The electrochemical sensor system started in the 1950s. Now, it is still the most popular sensor technology when it comes to detecting toxic gases and oxygen presence. Although this method is not ideal for monitoring combustible gases, it is useful for monitoring any presence of ambient toxic gas.
Electrochemical sensing technology functions by reacting with the target gas to generate an electrical signal. This is proportional to the concentration of gas found in the environment. There is always an advantage when using electrochemical sensors in detecting gas.
Nonetheless, just like with other systems, this technology has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Prior to deciding on what sensing technology is suitable, it is best to review and understand the application information first.
Check out the different pros and cons of electrochemical sensors.
What is an Electrochemical Sensor?
Contents
The fundamental elements of an electrochemical sensor are a counter electrode, sensing electrode, and a reference electrode. These elements are within the sensor housing that is in contact with a liquid formed electrolyte. The performing electrode is placed on the inner part of a Teflon membrane. This membrane is permeable to gas, but not toward electrolytes.
The gas will be diffused into the sensor then passes through the membrane down to the liquid electrode. The moment the gas is at the working electrode, a process called electrochemical reaction happens. Two ways will happen, either a reduction or oxidation depending on the gas type. Say, for example, oxygen may be transformed into water.
The reaction of oxidation is a result of the flow of electrons coming from the working electrode. After, it passes through the external circuit, and slowly a reduction process starts from the electrode counter down to the working electrode. The flow of electrons produces an electric current, which is parallel to the concentration of gas.
The elements in the system detect and turn up the output as per the calibration. The sensor machine then shoes the level of gas concentration there is.
Advantages
Reliable and Precise
Jam-packed with modern spillage technology detection, an electrochemical sensor is one of the most precise sensor devices available. It can detect any harmful gas in the distance of parts per million. This goes to show that if there is one harmful gas part to 999,999 safe parts oxygen, the sensor can detect and alarm you of such risk.
This delivers an intensely sensitive and precise gauge that will further alert you and your workers before it is too late.
Systematic
An electrochemical sensor is greatly popular for its efficiency throughout the industry. Not to mention, it has a low energy output utilizing only a less amount of electricity. It is an extremely cost-effective technology. Regardless of this, it can maintain a high resolution and is easy to decipher, whether there is little to zero amount of light.
This type of sensor can also calibrate itself allowing to be greatly accurate and trusted even under intense working conditions.
Mobile
Most electrochemical sensors today are supplied with the technology that enables them to be a part of a wireless network. That being said, they are better connected using updated OTS cat 7 cables. This apparently means they can be linked to smartphones, tablets, or laptops. With today’s propensity to have all major staff prepared with electronic devices whilst on the job, the mobility of electrochemical sensors translates everyone’s safety.
Disadvantages
Restricted Life Quality
These sensors are indeed reliable and precise, but on the not-so-good side, they need to be replaced regularly. The average replacement of an electrochemical sensor happens every two or three years. This is to maintain its effectiveness as accurately as possible.
Intense temperatures and decrease humidity can dry out the electrodes, thus shortening the device’s lifespan. Fortunately, they are not an expensive piece of technology to replace.
Super Sensitive
It is obvious that the vast majority of electrochemical sensors work well under intense working conditions. They can be very sensitive to any changes in temperature levels. In most cases where temperatures change dramatically, the sensor can create a false alarm.
These fluctuations may need some changes to the sensor’s setting calibration. Hence, this type of sensor is mostly ideal for an area where the temperature is most likely kept within a normal range.
False Alarms
Since electrochemical sensors are sensitive to detecting gasses, this causes the gauge to send a false alarm. Element specific electrochemical sensors are made to detect and measure certain gases only. But, there are cases with other gases’ presence, the sensor will give a false detection.
Conclusion
Electrochemical sensors are not your typical type of sensors. They are highly sensitive and accurate. Also, before deciding on what sensor to buy, make sure you understand what it does, if it’s something your business needs or not. Although maintaining this type of sensor is inexpensive, considering its limited lifespan, maintenance needs to be done on a regular basis.
References:
https://www.gdscorp.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-electrochemical-sensors/
https://www.indsci.com/training/general-gas-education/electrochemical-sensors/
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-electrochemical-sensors-2