CO₂NTROL Dissolved Carbon Dioxide Sensors

Real-Time. Solid State. Made for Bioproduction.
Hamilton's CO₂NTROL is a solid-state sensor that directly measures DCO₂ and provides maintenance free, real-time, and in-line control of this important critical process parameter. Get automated control that enables increased titer, better batch-to-batch reproducibility, and more consistency from R&D to production-scale bioreactors.
Direct vs. Indirect Measurement
Traditional electrochemical sensors measure DCO₂ based on the Severinghaus principle. This indirect measurement method combines the challenges of measuring pH and electrochemical DO into one sensor. The result is significant maintenance effort and multiple sources of drift that must be compensated by time-consuming product calibration. Hamilton’s CO₂NTROL is a maintenance free, Solid-State sensor that directly measures DCO₂ resulting in better measurement accuracy and lower cost of ownership.

CO₂ Measurement Principles:
Severinghaus
CO₂ molecules diffuse through a gas permeable membrane into an electrolyte. CO₂ increases the acidity of the electrolyte which is measured by an internal pH sensor.
CO₂NTROL Optical Measurement
CO₂ molecules diffuse into a gas permeable membrane where the sensor measures the absorption of CO₂-specific MID IR wavelengths. This absorption correlates to the partial pressure of CO₂ in the media.
Streamlined Workflow
The CO₂NTROL development team recognized that for CO₂ to become a critical control parameter the sensor had to be easy to use and maintain. To accomplish this we had to reduce the complexity and eliminate liquid solutions and replacement parts. The team developed a Solid-State MIR design that is calibrated in certified gas and does not require a product calibration because of drift after sterilization processes.

Get CO₂NTROL
CO₂NTROL is the newest member to Hamilton’s Arc Intelligent Sensor line. Embedded electronics convert the MIR CO₂ measurement into standard digital and analog signals that are easily integrated into your control strategy.

Key Features
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1. WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
An optional Bluetooth adapter enables wireless calibration, configuration, and monitoring of all sensor details.
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2. INTEGRATED INTELLIGENCE
Arc sensors save space and cost with integrated micro-transmitters that store calibration and sensor quality data.
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3. PROCESS DATA
The sensor transmits process data through a hard-wired connection. Communication options include modbus RTU and 4–20 mA.
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4. COMPLIANT HYGIENIC DESIGN
The hygienic design makes it compliant with requirements of biopharma applications.
Maintenance-Free Solid-State CO₂

Simple Calibration

Measuring Range

Maintenance Free

Hygienic Design

Inverted Installation

No Ammonia Fouling
Specific Applications
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App Note - Real-time Monitoring of DCO2 in Addition to DO
In this application note, the utilization of a DCO2-probe in addition to a DO-probe at Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts, is briefly described using cell cultivation with varying stirring speeds to demonstrate the value added of inline dissolved gas measurement.
Resources
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Brochure - Arc Intelligent Sensors
Arc Intelligent sensors offer a new way to connect to your process control system. -
Material Specification - CO₂NTROL RS485 Sensors
Material Specification for CO₂NTROL RS485 Sensors -
Programmers Manual - CO₂NTROL RS485 Sensors
Programmers Manual for CO₂NTROL RS485 Sensors
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What should CO₂NTROL be reading in air?
The measurement range of the CO2NTROL sensor is 0.5 to 100% CO2 volume which is suitable for cell culture applications. The normal level of CO2 in air is approximately 0.04% which is technically below the measurement range of the sensor. Since the CO2 value is outside of the sensor measurement range, the error will be significant and the reading may appear to be noisy. Please note that this is acceptable and one of the reasons that air is used as a calibration point. -
Is the CO₂NTROL CO₂ sensor sanitary?
The tip of the CO2NTROL sensor has round "dots" that give the appearance of perforated metal. This surface is actually smooth. It is covered with a layer of translucent silicone that ensures a sanitary design. In fact, the design meets EHEDG sanitary requirements and has been certified. -
What spare parts are needed for the CO₂NTROL Sensor?
The CO2NTROL Sensor is completely sealed has no spare parts requirements for general operation. The EPDM o-ring seal on the exterior of the 12mm shaft is replaceable (Ref 254170).
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Arc Wi Wireless Bluetooth Adapters for probes
There are two versions of the Wi Wireless Bluetooth adapter. This article gets into the selection, wiring, and isolation of these products. -
Modbus Communication Basics for Arc Intelligent Sensors
This simple primer article discusses the basic setup of Modbus for Arc intelligent sensors and VisiFerm ECS DO sensors. -
Connecting Arc Products to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Wiring schematics and tips for connecting Arc sensors directly to programmable logic controllers.

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