Synkera Technologies is developing solid-state, conductiometric sensors for monitoring CO2 under a SBIR Phase One grant from NOAA.
The focus of the funded work is the development of small, low-power sensors to be included in the breathing loop of closed circuit rebreathers that can monitor for a breakthrough of the CO2 scrubbing system.
The inclusion of a CO2 sensor in closed circuit rebreathers will make the dive equipment safer and allow for more widespread use.
The initial SBIR effort is the development of sensors and electronics and will be followed-up by the integration of the sensors into rebreathers for testing of prototype units.
Due to cost advantages, it is anticipated that the devices will expand CO2 sensing for applications served by current technology, primarily infrared sensors, and open up new sensing opportunities.
A particular area that the sensors are expected to impact is demand control ventilation.
The CO2 sensors will have the following features: good sensitivity and selectivity over a wide concentration range (500ppm - five per cent); negligible effects from changing humidity levels; low cost (less than USD10 in volume); low operating power (the conductiometric sensor does not require heating); stable response over time; and long storage and operational lifetime.
