Ethylene is a gas that is naturally produced by plants and aids in the growth and development of the crop. However, too much ethylene can damage the plants and affect marketability. Decaying foliage, ripening fruit and stressed plants produce more ethylene than young, healthy plants. Other sources of ethylene gas are blowers, trimmers and carts with combustion engines, propane powered forklifts, heating systems, vent stacks and leaky fuel lines. Most often when there are high levels of ethylene gas, there is also a high concentration of carbon monoxide, which is dangerous to humans working inside the greenhouse.
The DCC Dual Channel Controller with an internal CO sensor and an internal ethylene gas sensor is the solution. The DCC provides both gas detection and controller functions. It should be mounted in the growing area at the “breathing zone” height (4 – 6 ft from the floor) to provide continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide and ethylene levels inside the room where workers are present. The gas level readings are viewable on the LCD display of the DCC Controller.
If the ethylene or carbon monoxide concentration rises above acceptable levels, an audible alarm will sound, the display will indicate an alarm condition and the relays will activate a preset response, such as turning on a remote strobe/horn (RSH-24VDC) and turning on the ventilation system.
Click for datasheet: Greenhouse Application