What Is an Oxygen Meter?
An oxygen meter, also known as an oxygen analyzer, is a device used to measure the concentration of oxygen in the air. These devices are utilized in various fields such as industry, medicine, and environmental monitoring, employing different methods like electromagnetic and electrochemical analyzers.
Special features like explosion-proofing are often added to these instruments, making them suitable for different use cases and environments.
Uses of Oxygen Meters
1. Factory Sites
Oxygen meters are used to monitor gas concentrations in industrial settings, particularly for preventing oxygen deficiency accidents. They also play a crucial role in combustion control within industrial furnaces by measuring the oxygen concentration in the combustion zone and adjusting the air-to-fuel ratio.
2. Medical Field
Widely used in the medical sector, these devices monitor the oxygen concentration of patients undergoing oxygen therapy and help in determining the need for oxygen supplementation in high-altitude activities.
Principle of Oxygen Meters
Oxygen meters typically use oxygen sensors for measurement. These sensors, made from materials like ceramics, measure the amount of oxygen based on chemical reactions occurring within the sensor material as oxygen passes through. Results are displayed on a digital display or an analog meter.
Some models also include warning or alarm features for oxygen levels exceeding certain thresholds, utilizing diffusion and aspiration methods for oxygen collection.
Types of Oxygen Meters
1. Magnetic Oxygen Analyzer
This type of analyzer measures oxygen concentration by detecting pressure changes caused by the magnetic attraction of oxygen in the sample gas. Suitable for measuring flammable gases, though more expensive than other methods.
2. Galvanic Cell Oxygen Analyzer
Measures oxygen concentration based on the electric current generated by the oxidation/reduction reaction occurring when oxygen diffuses into an electrolyte. Compact and cost-effective, but parts need periodic replacement.
3. Zirconia Oxygen Analyzer
Utilizes the conductivity of zirconia at high temperatures to detect oxygen concentration, but may have errors in the presence of combustible gases.
4. Dissolved Oxygen Analyzer
Measures dissolved oxygen in water using methods like titration, diaphragm electrode, or fluorescent analysis. Each method has its advantages and limitations in terms of maintenance, calibration, and sensitivity.
Oxygen meters are essential tools in ensuring safety, maintaining health standards, and monitoring environmental conditions in various applications.