The SKYEN device from ÅBN contains an advanced TVOC sensor, which is used to measure air quality by detecting the level of volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in the air. But what does that actually mean, and what gases does the sensor measure?
TVOC: A comprehensive indicator of the chemical load of the air TVOC is a collective term for a wide range of organic compounds that can evaporate at room temperature. These substances are typically found in materials such as paint, glue, furniture, cleaning products and electronics, and some can negatively affect indoor climate and health at high concentrations.
The TVOC sensor in SKYEN is not designed to identify or separate individual substances, but instead to provide an overall expression of the total amount of VOCs in the air. This makes the sensor particularly suitable for continuous monitoring of the chemical composition of the air and its variations over time.
What substances does the sensor respond to? The TVOC sensor is calibrated with ethanol as the standard test gas, but it also responds to a wide range of other organic compounds, including:
Ethanol (e.g. from alcohol-based cleaning products)
Ammonia
Sulfur compounds (sulfides)
Benzene vapors
The list is not exhaustive. The sensor is designed to respond to many types of VOCs, but it provides an overall signal, not a specific concentration for each gas. Therefore, it cannot be used to identify specific chemicals alone.
What does the TVOC value mean to you as a user? For users of SKYEN, the TVOC value means that you get a reliable indication of whether the air's volatile chemical content is stable or changing. This allows you to take action in time – for example by increasing ventilation, adjusting cleaning routines or identifying sources of pollution in your home, school or office.
Limitations and Recommendations It is important to understand that the TVOC sensor is not a laboratory detector and cannot be used to quantify or document the presence of specific substances such as formaldehyde, toluene or xylene. If you need these types of measurements, we recommend using specialized equipment.
SKYEN's TVOC sensor is ideal for monitoring general air quality and changes over time. It helps create a better indoor climate by providing insight into an important, but often overlooked, part of the air's composition.
