--- title: AntrumX vs. Aircuity - Centralized IAQ System Comparison | Antrum description: "A verified component-by-component comparison of AntrumX and Aircuity for 32-zone centralized IAQ monitoring: connections, controls, calibration, reliability, and data architecture." image: https://antrum.com/hubfs/Antrum%20vs%20Aircuity%20Thumbnail2-1.png --- [Skip to main content](https://antrum.com/compare/antrum-vs-aircuity#main-content) [![Antrum a\_mark\_logo\_2color white](https://antrum.com/hubfs/Antrum%20a_mark_logo_2color%20white.svg)](https://antrum.com?hsLang=en) - Show submenu for PRODUCTS PRODUCTS - [AntrumX](https://antrum.com/antrumx) - [AntrumEYE](https://antrum.com/technology/antrumeye) - [Sensor Pack](https://antrum.com/sensorpack) - Show submenu for SPACES SPACES - [General Occupancy](https://antrum.com/general-occupancy) - [Healthcare](https://antrum.com/healthcare) - [Life Sciences](https://antrum.com/laboratories) - [Universities](https://antrum.com/universities) - [Vivariums](https://antrum.com/vivariums) - Show submenu for RESOURCES RESOURCES - [Case Studies](https://antrum.com/case-studies) - [LVDL Selector](https://antrum.com/resources/lvdl-selector) - [DCV Payback Calculator](https://antrum.com/resources/dcv-payback-calculator) - [Specify](https://antrum.com/resources/specify) - [Install](https://antrum.com/resources/install) - [Experience](https://antrum.com/resources/experience) - [News](https://info.antrum.com/en) - [FAQ](https://antrum.com/faq) - [CONTACT](https://antrum.com/contact) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for PRODUCTS PRODUCTS - PRODUCTS - [AntrumX](https://antrum.com/antrumx) - [AntrumEYE](https://antrum.com/technology/antrumeye) - [Sensor Pack](https://antrum.com/sensorpack) - Show submenu for SPACES SPACES - SPACES - [General Occupancy](https://antrum.com/general-occupancy) - [Healthcare](https://antrum.com/healthcare) - [Life Sciences](https://antrum.com/laboratories) - [Universities](https://antrum.com/universities) - [Vivariums](https://antrum.com/vivariums) - Show submenu for RESOURCES RESOURCES - RESOURCES - [Case Studies](https://antrum.com/case-studies) - [LVDL Selector](https://antrum.com/resources/lvdl-selector) - [DCV Payback Calculator](https://antrum.com/resources/dcv-payback-calculator) - [Specify](https://antrum.com/resources/specify) - [Install](https://antrum.com/resources/install) - [Experience](https://antrum.com/resources/experience) - [News](https://info.antrum.com/en) - [FAQ](https://antrum.com/faq) - [CONTACT](https://antrum.com/contact) - [Schedule a Demo](https://antrum.com/shedule-a-demo) [Schedule a Demo](https://antrum.com/shedule-a-demo?hsLang=en) # AntrumX vs Aircuity Comparison ![](https://antrum.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/sr-child-theme-antrum/images/tab-notch-thingy.svg) ##### **The video shows comparable components with the circle identifying the equivalent component on each platform.** ##### The pump audio you hear at the start is the Aircuity mechanical vacuum pump operating under normal conditions. The AntrumX panel that follows produces no comparable sound, the venturi has no motor and no moving parts. This page documents verified, component-level differences between AntrumX and Aircuity for a standard 32-zone centralized DCV monitoring deployment. All counts are based on confirmed component requirements for each system. Zone-level pickup tubing is included where it differs between platforms; connections common to both systems are noted as such. Component counts verified September 2026. Aircuity is currently rebranding as Thrive Buildings. The product architecture described here reflects the Aircuity platform as deployed. ## Infrastructure at 32 zones A 32-zone deployment is the maximum capacity of a single AntrumX panel and a comparable Aircuity configuration using one SST with two branches of four Air Data Routers each. ### Electrical connections | Component | AntrumX | Aircuity | | --- | --- | --- | | Panel / SST | 1 | 1 | | IMS | -- | 1 | | Transformers | -- | 2 | | Air Data Routers (x8) | -- | 8 | | Primary vacuum pump | -- | 1 | | Standby vacuum pump | -- | 1 | | Total electrical connections | 1 | 14 | Every Aircuity electrical connection is field-wired. AntrumX has one electrical connection -- 120V to the panel. There are no powered components to locate, mount, or wire anywhere else in the building. ### Tubing terminations -- zone to panel Both systems require two tubing terminations per zone run: one at the room and one at the collection point. That is 64 terminations for 32 zones on both platforms -- identical at the zone level. The difference is what happens between the collection points and the panel. Aircuity's Air Data Routers connect in series. Each ADR accepts up to four zone inputs and passes a single output to the next ADR in the branch. Two branches of four ADRs each feed the SST. This series architecture requires inter-component trunk connections that have no equivalent in AntrumX -- where all zone tubing routes directly to the panel. | Termination type | AntrumX | Aircuity | | --- | --- | --- | | Zone pickup terminations (32 zones x 2) | 64 | 64 | | Inter-ADR series connections (3 per branch x 2 branches x 2 ends) | -- | 12 | | Branch trunk to SST (2 branches x 2 ends) | -- | 4 | | Total tubing terminations | 64 | 80 | Aircuity requires 16 additional field-made tubing terminations for the same 32 zones. Every one of those 16 is attributable entirely to the ADR series architecture -- they carry no zone data of their own. They exist solely to connect components. ### Components requiring commissioning | Component | AntrumX | Aircuity | | --- | --- | --- | | Monitoring panel / SST | 1 | 1 | | IMS | -- | 1 | | Transformers | -- | 2 | | Air Data Routers | -- | 8 | | Vacuum pumps | -- | 2 | | Total components | 1 | 14 | | Components outside mechanical room | 0 | 8 | ## Air Accelerator -- venturi vs. mechanical vacuum pump Both systems require a mechanism to draw air samples through the tubing network to the central sensor location. The approach each platform takes determines maintenance requirements, failure risk, and long-term operating cost. AntrumX -- venturi AntrumX uses a purpose-designed venturi connected to header ductwork. Air is drawn through the sampling network using building static pressure -- no motor, no moving parts. Because the venturi has no mechanical components, there is nothing to wear out or replace. Flow varies with building static pressure. Installation location is selected to minimize exposure to excessive static pressure swings. For performance data across static pressure ranges, see the [Air Accelerator cutsheet](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#components). Aircuity -- mechanical vacuum pump Aircuity uses motorized mechanical vacuum pumps operating at a fixed rate. A primary and standby pump are required for each SST. Because pumps contain moving parts subject to wear, they have a defined service life and must be periodically replaced. Pump replacement is covered under Aircuity's hardware assurance program, which requires an active service contract. ## Air sampling tubing Both AntrumX and Aircuity route air samples through tubing from each zone to the central sensor location. The material specification of that tubing -- and whether it is consistent throughout the entire sample path -- matters in laboratory and life science environments where acids, solvents, and other chemical vapors are present. ### AntrumX -- carbon-impregnated FEP (CFEP) throughout AntrumX specifies carbon-impregnated Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (CFEP) tubing for the entire air sample path -- from the point the sample enters the system at the zone faceplate through to the exit at the panel. There is no change in tubing material at any point in the path, including inside the panel at the sensor connection. CFEP is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with or absorb chemical vapors passing through it. More information is available in the [AntrumX component specifications](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#components). Because AntrumX has no remotely mounted components, there are no electrical conductors in the tubing runs. The tubing carries air samples only. ### Aircuity -- two tubing products with different specifications Aircuity publishes two tubing products. The OSC100 Structured Cable -- used between the SST and ADRs as the system backbone -- contains a MicroDuct inner tube composed of a fluoropolymer resin and carbon nanotube blend, interlaced with low voltage power conductors and data communications conductors inside a protective outer sheath. The inner tube carries the air sample; the conductors power and communicate with the remotely mounted ADRs. The MD100 MicroDuct Tubing uses the same inner tube material without conductors and is used for zone-to-ADR runs where wiring is not required. The tubing inside the SST panel that connects air samples into and out of each sensor is not covered by either product specification. Aircuity does not publish the material for this segment of the sample path. Third-party materials testing Antrum submitted tubing samples taken from active competing centralized DCV system installations for independent acid resistance testing. Testing was conducted by an ISO 9001:2015 certified materials laboratory in July 2026. Three samples were evaluated: the clear panel-internal tubing (Sample A), the green field sampling tubing (Sample B), and Antrum's CFEP tubing (Sample C). Under hydrochloric acid and nitric acid exposure at conditions representative of laboratory environments, Samples A and B both exhibited measurable physical changes including discoloration, surface roughening, and in one case reduced flexibility and vitrification. Sample C (Antrum CFEP) showed no change in color, flexibility, or surface smoothness under either acid type or at either exposure duration tested. The full test report is available for download: [Tubing Test Report](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#components) AntrumX uses CFEP throughout the entire sample path with no change in material and no conductors in the tubing. The tubing specification is published and consistent end to end. When you specify AntrumX, you know exactly what your air samples are traveling through from zone to sensor. ## Valve integrity -- continuous verification vs. scheduled testing A solenoid valve that fails open is a silent data integrity problem in any centralized air sampling system. When a valve fails open, that zone's tubing remains connected to the sensor as the system advances to the next zone. Every subsequent reading is contaminated with residual air from the failed zone -- compromising IAQ data for every room on the panel, not just the one with the failed valve. AntrumX After each zone sample, all valves close. The sensors verify that airflow has ceased completely. Zero detected airflow confirms two things simultaneously: the sample path is clear and no valve has failed open. The next zone valve opens only after this is confirmed. The purge volume is fixed and contained entirely within the panel. Zero-airflow check: 1,440 times per day (every 60 seconds) Per-valve verification: ~45 times per day (every full 32-zone cycle, completing every ~32 minutes) Aircuity Aircuity performs a scheduled valve test every 6 months. Valve test frequency: 2 times per year Each AntrumX valve is verified more times in a single 32-minute sampling cycle than an Aircuity valve is tested in a full calendar year. A failed valve in the Aircuity system could contaminate zone data for up to 4,380 hours before the next scheduled test. ## Data platform -- local vs. cloud AntrumX -- Embedded SkySpark Installed directly on the gateway hardware inside the panel. All data is stored and processed on-site. The platform operates fully without an internet connection. Data is accessible remotely via LAN or if the customer decides to connect the gateway to the internet. If internet connectivity is lost, the system continues operating and logging without interruption. Aircuity -- Cloud-based platform Data is transmitted off-premise by default. Platform access and data availability depend on internet connectivity. For facilities with data governance requirements, cybersecurity policies that restrict cloud connectivity, or operational resilience requirements -- common in life science, government, defense-adjacent research, and healthcare environments -- AntrumX's local-first architecture is a meaningful distinction. ## Controls integration AntrumX The AQMS calculates a demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) value that can be scaled into multiple unit types and passed to the room controller over BACnet IP or MS/TP. The DCV signal is configurable per-space. For full BACnet point documentation, see the [Lab Controls cutsheet](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#integration). AntrumX also supports direct integrations with multiple laboratory air valve manufacturers. Integration instructions are available at [antrum.com/resources/specify](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#integration). Aircuity Aircuity communicates over BACnet IP and also offers a hardwired signal output option. ## Sensor calibration Both AntrumX and Aircuity use industrial-grade sensors calibrated with NIST-traceable gases and instruments. Both platforms centralize all sensors at a single location -- the architecturally correct approach for DCV in critical environments. Where the platforms differ is in calibration cost, who can perform it, and what the calibration event triggers. AntrumX calibration All sensors in a single device, located in the panel No tools required Completed in under 60 seconds Can be performed by any facilities staff member Fixed cost: $1,444 USD per calibration event Service contract available but never required What the calibration event triggers: Calibration certificate stored on the Sensor Pack -- accessible in AntrumEYE Software updates delivered automatically -- no downtime, no manual intervention Warranty extended until the next calibration event Service life countdown timer resets Aircuity calibration Must be performed by Aircuity service representatives Requires an active service contract Scheduling and cost governed by contract terms Service contract is required -- not optional ### Sensor lifetime tracking and error-proofing Sensors have a published service lifetime. AntrumX Sensor Packs returned from the field for re-calibration are evaluated against that lifetime. Each Sensor Pack carries internal storage tracking calibration history and remaining lifetime, integrated directly into Antrum's calibration software. If a returned Sensor Pack's remaining lifetime is shorter than one calibration interval, the calibration process is blocked at the hardware level. Antrum does not deploy a Sensor Pack whose remaining lifetime is less than one full calibration interval. The system cannot be misconfigured to do so. ## Calibration expiration -- system behavior What happens when a calibration interval is exceeded determines whether overdue calibration is an operational problem or a silent compliance gap. AntrumX -- over-ventilation Upon expiration of a Sensor Pack calibration, the DCV value is automatically set to a configured maximum, triggering the room controller to ventilate at the highest programmed rate. The Sensor Pack stops reporting variable data and the BACnet point carries an event message identifying it as expired. For full BACnet point behavior on expiration, see the [BACnet Points List cutsheet](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#integration). Aircuity -- compliance gap If the calibration interval is exceeded, the Aircuity system continues to operate and publish data. That data is produced by sensors whose calibration status is no longer current. Penalty charges are typically applied retroactively when a new service contract is signed. AntrumX expiration is an operational event -- the system signals for action and the room is ventilated at a defined safe rate until the Sensor Pack is replaced. Aircuity expiration is a compliance gap -- the system continues publishing data of unknown calibration validity. ## Summary | | AntrumX | Aircuity | | --- | --- | --- | | Electrical connections | 1 | 14 | | Total tubing terminations (zone to panel) | 64 | 80 | | Components requiring commissioning | 1 | 14 | | Components outside mechanical room | 0 | 8 | | Air Accelerator | Venturi -- no moving parts | Mechanical vacuum pump | | Valve verification frequency | 1,440x per day | 2x per year | | Data platform | Embedded SkySpark (local) | Cloud-based | | Internet required for operation | No | Yes | | Controls protocol | BACnet IP or MS/TP | BACnet IP -- hardwired option available | | Sensor grade | Industrial grade | Industrial grade | | Calibration standard | NIST-traceable | NIST-traceable | | Calibration cost | $1,444 USD fixed | Service contract required | | Calibration performed by | Anyone -- no tools -- under 60s | Aircuity rep only | | Calibration certificate location | Stored on Sensor Pack -- visible in AntrumEYE | -- | | Software updates on calibration | Automatic -- no downtime | -- | | Calibration expiration behavior | DCV value auto-set to configured maximum | System continues publishing data -- penalty on renewal | | Service contract required | No | Yes (for calibration and pump replacement) | ## Frequently asked questions What tubing material does AntrumX use, and does it matter in a lab environment? AntrumX uses carbon-impregnated FEP (CFEP) -- a chemically inert fluoropolymer -- throughout the entire air sample path from zone entry to panel exit. The material does not change at any point, including inside the panel at the sensor connection, and there are no electrical conductors in the tubing. In laboratory and life science environments where acids, solvents, and chemical vapors are present, tubing material matters: a non-inert tube can absorb or react with vapors passing through it, compromising the accuracy of air quality readings. Antrum commissioned independent third-party acid resistance testing of tubing samples taken from active competing DCV system installations. Both the clear panel-internal tubing and the green field sampling tubing from that system showed measurable physical changes under hydrochloric acid and nitric acid exposure. Antrum's CFEP showed no change under either acid type. The full test report is available at [Tubing Test Report](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#components). What is the difference between AntrumX and Aircuity? Both are centralized DCV monitoring platforms that route air samples from individual rooms via tubing to a single sensor location. AntrumX consolidates all infrastructure at one panel with one electrical connection and no powered components outside the mechanical room. Aircuity distributes 14 components across the building, requires 14 electrical connections, and adds 16 tubing terminations beyond what the zone count alone requires due to its ADR series architecture. How does AntrumX draw air samples without a pump? AntrumX uses a purpose-designed venturi connected to header ductwork. Building static pressure draws air through the sampling network -- no motor, no moving parts, nothing to wear out or replace. For performance data across static pressure ranges, see the [Air Accelerator cutsheet](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#components). How often does AntrumX test its solenoid valves? AntrumX verifies valve integrity every 60 seconds as part of normal operation. After each zone sample, all valves close and the system confirms zero airflow before advancing. Each individual valve in a 32-zone system is verified approximately 45 times per day -- more times in one sampling cycle than an Aircuity valve is tested in a full year. How often does Aircuity test its valves? Every 6 months -- twice per year. What happens if a solenoid valve fails open in a centralized DCV system? The failed zone's tubing stays connected to the sensor while the system advances, contaminating every subsequent reading. IAQ data becomes unreliable for every room on the panel -- not just the failed zone. AntrumX detects this within 60 seconds. In the Aircuity system, the next scheduled valve test is up to 6 months away. What happens when an AntrumX Sensor Pack calibration expires? The DCV value is automatically set to a configured maximum and the Sensor Pack stops reporting variable data. The BACnet point carries an event message identifying the Sensor Pack as expired. The room is ventilated at the highest programmed rate until the Sensor Pack is replaced. Full BACnet point behavior is documented in the [BACnet Points List cutsheet](https://antrum.com/resources/specify?hsLang=en#integration). What happens when Aircuity calibration expires? The Aircuity system continues to operate and publish data past the calibration interval. That data is produced by sensors whose calibration status is no longer current. Penalty charges are typically applied retroactively when a new service contract is signed. Does AntrumX require cloud connectivity? No. AntrumX runs on Embedded SkySpark installed on the gateway hardware inside the panel. The platform operates fully on-site without an internet connection. Data is accessible remotely via LAN or if the customer decides to connect the gateway to the internet. What does AntrumX calibration cost? $1,444 USD. No tools required, under 60 seconds, performable by any facilities staff member. No service contract required. The calibration event also resets the system warranty, delivers any pending software updates automatically, and stores the calibration certificate on the Sensor Pack itself. Does Aircuity require a service contract for calibration? Yes. Aircuity calibration must be performed by their service representatives and requires an active service contract. Pump replacement is also covered under the service contract. Why does Aircuity require 16 more tubing terminations than AntrumX for the same number of zones? Aircuity's Air Data Routers connect in series -- the output of one ADR feeds into the next. Each inter-ADR connection requires a field-made tubing termination at both ends. For two branches of four ADRs each, that is 16 additional terminations that carry no zone data -- they exist solely because of the series architecture. AntrumX routes all zone tubing directly to the panel with no intermediate components. How many field-wired connections does a 32-zone AntrumX system require? One -- a single 120V connection to the monitoring panel. All other infrastructure is contained within the mechanical room with no field-wired connections outside it. [![Antrum a\_mark\_logo\_2color white](https://antrum.com/hubfs/Antrum%20a_mark_logo_2color%20white.svg)](https://antrum.com?hsLang=en) - - - [TECHNOLOGY](https://antrum.com/antrumx) - [CONTACT](https://antrum.com/contact) © 2026 Antrum. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://antrum.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)