Environmental research instrumentation specialist ADC BioScientific Ltd has introduced a fully integrated Open Path Eddy Covariance System (OPEC).

The OPEC system is a long term monitoring device designed for ecophysiological experimentation. It allows researchers to correlate fluctuations in carbon dioxide and water vapour with vertical wind speed to estimate vertical fluxes of the gases around crop or forest canopies.

The system incorporates three major components already established within the research community: the ADC OP-2 open path carbon dioxide and water vapour analyzer, the R3-50 sonic anemometer and EDDYMEAS data acquisition and post processing software.

The OP-2’s open path design offers immediate and simultaneous gas exchange response for both carbon dioxide and water. Its total path length of 80cm enables a carbon dioxide resolution of 0.02ppm, while the new folded path design maintains the instrument’s compact nature.

The OPEC system is designed for extended field use and can be powered by batteries, from the mains supply or by a solar panel. It includes a weatherproof enclosure to house component power supplies, batteries and a laptop PC.

ADC reports the system may be used in combination with its plant gas exchange and soil flux instrumentation for the detailed analysis of the total carbon cycle. It believes the OPEC system will enhance understanding of various global, environmental change issues.

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