PML launches autonomous CO2 measurement system
7th March 2008
PML has developed the “Live pCO2” underway
CO2 measurement system, for remotely measuring the
partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the
ocean.
The system samples seawater and atmospheric CO2
concentrations with onboard instruments that combine robust,
auto-calibrating, cost-effective technologies with a low
maintenance, autonomous design. Satellite communication
capabilities allow real-time data transmission and live system
control to be carried out remotely.
Additional data from other instruments can also be included in
the live data stream (e.g. sea surface temperature, salinity, sea
level pressure, pH). These are especially useful for real-time data
processing and calculation of air-sea CO2 fluxes.
Global monitoring of ocean CO2 is required for
climate predictions and calculating global carbon budgets. The lead
scientist behind the system development, Dr Nick Hardman-Mountford,
said: “These new systems do not need a scientist on board to
operate. They will allow us to take measurements from all kinds of
ships anywhere in the ocean, helping us to better understand how
much the oceans regulate climate.”
PML has been involved in the development of underway
pCO2 measurement systems for over 20 years and has
contributed to many international studies. To date systems have
been installed on five UK research vessels and can be installed for
unsupervised operation on commercial ships, as part of their
corporate responsibility monitoring.
PML’s “Live pCO2” system was developed in
collaboration with CASIX and Dartcom.