OEM Amperometric Oxygen Gas Sensor Modules and Transmitters
Amperometric zirconia oxygen sensors are widely used in industrial applications where accurate oxygen measurement is critical, such as in power plants, chemical plants, and food processing. Angst+Pfister Sensors and Power (previously known as Pewatron) has been in the market of oxygen sensing for over 30 years and has developed more than 150 different OEM amperometric oxygen gas sensor modules which also includes customer specific solutions and customized products.
In this newsletter, some of highlights of our product portfolio is presented. The FCX MC oxygen gas sensor module series covers wide range of application with a diversified set of features. It has a 12-bit AD converter for conditioning and linearizing the raw signal from the FCX-U sensors. There are several output signal protocols available by using a FCX-MC module, namely 4-20 mA/0-10 V analog output and RS232/RS485 serial, digital output. The calibration and the adjustment of the signal is done using precise digital potentiometers controlled by an external display box. In this way, the signal can be very accurately calibrated and adjusted in the application. The FCX-U sensor can be placed on the board in a gas tight flow housing for fast and reliable forced flow measurements or it can be connected to the board via a cable. There are several sensor heads in combination with cables available for different applications ranging from stationary, long-life gas safety devices to high-temperature humidity measurement transmitters.
Subsequently, FCX-ML/MP series is a considerably compact module range without compromising output signal quality and the heater voltage control. The series has an industrially standardized output signal of 4-20mA which is non-linearized. The compact size and high cost-to-performance ratio of FCX-ML/MP module series makes it an ideal candidate for many industrial applications.
Another FCX-module series “FCX-MLD” is developed, targeting long-life of the module with minimal requirements of service and calibration. An example use case for FCX-MLD module series is fitness and/or server rooms where oxygen concentration levels needs to be monitored. In fitness rooms for example, lowering the oxygen content in the air simulates the training at higher altitudes. Alternatively in server room applications, lowering the oxygen concentration will slow down/prevent a fire break-out, because of failed or overheated electronics and cables. Another application area for FCX-MLD module series is CO2 incubators and/ or food packaging lines, where the control of oxygen content at higher concentration levels ~95%V is needed. Although, the applications are very different, the requirements are relatively the same, i.e., stable output with low drift and long operational lifetime. The FCX-MLD module series is developed with focus not only on size, but also with focus on safe handling. The signal interface is serial and the commands for reading and writing are focused on safe handling, i.e., sensor/module status, sensor on/off, reset, span read/write and zero read/write along with other commands.
Lastly, the FCX- transmitter series “FCX-TR” is developed with FCX-U sensor and the electronics integrated into a stainless steel (1.4404) housing with a G½ threaded process adaption. The transmitter can thus be mounted directly in the application – be it in a tube or a in chamber and the signal conditioning is performed internally. The output from the transmitter is 4-20 mA, non-linearized and there is no limit for how long the cable from a central process controller to the process-to-be-monitored can be. The FCX-TR oxygen transmitter series are developed mainly for process control in oxygen and nitrogen generators but can also be used for analysis devices and 3D-printers (additive manufacturing). The threaded process adaption makes the integration easy, but the transmitter can also be operated in a forced flow mode. On the hexagonal nut there is threaded opening allowing for a M5 process adapter to be screw mounted and tightened. In this way the transmitter can be operated as a by-pass from the process gas line and the reaction to changes in the oxygen concentration is fast.
