Automated Carbon Exchange System (ACE)

The ACE Soil Respiration Station is an advanced, automated system specifically designed for accurate and unattended measurements of soil CO2 flux.

Its automated arm closes the chamber onto the soil collar at programmed intervals to take measurements. The arm rests in an open position in between readings, leaving the soil exposed to ambient conditions. This makes the ACE suitable for both short and long-term studies, minimizing soil disturbance and ensuring consistent data quality.

Discover more
  • ACE with closed arm
  • ACE with open arm
  • ACE Master Control Unit
  • Network of 8 ACEs
  • ACE transparent chamber
  • ACE arm with PAR sensor
  • ACE settings screen
  • ACE station moisture probe add-on Delta T SM150

    • Applications

    • Carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emission studies
    • Agricultural management and soil fertility research
    • Climate change impact assessment
    • Soil microbial activity and decomposition processes
    • Comparative studies across diverse environments, including arctic tundra, agricultural fields, urban areas, and wetland ecosystems

    Key features

    • Automated Operation:
      Automatically covers and uncovers soil to perform periodic soil respiration measurements at user-defined intervals.
    • Zero/Ambient CO2 Recalculation:
      Automatic recalibration ensures highly precise Net Carbon Exchange Rate (NCER) measurements by correcting for ambient CO2 fluctuations.
    • Flexible Chamber Options:
      Offers both open (1.0 L) and closed (2.6 L) chamber options in transparent or opaque configurations to suit diverse experimental conditions.
    • Infrared Gas Analysis (IRGA):
      Accurate measurement of CO2 flux using a high-precision IRGA placed directly adjacent to the soil chamber.
    • Integrated PAR Sensor:
      Measures Photosynthetically Active Radiation (0-3000 µmol m-2 s-1) for correlating photosynthetic activity with soil respiration.
    • Multiple Sensor Inputs:
      Supports simultaneous connection of up to 6 soil temperature sensors and 4 soil moisture sensors.
    • Network Capability:
      Up to 32 ACE Stations can be networked with a Master Control Unit, providing centralized power, control, and data collection.
    • Flexible Measurement Modes:
      • Closed Mode: The chamber is sealed, and the rise in CO2 concentration due to soil respiration is measured over a defined period, providing quick results. It is ideal for rapid assessments of soil activity.
      • Open Mode: Ambient air is continuously supplied at a controlled flow rate, mixing with soil-emitted CO2 until equilibrium is reached, enabling highly accurate measurements less influenced by environmental variations.
    • Low Power Consumption:
      Efficient power usage can run continuously for up to 28 days from a 40 Ah battery.

    Get in touch

    Advance your research capabilities with the precise and reliable ACE Soil Respiration System. Contact us today to request further information or a personalized quotation.

    View documentation

    Resources

    • Measurement of CO2:
      • Standard range: (Molar) approx. 40.0 mmol m-3 (0-896 ppm at standard temperature and pressure) 0.05 mmol m-3 resolution (1 ppm).
      • Technique: Infrared Gas Analysis (IRGA), open or closed system, differential method
    • PAR Measurement:
      • Range: 0-3000 µmol m-2 s-1
      • Sensor: Silicon photocell
    • Temperature Measurement:
      • Inputs: Up to 6 selectable thermistor sensors
    • Soil Moisture Measurement:
      • Inputs: Up to 4 commercially available sensors
    • Flow Control to Chamber:
      • Range: 200 ml to 5 L min-1
      • Accuracy: ±3% of Full Scale Deflection (FSD)
    • Display:
      • 240 × 64 dot matrix LCD
      • User-friendly interface driven by 5 keys
    • Data Storage and Output:
      • Storage: Removable SD card
      • Connectivity: Micro USB port
      • Serial output: RS232 port, user-selectable rates up to 19200 baud
    • Internal Battery:
      • 12 V standby 1.0 Ah battery backup (networked station only)
    • External Power Supply:
      • 12-40 V DC external battery, solar panel, or wind turbine
      • Typical runtime: Approximately 28 days continuous use from a single 40 Ah battery (one measurement per hour)
    • Environmental Conditions:
      • Operating temperature: 5 °C to 45 °C
    • Physical Specifications:
      • Dimensions: 82 × 33 × 13 cm
      • Closed Chamber Volume: 2.6 L
      • Open Chamber Volume: 1.0 L
      • Soil Collar Diameter: 23 cm
      • Weight: 9.0 kg
    • Master Control Unit (for ACE Network):
      • Supports up to 32 ACE Stations
      • Integrated graphical display
      • CompactFlash card data storage
      • Power supply: 100-240 VAC or dual 12 V battery ports
      • Dimensions: 40 × 40 × 20 cm
      • Weight: 12.0 kg
    • Options and Accessories:
      • Transit case
      • Mains supply kit with 50 m DC power cable
      • 100 m DC power lead
      • Soil moisture sensors (Delta T Devices)
      • Soil temperature thermistor probes
      • Additional soil chambers (transparent or opaque)

    Technical documents

    ACE Quick Start Guide
    ACE Operating Manual

    Product brochure

    ACE Brochure

    References

    ACE Publications List
    Google Scholar Search

    Orders / enquiries

    Please see the Contact page or complete the enquiry form below.

    Alternatively you can contact our international Distribution & Support Centres.