FAQ

How long is the oxygen sensor's service life?

An electrochemical sensor is used for measuring the oxygen content. When measuring (and even storing the sensor in air), a chemical reaction occurs in the sensor. The sensor's service life is is determined by the depletion of the reagent. The expected service life of the sensor is three years when stored in air at normal temperature with 50% humidity. The sensor's life can be extended by keeping it in an inert atmosphere. It is necessary to replace the sensor upon expiration of its service life.

How long is the helium sensor's service life?

The helium content is determined using a physical method which in causes no wear and tear in the sensor. Therefore, the sensor's service life is, in principle, unlimited.

Is it possible to measure other gases with the analyzer?

No. The analyzer is intended only for mixtures containing air (more precisely, nitrogen with characteristic presence of atmospheric argon), oxygen and helium. The presense of another gas (e.g., a larger amount of CO2) in the mixture causes unreliable results. Under certain conditions, the analyzer can be modified for mixtures containing other gases. More information about the possibilities of modification and calibration can be obtained from the manufacturer.

Can the analyzer identify trace amounts of helium?

The analyzer measures with differentiation on the order of tenths of a percent. Thus, helium in a concentration smaller than the analyzer's differentiation cannot be identified.

Why does the analyzer show that there is -0.3% helium in air?

Of course, the correct value would be zero. However, measuring is hampered by unavoidable discrepancies on the order of tenths of a percent. As such discrepancies can be positive or negative, it therefore can happen that the analyzer shows -0.3 % or 0.3 % helium in air, just as 99.7 % or 100.3 % may be displayed when measuring pure helium.