Quality Instrumentation for the Life Sciences

Home | About Us | Products | Exhibitions | How To Order | Quote Request | Literature | Service | Users Area

CIRAS-2: The most portable, fully integrated photosynthesis system for high level research

CIRAS-2 Portable Photosynthesis System

CIRAS-2 Portable Photosynthesis System

One highly portable photosynthesis system with many measurement capabilities including.....

  • Leaf gas exchange

  • Soil respiration

  • Chlorophyll Fluorescence

  • Canopy net CO2 flux

A "True Differential Analyzer" ensuring the highest degree of accuracy and control of CO2 and H2O for high level research.

Want to know why more and more researchers are choosing the CIRAS-2, click here.

One system that can do it all....

Leaf Gas Exchange

Leaf Gas Exchange

A wide range of leaf cuvettes and accessories for leaf gas exchange.

Fluorescence

Chlorophyll Fluorescence Module

Powerful, integral module for simultaneous measurement of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence.  Adaption kits are also available for use with commercially available fluorometers.

Net Canopy CO2 Flux

Net Canopy CO2 Flux)

Large range of "Closed" and "Open" chambers for measurement of net canopy CO2 flux.

Soil Respiration

Soil Respiration Measurement

Popular "Closed" and "Open" systems for accurate measurement of soil respiration.

CIRAS-2 Main Console

CO2/H2O Infrared Gas Analysis

The CIRAS-2 is a true differential system. It features 4 independent, non-dispersive gas analyzers for accurate, simultaneous measurement of both CO2 and H2O eliminating the problems associated with "gas switching" systems. There are no moving parts. The analyzers (reference and analysis) include an infrared source, gold plated and highly polished sample cells and detectors. The analyzers act as absorptiometers measuring only in the 4.26 µm (CO2) and 2.60 µm (H2O) wavebands ensuring accurate, rapid and stable results.

Measurement Ranges

CO2

0-2,000 µmol mol-1 (optimal)

 

0-9,999 µmol mol-1 (max)

H2O

0-Dewpoint

For measurements at elevated CO2 concentrations, the CIRAS-2 is factory calibrated up to 9,999 µmol mol-1 as standard.

Advanced Analyzer Auto-Zero

The CIRAS-2 features an "Auto-Zero" facility which ensures long term stability and accuracy of the analyzers. It automatically corrects for sample cell contamination, dirty optics and drift in electronics.

Unique, Built-In Self-Calibration System

Our innovative system design features a built-in "Self-Calibration" feature allowing for simple, accurate calibration of the CO2 analyzers. This is very useful for researchers studying from remote sites. An H2O calibrator is supplied with each system as standard.

Temperature Stability

The analyzers are thermostatted and completely insulated to ensure accurate measurements under changing ambient temperatures.  This eliminates problems associated with software corrections.

Independent, Automatic Control Of CO2 And H2O

For high level research, this is required and standard with the CIRAS-2. The system is capable of providing automatic and independent control of CO2 and H2O to the leaf cuvette (reference) and within the leaf cuvette (analysis).

Field Measurement with CIRAS-2 System

CO2 & H2O Calibration

Our history and expertise in CO2 & H2O infrared Gas analysis design speaks for itself. The design of the CIRAS-2 ensures an inherent calibration stability. This has been confirmed by over 15 years experience of the technology. The CIRAS-2 system does not require calibration. To ensure proper operation and calibration of the analyzers, we do recommend periodic checks to confirm system integrity.

Back of CIRAS-2 main console

Removable CO2 cylinder holder and regulator, mini CO2 cartridges and removable 12V NiMH battery (shown here with CFM module)
 

CO2 Control

A built-in, removable CO2 regulator and cylinder holder allows for the use of pure mini CO2 cartridges capable of providing automatic control between 0-2,000 µmol mol-1.

H2O Control

On-board, self-indicating desiccants are used for conditioning the H2O concentrations per user selected levels from 0-Dewpoint.  An equilibrator is also fitted to minimize the load on the driers.

Close up of CIRAS-2 Desiccants

The integral air supply can be easily be adjusted to deliver ambient air if required.

Enhanced Power For Field Use

Taking advantage of recent advances in power technology, the CIRAS-2 system is powered by rechargeable 12V NiMH batteries, ensuring longer operating times without the need for frequent battery changes. The batteries provide full power to the entire system enabling automated control of CO2, H2O, temperature and LED light source in the field without sacrificing portability. Battery life is dependent upon system operation. For field use under typical ambient conditions, two 12V NiMH batteries will provide a full days operation (up to 10 hours). System software displays the status of each battery to the user. Batteries can easily be changed in the field without the need to shut down the system.

More - CIRAS-2 User Interface & Software