VOCOO-sx

What are the distinguishing factors for ideal room air?
In today’s world, it is prevalent for people to spend the greater part of the day in enclosed spaces. Therefore, indoor ambient air conditions are becoming all the more important, especially in view of the fact that such conditions often influence well-being and performance. But when do we know if  the ambient room air is at an optimal level? Apart from CO₂, we have to consider other criteria, such as unpleasant odours or substances that are hazardous to health, which play a role.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
CO₂ is considered to be a significant indicator for the current circumstances regarding ventilation in enclosed spaces. However, CO₂ only becomes unpleasant for people when it is in concentrations clearly above those that are in the outside air. According to the German Technical Rules for Workplaces 3.6 [Technische Regeln für Arbeitsstätten ASR 3.6], this can affect attention and lead to fatigue, which in turn indicate insufficient ventilation. Rising levels of CO₂ also cause an increase of organic emissions and odours that every human being emits.

The measurement of CO₂ is still an important aspect for objectively determining air quality. Therefore, in order to be able to obtain comprehensive data, especially with regard to the non-human influences on the room air, the existing BAPPU-CO₂ sensor was enhanced.

Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC)
TVOC, which are gaseous substances of organic origin, play a special role. A great many solvents, liquid fuels and synthetically produced substances can occur as TVOC, as well as organic compounds which are formed during biological processes. TVOCs are often detected in the air after construction and renovation work. They do not have to be a direct health hazard, but can lead to unpleasant odours, irritation and other symptoms. In other words, TVOC can contribute decisively to an uncomfortable room climate and, according to the German Technical Rules for Workplaces 3.6 [Technische Regeln für Arbeitsstätten ASR 3.6], should also be avoided as substance loads.

Carbon monoxide (CO)
CO occurs where carbonaceous materials are (not completely) burned or other chemical processes are initiated. In enclosed spaces, it is very often the outside air, for example from busy roads, that is responsible for the increase in concentration of CO. However, sources in the enclosed space itself can also cause the concentration of CO to be several times higher than the outside air concentration. Furnaces or fireplaces that do not draw up the fumes correctly, a leaking chimney, a gas stove, cigarette smoke, as well as the storage of wood pellets or the use of petrol-driven machines for levelling screed, can also contribute to an increased concentration of CO in enclosed spaces. Even a small amount of CO in the room - a level that is well below a hazardous concentration - will be sufficient to disturb physical comfort-being and reduce efficiency. It is for these reasons that ELK has integrated the measurement of CO into its BAPPU-Vocoo, which also reflects the extended area of application of BAPPU-evo in indicative measurement.