(888) 862-9788 Follow Us On Twitter 'Like' Us On Facebook Subscribe To Our Feed
0 item(s) / Total: CA$0
Fuel Cell vs. Semiconductor Oxide Breathalyzer Sensors
Posted by The Breathalyzer Team on 1/2/2010 to General Information

So what's the difference between Fuel Cell and Semiconductor breathalyzers?

The difference between fuel cell andsemiconductor technology is simply the way that the alcohol that is found inthe breath sample is tested.

Alcohol breathalyzers work by testing the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of the breath sample. It measures how many grams of alcohol there are in your bloodstream. The current legal upper limit for Canada is 0.08, which means the maximum is 0.08 g/100ml or 80 mg/100ml. Most of the time however, the BAC is referred to as 0.08% or 0.05% etc.

Alcohol is not digested when you consume it, it's absorbed into your blood stream. As the blood travels through the lungs some of the alcohol moves across the membrane of the lung’s alveoli (air sacks). When the alcohol is exposed to the air in your lungs, it evaporates and mixes with the air in your lungs and is expelled when you exhale.

Through exhaustive experimentation, there has been a correlation found between the ratio of vaporized alcohol (found in your lungs) and the alcohol content in the bloodstream. It has been accepted that there is a ratio of 2,100:1 (air volume to blood volume).

Using this ratio, a properly calibrated alcohol breathalyzer can accurately determine a person BAC without having to draw blood and have it analyzed in a laboratory.

Fuel Cell

Fuel Cell

Fuel cell technology works by creating a chemical reaction thatoxidizes the alcohol in the breath sample. This oxidization produces anelectrical current and the device measures this electrical current todetermine the blood-alcohol content (BAC) of the sample.

Of the two, fuel cell technology is more accurate and more reliable forthe following reasons:

  • Fuel cells are not affected by environmental pollutants andother chemicals.
  • Less likely to provide a false positive when testingsomeone with diabetes (because of acetone secretions).
  • Require less calibration and maintenance.
  • The sensing technology provides a more accurate BAC.
  • Can be used in a testing environment where multiple testswill be performed successively.

Semiconductor

Semiconductor technology uses an oxide sensor to measure the reactivitybetween the tin dioxide (SnO2) in the sensor and the ethanol moleculesin the breath sample. When the ethanol molecules come in contact withthe tin dioxide the reaction changes the electrical resistance of thesensor. The semiconductor measures this difference and calculates anestimate of the BAC of the sample.

However, semiconductor breathalyzers offer these benefits:

  • The lower cost of manufacturing the semiconductor sensor results in a more affordable device.
  • The semiconductor units require less power and parts allowing them to be smaller and more easily carried.
  • These units have a larger consumer based product line versus the fuel cell breathalyzers that are targeted towards professionals and organizations requiring a device that can handle higher test volumes.

Summary

In summary, if you require the most accurate and reliable device werecommend that you choose a fuel cell breathalyzer that meets yourneeds.

But, keep in mind that all of the semiconductor models we sell are of veryhigh quality and will produce accurate results and are the better value.

 
Add Comment
Name 
Email 
Body 
 

 Product News
 Canadian Law
 General Information

 Fuel Cell Versus Semiconductor Technology
 Did You Know...
 *NEW* Alberta DUI Law Update
 Interlock Devices vs. Handheld Devices
 Toronto High School Implements Compulsory Breathalyzer Test Before Entering Prom
 Alberta Strengthens Drunk Driving Laws With New Bill Effective July 1st, 2012
 BC's Amended DUI Law Back In Full Swing June 15th, 2012
 DUI Laws Across Canada
 Metabolisms - Men vs Women
 Could Canada Be Next To Follow In France's Footsteps?

 November 2012
 September 2012
 July 2012
 June 2012
 May 2012
 April 2012
 March 2012
 February 2012
 November 2011
 October 2011
 September 2011
 August 2011
 February 2011
 December 2010
 November 2010
 September 2010
 July 2010
 February 2010
 January 2010