Which Oxygen Analyzer Technology Should You Choose?
Choose electrochemical when:
- You need cost-effective trace oxygen measurement
- Portable analyzers are required
- User-replaceable sensors are preferred
Choose paramagnetic when:
- Measuring percent oxygen
- Continuous process monitoring
- Long sensor life is important
Choose zirconium oxide when:
- Monitoring combustion
- Operating at high temperatures
- Measuring oxygen in furnaces and boilers
Choose polarographic when:
- Measuring dissolved oxygen
- Laboratory or specialized analytical applications
Common Oxygen Analyzer Applications
- Nitrogen generation
- Hydrogen purity
- Air separation units
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Heat treatment
- Industrial gas production
- Medical gases
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food packaging
- Inert gas blanketing
- Welding
- Glove boxes
- Combustion control
- Oxygen deficiency monitoring
FAQs
What is the most accurate oxygen sensor?
The best oxygen sensor depends on the application. Electrochemical sensors are widely used for trace oxygen measurements, paramagnetic sensors are common for percent oxygen analysis, and zirconium oxide sensors are preferred for many combustion applications.
Which oxygen sensor is best for trace oxygen?
Trace oxygen applications commonly use electrochemical or specialized trace oxygen technologies, depending on the required measurement range and process conditions.
Which oxygen sensor requires the least maintenance?
Paramagnetic sensors generally have no consumable sensing element, while electrochemical sensors typically require periodic sensor replacement.
Why can’t zirconia sensors measure trace oxygen in hydrogen?
Because reducing gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons can react with oxygen at the elevated operating temperature of zirconium oxide sensors, resulting in measurement error.
Which oxygen analyzer is best for nitrogen generators?
Many nitrogen-generation applications use electrochemical trace oxygen analyzers because they provide accurate low-level oxygen measurements and are well suited for monitoring nitrogen purity.
