ECHO Instruments is a global analytical instrumentation company with over 30 years of experience, dedicated to making the world a better and cleaner place. As a worldwide leader in automatic respirometric systems, ECHO provides advanced solutions for environmental biodegradation and compostability testing, wastewater and soil research, as well as optical oxygen analysis for pharmaceutical and modified atmosphere packaging applications.

Respirometer ER series

A system that measures CO₂ production (and O₂/CO₂ concentration in the flow) during biodegradation under controlled conditions; continuously monitors flow, temperature, pressure, humidity; software calculates CO₂ production and % biodegradation; additional gases can be measured.

Features

Modular & upgradable; optional gas sensors (e.g., CH₄, H₂S, H₂, NH₃)
Aerobic or anaerobic; temperature range about +3°C to +70°C
Multi-channel (12/24/36/48/60); MFC per channel
Plug & Play; compressor included; auto humidification; leakage alarm; remote control; Excel export
Optional on-line δ¹³C isotope integration

Biodegradation testing in composting / soil / seawater / freshwater / wastewater /sediment /activated sludge /algal environments
Biodegradation measurement of organic waste, plastics and biotechnology R&D, food respiration
Respiration measurement of insects and small animals
Online δ¹³C isotope analysis integration, etc.

ISO 14855-1, ASTM D5338; ISO 17556; ASTM D6691; ISO 14852; OECD 301B

Respirometer DRI Series

Measures O₂ to determine microbial activity in degradable organic matter under defined continuous airflow and adiabatic conditions; sealed adiabatic vessels create conditions defined by EU and other norms.

Features

1/3/6/12 channels; Plug & Play; temperature sensor in each vessel; automatic condensate removal
Measures temperature/flow/pressure/humidity; O₂ range 0–25% (accuracy stated 2%)
Multiple vessel sizes; remote desktop control; compressor included; Excel

Waste degradation and biological stability testing using DRI; other waste degradation applications

Soil Flux

Portable/automatic analyzers for simultaneous gas flux measurements (CO₂, O₂, CH₄ and others on request) over a wide dynamic range on various surfaces; suitable for fields, forests, landfills, etc.

Features

Portable or stationary (automated); lightweight
Built-in GPS for map positioning
Compatible with up to 5 different gas sensors (different ranges)
Operable on tablets/phones/PCs; software allows for on-site flux calculation.

CO₂ flux from soil/compost/landfills; pollution spill identification; agronomy; post-fire activity; uranium mines mapping; carbon fingerprint & greenhouse gases; playground gas presence

Plastic Disintegration Respirometer - DT

Determines the degree of disintegration of plastics under defined composting conditions in a pilot-scale test.

Features

Single/Multi-channel: 1/3/6/12; Plug & Play
Control unit integrated with PC; each reactor has a cooling system
Measures temperature and flow rate; O2 measurement range 0–25% (accuracy indicated 2%)
Multiple container sizes; remote desktop control; includes air pump/compressor; Excel export

Pilot-scale disintegration test in the "Industrial compostability" assessment process for plastic materials according to ISO 16929

Compact – Modular XC Respirometer

Compact respirometer for screening & R&D; can connect to existing hardware (stand-alone controller) or be delivered as a complete setup.

Features

Configuration
- Stand-alone controller compatible with existing containers/boxes, etc.
- Complete package in one go (container, incubator, gas source, PC)
- Modular and upgradeable; new software features; multiple mixing options
Advantages (Performance/Operation)
- Multi-channel: 6 / 12 / 18 / 24 / 30 / 36…
- Plug & Play; suitable for screening and R&D
- Measures O2, CO2, temperature, flow rate, pressure, humidity; multiple gas sensors with various ranges
Remote desktop control; Excel export

Biotechnology & microbiology (fermentation, pathogen respiration/antibiotic resistance, microbial growth)
Environmental science & agriculture (soil/plant respiration, pesticide/fertilizer impact, biofilm indication, biomass/biofuels)
General lab respiration experiment

B-O2 Oxygen Analyzer (Automatic Oxygen Analyzer)

Fully automatic optical O₂ analyzer for determining O₂ concentration in blister packs and other MAP pharmaceutical packaging for QC and production lines; measures 1–6 blisters at once, up to 72 points in one serial measurement.

Features

Headspace measurement, no sample extraction required
High precision, no O₂ consumption during measurement
Automatic calibration
Supports IQ/OQ files (verification files)
Complies with 21 CFR Part 11 (requirements related to data integrity/electronic records and signatures)

O₂ concentration in blister packs (1–6 blisters at once; up to 72 points per serial measurement).

Hand O2 Oxygen Analyzer (Portable Oxygen Analyzer)

Portable device for O₂ concentration in headspace of various MAP packaging; micro-invasive measurements enabled by <140 µm optical sensor tips; compliant with pharmaceutical standards and 21 CFR Part 11.

Features

Measurable in gas or liquid phases
No sampling or extraction required, high precision, measurement without O₂ consumption
Supports salinity factor input for different salinity samples (vial)
IQ/OQ files; provides 2 sterilizable sensors
Quick calibration, user-manageable
Battery or AC power powered

Pharmaceuticals: O₂ concentration in blister packs, vials, tubes, patches, resealable bags, and other packaging.
Food and Beverages: O₂ concentration in coffee, meat products, dairy products, and various MAP packaging.
Science: Biotechnology, micro-respirometry, marine research, and R&D.