A novel infrared absorption spectrometer for use in ventilation studies.

This paper reports the design, development, calibration and testing of a fast-response, multi-channel tracer gas concentration measuring instrument. The instrument uses aninnovative application of Infrared Absorption techniques to measure Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) concentrations. This approach allows the overall cost of a multi-channel continuous-recording unit to be reduced without sacrificing overall performance. A calibration over the range of 5.0 to 50.0 ppm V SF6 is shown. The current measurement resolution is 0.06 ppm V, and the accuracy is + or - 5.0%. Methods of improving these two parameters are presented, and further enhancements suggested.