Extreme environment flagging

The electrochemical sensors used by AQMesh to measure gases often show a change in sensitivity in conditions of high temperature and low relative humidity at the same time. This process is reversible so the sensor output will return to normal when conditions are less hot and dry. Extensive research with datasets from comparing co-located AQMesh pods and reference stations has been used to identify the conditions under which the sensor response changes and the ‘extreme environment’ flag is applied. An error flag is presented for the data channel instead of an erroneous ‘reading’ during this period of data redaction, which will last as long as the environmental conditions affecting the sensor prevail.

Extreme environment flagging forms part of AQMesh QA/QC procedures, devised to ensure optimal data quality and confidence in data. Not all small sensor systems using the same electrochemical sensors, with the same limitations, offer this level of data quality assurance.