PP Systems

Since 1984, PP Systems has been supplying quality, rugged and reliable instrumentation to customers throughout the world for high level research.  We are considered a world leader in the design and manufacture of instrumentation for measurement of photosynthesis, soil respiration, chlorophyll fluorescence, CO2/H2O gas analysis and vegetation reflectance.  Our customers come from a wide variety of scientific disciplines including agronomy, horticulture, biology, botany, crop and soil sciences, forestry, ecology, meteorology, oceanography and plant physiology to name a few.  Our equipment is in use in over 100 countries worldwide and well documented in many prestigious scientific publications.

History of PP Systems

PP Systems was originally set up in 1984 by Dr. Keith J. Parkinson, whose work on the measurement of photosynthesis at Rothamsted Experimental Station led to the development of one of the first portable photosynthesis systems ever produced. In 1993, an associated company was established in the United States to look after sales and support of all North American customers.  For nearly 30 years, we have developed into a small group of technical experts specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide range of scientific instrumentation including the popular CIRAS Portable Photosynthesis System, range of CO2 and H2O gas analyzers, vegetation and remote sensing instrumentation.  Today, all business operations are handled through our U.S. headquarters which features comprehensive design and development facilities, including prototyping workshop, microprocessor development systems and CAD tools, service, production and full calibration and testing capability. All instruments are produced to the highest standards that must meet strict quality control/assurance protocols established by management.  PP Systems is based in the Boston North Technology Park (BNTP) which is located in Amesbury, MA (USA) which is a short 40 minute drive from Boston.

Customer Support

Customer support is something that is very important to us and critical to the success of our business. All customers receive direct technical support from our U.S. headquarters as well as through an extensive network of factory trained distributors As a small company, we are able to offer our customers the personal, professional attention that they deserve.  If you have an instrument in need of repair, please contact our service manager. 

In many cases, we are able to customize system hardware or software to meet specific user requirements. Another service we offer is the use of our facilities for the development and production of equipment. If you have an idea for an instrument, we can assist you in its realization.  All equipment manufactured by PP Systems is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of invoice against manufacturing faults and defective materials/components, parts and labor included. This guarantee does not cover misuse or damage caused due to unauthorized repair. We reserve the right to charge for customs clearance and return shipping/insurance if appropriate. For repairs beyond the warranty period, please contact us directly for advice.

In addition to our own manufactured products, our U.S. company is also the longtime, proud distributor for Hansatech Instruments, Gill Instruments, Skye Instruments and bbe Moldaenke.

Service & Repairs

If you have an instrument that requires service, please get in direct contact with our Service Manager to properly coordinate the return of the equipment for servicing. If you purchased your instrument through one of our distributors, please contact them first.

For European customers, please get in contact with our PP Systems European Support Center for assistance. See below for full contact information for our North American headquarters and European Support Center.

In many instances, we are able to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem through direct communication with you. After an initial discussion, our service manager will make the determination to either send parts for you to service your instrument at your location or to have you return the equipment to us for servicing. When returning instrumentation to PP Systems for service, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the equipment is covered by your own insurance or through the carrier (i.e. UPS, FEDEX, DHL, etc.). PP Systems accepts no responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of shipping.
Procedure for returning instruments for repair

Contact PP Systems to alert us about your plans to return equipment for service/repair. We will provide you with a Case Number for reference purposes and instructions on how to return your equipment to us for service and repair. Please be advised that PP Systems must receive a formal Purchase Order (PO) or credit card information (MasterCard or Visa) from the customer prior to the return of equipment after service. If required, we can provide an estimated quote/proforma invoice upon request. For international customers, you should first communicate with your local distributor before returning equipment to PP Systems. Click on distributors for the distributor in your area.
Make sure that all stored data is safely retrieved from your instrument prior to shipping. PP Systems is not responsible for any lost data.
Safely pack your equipment in a rugged carton/case with suitable packing materials (i.e. bubble pack, fiberglass tape, etc.). Remember to include the Service Return Form with your equipment.
We strongly recommend using UPS or Fedex “door to door service. PP Systems is not responsible for any unnecessary shipping related charges caused by incorrect preparation of documentation.
For warranty service, all parts and labor are covered 100%.
PP Systems will charge for both shipping and insurance when returning equipment after repair unless otherwise notified in writing. If you are insured and do not require insurance, contact PP systems in writing by email prior to the shipment.

Our Proud History

PP Systems is considered a world leader in the manufacture and design of instrumentation for the plant and soil science markets. Our experience in photosynthesis measurements over the past 30+ years have yielded instruments that include state of the art design and unsurpassed performance without sacrificing portability. We currently offer the CIRAS-3 Portable Photosynthesis System for high level research and TPS-2 Portable Photosynthesis System for basic research and teaching.

CIRAS-3 – For High Level Research

Our CIRAS family of systems have been incredibly popular with researchers throughout the years. The CIRAS-1 system was introduced in 1992 and it was the first system to feature CO2 control (using mini CO2 cartridges) and H2O. The CIRAS-2 system followed in 1999 and it was the first system to feature integral, simultaneous measurement of photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence.
Measurement of photosynthesis in the field with the CIRAS-3 Portable Photosynthesis System

CIRAS-3… The Evolution Continues

Experience true portability with this state of the art instrument which was introduced in 2013. Many of the features that have been incorporated into the CIRAS-3 system are the result of numerous discussions and research performed by some of the world’s most prominent photosynthesis experts over many years.

The CIRAS-3 is the perfect choice for measurement of:

Photosynthesis
Chlorophyll Fluorescence
Soil Respiration
Canopy Assimilation
For high level research that demands portability, the CIRAS-3 is your instrument.

TPS-2 – For Teaching and Basic Research

Our TPS-2 Portable Photosynthesis System is designed for basic research and features a very high technical specification, one that rivals some of our competitor’s “High Level Research” instruments. In addition, it is an extremely user friendly instrument making it an ideal choice for teaching purposes and can be used in both the laboratory and field.

Measurement Theory

Measurement of CO2 uptake is the most commonly used and easiest method for determining the photosynthesis rate of plants. Using infra-red gas analysis techniques, we can readily determine CO2 concentrations to within 1 ppm (part per million) and instantaneous measurements are possible.

The TPS-2 passes a measured flow of air over a leaf sealed into a chamber called the leaf cuvette. Using a valve, the TPS-2 first samples the CO2 and H2O in the air going to the cuvette and then in the air leaving the cuvette. From the flow rate and the change in the CO2 and H2O concentrations, the assimilation rate of CO2 and the transpiration rate of water can be determined. This is commonly referred to as the “open system method of measurement”. This is the method used by the TPS-2 for CO2 measurements.

The TPS-2 is a completely self-contained unit with all the necessary pumps, flow meters and valves for measurements in the laboratory, classroom or field. Measurements can be made under ambient or changing conditions (CO2, H2O and light) for response curves. Comparative spot measurements, both inter- and intra-species, can readily be made.

The TPS-2 is supplied complete with custom carrying bag and shoulder harness for transport and use in the field.