Miniaturized Carbon Monoxide Sonde for Atmospheric Measurements

The design and test results of a simple carbon monoxide detector based on the reducing gas detector principle are presented. This instrument has several features which distinguish it from similar carbon monoxide analyzers, all of which contribute to its usefulness on small airborne platforms such as kites, balloons, and light aircraft. Compact size, battery operation, low cost, and light weight are among the most important improvements made over to earlier systems. The instrument fits a package 10 × 20 × 25 cm, has a mass of 2.0 kg, and consumes an average of 20 W of power. This instrument will, therefore, offer a means of incorporating carbon monoxide measurements in recoverable or disposable balloon sondes. The instrument makes an independent measurement of carbon monoxide every 8 s, with a sensitivity of 3 ppbv carbon monoxide (limit of detection for S/N = 3) and a precision of 4%.