CIRAS-3 Operation Manual V. 1.09  43  support@ppsystems.com 
 
 
As you can see, the delivery and measurement of the gas depends on a system of three pumps working 
together.  For the main air supply pump we use a diaphragm type pump, and for the Reference and 
Analysis cells we use rotary vane pumps.  All pumps are under user control, allowing you to determine 
and set an optimal flow rate of air to the cuvette and leaf (air supply pump) as well as the sampling rate 
by the IRGAs (reference and analysis pumps).  We also ensured that the different path lengths of the 
REF and AN gases from source to IRGA are accounted for, and with only a very small delay in response 
time, the displayed console REF and AN readings are nearly instantaneous.  In addition, Zero valves are 
periodically activated for Zero or Diff Bal functions, diverting the gas streams from their normal paths.