Galvanic Electrochemical Oxygen Sensing Technology

Galvanic electrochemical oxygen sensors , are widely used for their reliability and straightforward operation in measuring oxygen concentrations. This technology is based on the chemical reaction that produces an electrical current proportional to the amount of oxygen present in the environment.

Principle of Operation

Galvanic electrochemical sensors operate through a redox reaction where oxygen is reduced at the cathode, and a corresponding oxidation occurs at the anode. These reactions generate an electrical current directly proportional to the oxygen concentration. The sensor contains an electrolyte and two electrodes (an anode and a cathode), sealed within a permeable membrane that allows oxygen to diffuse into the sensor.

Design and Components

• Electrodes: Typically, the cathode is made from lead or a similar metal, and the anode is often made from zinc.
• Electrolyte: A liquid or gel that facilitates ion exchange, crucial for the redox reaction.
• Membrane: This permeable material allows oxygen to enter the sensor while keeping other elements out, ensuring selectivity and sensitivity to oxygen.

Advantages

• Low Power Requirement: Galvanic sensors require no external power source to initiate the chemical reaction, making them ideal for portable or remote applications.
• Simple and Cost-Effective: These sensors are relatively simple in design, which makes them cost-effective and easy to produce and maintain.
• Long Operational Life: Designed for longevity, they typically operate continuously for years without needing replacement.

Applications

Galvanic electrochemical sensors are particularly effective in environments where constant monitoring of oxygen is necessary:

• Safety and Process Control: used in the inerting of vessels and tanks to ensure safe operating conditions and refineries and polymerization plants gases for efficient production of products.
• Medical: Monitoring oxygen levels in clinical settings, such as in patient breathing gases in intensive care units.
• Industrial: Monitor efficiency of production and quality of gas generation of nitrogen, oxygen and other gases.

Galvanic electrochemical sensors provide robust, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solutions for continuous measurement of oxygen within other gases for continuous monitoring of oxygen for safe operation.