)
- Wide range of solution in the area of renewable energy sources and infrastructure
- Development in progress for a new kind of portable H₂S detektor
- You have a measurement task that goes beyond the usual standards and are looking for a competent partner?
- Please contact us. Your measurement task is our challenge!
- The employees of Wi.Tec-Sensorik GmbH have extensive expertise in the field of industrial gas measurement technology and sensor signal processing.
Your requirement is our challenge – You have a measuring task beyond the usual standards and are looking for a competent partner? Please contact us. Your measurement task is our …
- Costumer specific projects, CF₄ Gas Sensor, CH₄ Gas Sensor, Cl₂ Gas Sensor, CnHm Gas Sensor, CO Sensor, CO₂ Gas Sensor, H₂O Gas Sensor, H₂S Gas Sensor, NDIR Gas Sensor, NDUV Gas Sensor, NO Gas Sensor, Non OEM, NO₂ Gas Sensor, NOₓ Gas Sensor, N₂O Gas Sensor, SO₂ Gas Sensor
- Detection limit: < 5 ppm H₂O
- Fast response time (t90 < 10 sec)
- Efficient alternative for a dew point mirror measurement
- Low maintenance operation
- Can be combined with other gas measurements such as CO₂, CO, CₙHₘ, CH4 etc.
