Trace Oxygen Analyzer | Operational Theory 2 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Operational Theory
2.1Introduction
The analyzer is composed of three subsystems:
1.Micro-Fuel Cell Sensor
2.Sample System
3.Electronic Signal Processing, Display and Control
The sample system is designed to accept the sample gas and transport it through the analyzer without contaminating or altering the sample prior to analysis. The Micro-Fuel Cell is an electrochemical galvanic device that translates the amount of oxygen present in the sample into an electrical current. The electronic signal processing, display and control subsystem simplifies operation of the analyzer and accurately processes the sampled data. The microprocessor controls all signal processing, input/output and display functions for the analyzer.
2.2Micro-Fuel Cell Sensor
2.2.1 Principles of Operation
The oxygen sensor used in the Model 3020T series is a Micro-Fuel Cell designed and manufactured by Analytical Instruments. It is a sealed plastic disposable electrochemical transducer.
The active components of the Micro-Fuel Cell are a cathode, an anode, and the 15% aqueous KOH electrolyte in which they are immersed. The cell converts the energy from a chemical reaction into an electrical current in an external electrical circuit. Its action is similar to that of a battery.
There is, however, an important difference in the operation of a battery as compared to the Micro-Fuel Cell: In the battery, all reactants are stored within the cell, whereas in the Micro-Fuel Cell, one of the reactants (oxygen) comes from outside the device as a constituent of the sample gas being
Teledyne Analytical Instruments | 2-1 |
