Oxygen sensor module with fast response time

Measures changes in oxygen concentration in 2-5 seconds

PEWATRON has introduced a new oxygen sensor module that can be used in demanding applications where response times are important when measuring changes in oxygen concentration. The key element of the sensor module is the oxygen sensor developed by Fujikura. It is an amperometric solid-state sensor (zirconia) with high output accuracy, short response time to gas concentration changes and resistance to pressure change, humidity and other gases. The non-amplified logarithmic signal from the oxygen sensor is in the microamp range. The FCX-MC25-CH sensor module is a signal conditioning unit that amplifies the sensor’s current output and has an analogous, low-noise, linearized current output (4-20 mA). Thanks to the low total power consumption (< 3W), the FCX-MC25-CH oxygen sensor module is suitable for mobile applications.

Typical applications requiring a fast response time by the sensor include those where only small sample extracts are available for analysis or where a large number of samples are to be tested/analysed. For both applications, knowledge about the response time (T90) is important to be able to make correct assessments of the process and product quality.

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a good example of an application where the response time of the oxygen sensor is important when measuring changes in oxygen concentration. When using metal powder to build a 3D model via laser sintering, minor alterations in oxygen concentration can cause major structural changes to the model due to unwanted selective oxidation of the metal layers. It is important to monitor the oxygen changes in the chamber and to couple these changes to counteractions, e.g. by increasing the vacuum pump speed. It is important for the steel metal system – and highly important for metal systems featuring aluminium, titanium or nickel – to be able to react to sudden changes in oxygen concentration during the process.

The oxygen sensor is configured in a flow configuration with connectors for hosing. The sensor is encapsulated in a pressure-proof aluminium flow housing, enabling oxygen concentrations to be analysed from small sample extracts. The output oxygen concentration is highly linear, with a degree of accuracy greater than +/-0.5% vol. O2. It also has a response time of less than 5 seconds for gas concentration changes. Concentration ranges are from 0 to 25% vol. O2.

About PEWATRON
PEWATRON specialises in physical and geometrical sensors, power supplies and e-components. PEWATRON delivers a wide assortment of electronic components ranging from standard products, modified standard products or customised solutions. PEWATRON works closely with developers and can be involved right from the start of a product development process to ensure that together with the customer, the best fitting component for the application is found.

PEWATRON, an independent company that belongs to the Angst+Pfister Group, has been serving customers in Europe with prompt and individual service for over 30 years. Through the Angst+Pfister Group, PEWATRON belongs to a world-wide network of over 1000 employees and 60 000 satisfied customers.