Ailun AL-3018A NDIR Carbon Monoxide Analyzer

Overview

The Ailun AL-3018A NDIR Carbon Monoxide Analyzer is a portable, pump-suction gas analyzer engineered for accurate, real-time quantification of carbon monoxide (CO) in ambient air using non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy. This technique exploits the characteristic absorption band of CO near 4.6 µm in the mid-infrared region, where CO exhibits strong and selective absorbance unaffected by common atmospheric interferents such as CO₂, CH₄, or water vapor—provided appropriate optical filtering and signal compensation are applied. The instrument integrates dual environmental sensors for concurrent measurement of temperature and relative humidity, enabling automatic cross-sensitivity correction and thermally stabilized baseline performance across −20 °C to +60 °C operating conditions. Designed for field-deployable reliability, it meets stringent metrological requirements defined in national standards including JJG 635–2011 (verification regulation for CO/CO₂ infrared analyzers) and HJ 965–2018 (automatic ambient air CO determination by NDIR). Its robust architecture supports routine use in regulatory monitoring, occupational hygiene assessments, indoor air quality (IAQ) surveys, and public health surveillance programs.

Key Features

• True NDIR detection with high-selectivity optical path design optimized for CO’s fundamental vibrational absorption at 4.6 µm
• Integrated sampling pump capable of drawing air samples from up to 30 meters via flexible tubing, ensuring representative intake under variable pressure or diffusion-limited conditions
• 7-inch full-color capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation and multilingual on-screen prompts (English preloaded)
• Dual-unit display (ppm and mg/m³) with automatic conversion based on user-defined reference temperature (25 °C) and pressure (101.325 kPa)
• Auto-zero calibration algorithm compensating for thermal drift and detector aging; supports manual zeroing via ambient air flush
• Time-weighted averaging functions: real-time, hourly mean, 8-hour TWA, and 24-hour daily mean—each stored with timestamp and environmental metadata
• Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery (≥6 h continuous operation) and AC adapter support (220 VAC ±10%) for uninterrupted field or lab use
• Onboard data logger storing up to 10,000 complete records—including CO concentration, temperature, RH, date/time, and operator ID tag

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AL-3018A is validated for direct analysis of undiluted ambient air, indoor workplace air, and ventilation duct effluents. It excludes particulate matter >10 µm via integrated hydrophobic filter and accommodates condensate management through heated sample line option (accessory). Its measurement uncertainty profile satisfies the performance criteria outlined in ISO 8573-1:2010 (air purity classes), and its traceability chain aligns with China’s National Institute of Metrology (NIM) certified reference gases (GBW(E)061144, CO in N₂, 50 ppm ±1.5%). Regulatory compliance includes:

• GB/T 9801–1988 — Ambient air quality — Determination of CO by NDIR method
• HJ 965–2018 — Automatic determination of CO in ambient air — NDIR method
• JJG 635–2011 — Verification regulation for infrared CO/CO₂ analyzers (linearity, repeatability, zero drift, response time)
• GBZ/T 300.37–2017 — Workplace air toxicants — Part 37: CO and CO₂ determination
• GB/T 18204.2–2014 — Public health inspection methods — Chemical pollutants (Part 2)

No sample pretreatment (e.g., scrubbing, drying, or catalytic oxidation) is required for standard applications, though optional Nafion™ dryers or particle filters may be deployed for high-humidity or dusty environments.

Software & Data Management

Data export is supported via USB 2.0 interface using included U-disk software suite (Windows 7–11 compatible), which enables CSV/Excel report generation, trend graphing, statistical summary (min/max/mean/stdev), and audit-trail-enabled calibration logging. Firmware updates are performed offline via FAT32-formatted USB drive. Optional Bluetooth 4.2 wireless module (sold separately) allows pairing with certified thermal printers for immediate hardcopy output compliant with GLP documentation requirements. All stored measurements include embedded GPS coordinates (when connected to external GNSS receiver), operator ID, and instrument serial number—supporting 21 CFR Part 11–aligned electronic record integrity when used with configured access controls.

Applications

• Ambient air quality monitoring networks (urban, roadside, background stations)
• Indoor air quality assessment in schools, hospitals, offices, and residential buildings per GB/T 18883–2022
• Occupational exposure evaluation in garages, boiler rooms, welding zones, and confined spaces
• Validation of HVAC system performance and combustion appliance safety checks
• Emergency response screening during fire incidents or incomplete combustion events
• Educational laboratory instruction in environmental chemistry and instrumental analysis

FAQ

What is the primary detection principle used in the AL-3018A?

Non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) absorption spectroscopy at 4.6 µm, compliant with GB/T 9801–1988 and HJ 965–2018.
Does the instrument require external calibration gas for routine operation?

Zero calibration uses ambient air; span calibration is recommended annually using NIM-certified CO/N₂ standard gas (e.g., 20 ppm ±1.5%).
Can the AL-3018A measure CO₂ simultaneously?

No—it is a single-component CO analyzer. For CO₂ measurement, refer to the Ailun AL-3020 series NDIR CO₂ analyzers.
Is the device suitable for outdoor use in rain or snow?

The IP54-rated enclosure protects against dust and splashing water; however, prolonged exposure to precipitation or sub-zero condensation requires optional heated sampling line and desiccant trap.
How is data integrity ensured during long-term unattended deployment?

Internal clock synchronization, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) on all stored records, and tamper-evident file structure prevent unauthorized modification or corruption.