Operational Theory

3000ZA

 

 

 

Operational Theory

2.1 Introduction

The analyzer is composed of three subsystems:

1.Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) 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 ZrO2 sensor is a 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.

2.2 ZrO2 Sensor

2.2.1 Principles of Operation

Teledyne’s zirconium oxide sensor is a miniature solid state sensor. It uses a stabilized zirconia disc as an electrolyte with a sensing electrode (the cathode) and a counter electrode (the anode) on each side of the disc. The zirconia is heated to a temperature of about 500°C via a built-in heater. By applying a suitable reference voltage (approximately

0.75volt) across the cathode and anode, the heated zirconia acts as an electrolyte which is capable of moving oxygen ions within its crystalline structure. This allows for the reduction of oxygen molecules reaching the cathode and the generation of a current equivalent to the parts per million oxygen in the sample gas.

This sensor has been modified to sense low levels of oxygen—less than 1 ppm and generate a current proportional to the concentration. The sensor is designed for long term stability and an operating life of 5 years.

Teledyne Analytical Instruments

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Teledyne 3000ZA operating instructions Operational Theory, Introduction, ZrO2 Sensor, Principles of Operation