Guide to oxygen measurement, amperometric and optical sensor technologies

METTLER TOLEDO's new guide for the process industries explains the measurement theory, sensor technology and practice of measuring dissolved and gaseous oxygen with in-line sensors.

Oxygen measurement and control plays an important role in many chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, power, and food & beverage processes. In biofermentation, oxygen control leads to increased yield and decreased production of unwanted byproducts. Oxygen management in the chemical industry helps to avoid the formation of explosive gas mixtures, and oxidation control in the brewing industry results in increased quality and shelf life of products. The in-line measurement of oxygen in liquid and gaseous mixtures is vital in these and many other processes for providing continuous, real-time data on oxygen levels.

Both electrochemical and optical technologies are available for the measurement of oxygen in aqueous and gas phase media. Amperometric technology has been successfully used for decades in a variety of applications and is based on electrochemical reactions. Optical technology, which exploits the phenomenon of fluorescence quenching, is a relatively recent innovation that has gained wide acceptance in the biotech and beverage industries due to its ease of use.