High performance potentiometric zirconia oxygen OEM module

Highest resolution among any oxygen sensing technologies

Zirconia based potentiometric oxygen sensors are known for their large dynamic range and very high resolution, but is also considered by many a difficult technology to implement for high volume applications. This is because every sensor is so-to-speak handmade, and because very little automation can be done in order to achieve the right properties for the sensors. The sensor, in most cases, also require heating of the sensing element above 700°C, rising concerns over temperature control in process chambers.

Pewatron has developed a potentiometric, zirconia based oxygen sensor module, which is can be manufactured in high volumes and where the sensor is only heated to 500°C. The low operational temperature of the sensor in comparison with other potentiometric oxygen sensors not only is a benefit because of the lower generated heat from the sensor in the application, but it also allows for a small and compact design of the sensor head. The A19-N sensor head can easily be adapted (screw-mounted) into the application without too much concern about the interface materials for tightening.

The PZA-MC25 standard module has many features – some of which are mandatory for the operation of the sensor and some of which are helpful to the customer in integrating the OEM module and a given machine interface. The PZA electronics controls the temperature of the sensor and prevents overheating and temperature shocks that can otherwise be harmful to the sensor. The PZA built-in controller handles the signal conditioning and signal conversion. The output signal from the PZA electronics is 4-20 mA and up to two alarm levels can be set in the electronics. In addition, the PZA electronics has a switch, so that two measurement ranges can be covered with only one module.

The PZA-MC25 standard OEM module has two standard measurement ranges, 0…1000 ppm with sub-ppm resolution and 0…25 %Vol O2 with a resolution < 10 ppm for oxygen concentrations below 10.000 ppm. Customer specific measurement ranges can be defined between 0…1 ppm and 0…100 %Vol O2. The sensor module is easy to operate and easy to integrate into machines and cabinets. Included in the package is an Android App making it possible via a Bluetooth connection to visualize the data, to make small adjustments to the module and to perform calibration cycles for the sensor. The App is extremely useful in the sense that it gives a quick access to data and it provide means of interacting with the module and the sensor without having to remove the sensor or the electronics from the application.