Oxygen analyser

Oxygen analyser is a device used to measure the concentration of oxygen in a gas mixture. The measurement of oxygen levels is crucial in many sectors, including healthcare, industrial processes, and environmental monitoring.

History

The first oxygen analysers were developed in the mid-20th century, with the advent of electrochemical technology. These early devices were primarily used in medical and industrial settings, where accurate measurements of oxygen concentration were critical.

Types of Oxygen Analysers

There are several types of oxygen analysers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:

• Electrochemical Oxygen Analyser: This type of analyser uses an electrochemical sensor to measure the concentration of oxygen. The sensor consists of a porous membrane, an electrolyte, and two electrodes. When oxygen molecules come into contact with the sensor, they are reduced at the cathode, generating a current that is proportional to the concentration of oxygen.

• Paramagnetic Oxygen Analyser: This type of analyser uses the paramagnetic properties of oxygen to measure its concentration. Oxygen is attracted to a magnetic field, and the degree of this attraction is proportional to the concentration of oxygen in the gas mixture.

• Zirconia Oxygen Analyser: This type of analyser uses a zirconia sensor to measure the concentration of oxygen. The sensor is heated to a high temperature, causing oxygen ions to move through the zirconia. The movement of these ions generates a voltage that is proportional to the concentration of oxygen.

Applications

Oxygen analysers are used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Healthcare: In healthcare settings, oxygen analysers are used to monitor the oxygen levels in patients' blood and respiratory gases. This is crucial in critical care, anaesthesia, and respiratory therapy.

• Industrial Processes: In industrial processes, oxygen analysers are used to monitor and control the oxygen concentration in various processes, such as combustion control in power plants, gas purity in chemical production, and inerting processes in food packaging.

• Environmental Monitoring: In environmental monitoring, oxygen analysers are used to measure the oxygen levels in ambient air, water, and soil. This is important for assessing the health of ecosystems and monitoring the effects of pollution.

See Also

• Gas detector
• Oxygen sensor
• Oxygen saturation

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