5 Easy Steps to Extend The Lifetime of An Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen gas sensors are important to businesses and consumers in a range of industries today, and they can use a variety of sensing technologies, including electrochemical, optochemical, oxygen quenching, and zirconia. The oxygen analyzer medical acknowledges that there are critical variables in maintaining these sensors working at optimal performance over their operational life, depending on the precise type of sensor you select and your use case or environment.
The following are the steps you can follow to improve the lifetime of portable oxygen analyzer –
Step 1 – Ensure that the sensor and interface electronics are properly configured
For any medical gas analyzer, it is vital to have the sensor and interface electronics set up perfectly. The following checkpoints are a must –
- If necessary, double-check that the oxygen sensor device is properly installed and sealed.
- If baffles are used, make sure they are installed correctly.
- Make that the oxygen sensor and wires are in good working order.
- Make sure the cables aren’t twisted and aren’t under any strain.
- Ascertain that the oxygen sensor is properly attached, with all of its inputs and outputs functioning properly. All screw connections are firmly tightened if necessary.
- Before connecting the power source to the gadget, be sure it’s producing the right voltage.
Failure to assess the power supply’s compatibility BEFORE turning it on could lead to irreversible product damage.
Step 2 – Examine the environment in which the sensor will be used
One of the key advantages of the oxygen sensor’s dynamic and active cell is that it is inherently fail safe. The sensor’s heartbeat is the continuous cycling and measuring of the generated Nernst voltage; if this ceases, something fatal has occurred within the cell. When using the oxygen sensor in warm, humid situations, it’s critical that the sensor maintains a greater temperature than its surroundings, especially if the measuring gas contains corrosive components. This is less of a concern during operation because the heater operates at 700°C, but when the oxygen sensor or application is shut off, the sensor heater must be the final thing turned off after the temperature of the surroundings has dropped sufficiently.
Step 3 – Silicones should not be used with the sensor
The presence of silicone in the measuring gas damages zirconium dioxide oxygen sensors. The major offenders are RTV rubber and sealant vapours (organic silicone compounds), which are widely employed in numerous applications. These materials are frequently composed of lower-cost silicones, which still emit silicone vapours into the atmosphere when heated. The organic half of the combination will be burned at hot sensor parts when these vapours reach the sensor, leaving a finely divided Silicon Dioxide behind (SiO2). The pores and active regions of the electrodes are totally blocked by this SiO2. If RTV rubbers are utilised, high-quality, well-cured materials are recommended.
Step 4 – Gases and chemicals that could harm the sensor should be avoided
Small amounts of flammable gases will be ignited by the sensor’s hot Pt electrode surfaces or AI2O3 filters. The sensor is not suggested for use in applications where substantial concentrations of combustible gases are present and a precise O2 measurement is required, as these gases have a significant impact on an oxygen sensor’s lifetime. Small concentrations of halogens and/or sulphur compounds (less than 100ppm) have no effect on the oxygen sensor’s performance. Higher concentrations of these gases will eventually create reading issues or, in condensing situations, corrosion of sensor parts, reducing the oxygen sensor’s lifetime.
Step 5 – Try avoid fine dust and vibrations
Long-term exposure to reducing atmospheres can reduce the catalytic effect of Pt-electrodes, so it’s best to avoid it. An environment with very little free oxygen and flammable gases is referred to as a reducing atmosphere. Fine dust (carbon parts/soot) might clog the porous stainless steel filter, slowing down the sensor’s reaction time. Sensor qualities may be altered by heavy shocks or vibrations, necessitating recalibration.
