The test gas flows through a measurement chamber that incorporates an IR radiating source and a two-channel infrared detector. The intensity of the infrared radiation is reduced as it passes through the gas molecules. The concentration of the gas can then be calculated by the magnitude of the reduction in intensity. Since only absorption of the wavelength (A) specific to the gas under test in relation to the wavelength (B) not absorbed by a test gas is considered, interference due to dust, ageing etc., is almost fully compensated.
1 = Infrared-radiation source
2 = Test gas
3 = Diffusion filter
4 = Infrared-detector
5 = Measurement chamber