Our group is operating a number of Picarro G2311-f infrared gas analysers for Eddy Covariance measurements of carbon and water fluxes. I was somewhat surprised to learn that Picarro analysers do not provide diagnostic codes, with the exception of Etalon Temp, which is not intended for use except under very specific circumstances. Diagnostic codes are standard for other analysers such as LICOR, and in my view are reasonably important (but perhaps not essential?) for filtering the raw data, especially in harsh operating conditions. Does anyone have any experience working with the Picarro G2311-f? and in your view does it matter that diagnostic information is not readily available for QC and filtering?
Hello.
I answered to Joss questions in detail through email. Leaving a short summary for anyone else interested below:
The short answer is: No, the Picarro analyzers do not require any kind of diagnostic filtering of their data.
Inside every data file you will find a code INST_STATUS, but once the analyzer is warmed up and running we do not expect this code to change in any normal measurement conditions. Different techniques have different ways of coping with changing conditions. In case of Picarro's CRDS, the inside conditions of measurement, like temperature and pressure, are precisely controlled in a well isolated chamber. Thanks to this approach it is very hard to throw the instrument off it's balance. And that's why there is no need for filtering errors from the measurement data afterwards.
I will be glad to help You with any Picarro related questions.
Jan Woźniak
- Badges
- Science topic