Electrometric versus optical sensors ro measure dissolved oxygen in water
There are two types of sensors for measuring dissolved oxygen in water: electrometric and optical.
Electrometric dissolved oxygen sensors
Electrometric sensors, measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water based on the electrical current generated.
Using the electrometric method of measuring oxygen, decomposition of the anode and wear and tear of the electrolyte during operation cannot be avoided.
Optical dissolved oxygen sensors
Optical sensors, also known as luminescence sensors, measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water based on the extinction of luminescence in the presence of oxygen by oxygen permeable membrane.
Luminescence – the principle of optical oxygen sensors
Luminescence is a highly sensitive test method that helps to detect various substances. In optical oxygen sensors, measurement using it proceeds as follows:
1. The sensor has a sensor cap with an internal luminophore coating.
2. A light source inside the sensor cyclically illuminates the luminophore.
3. The phosphor, by absorbing energy, changes its ground state to an excited state. After some time, it returns to its ground state, losing heat and emits the remaining energy in the form of red light (called fluorescent radiation), which is detected by a photodiode in the sensor body.
4. In the presence of oxygen, the phosphor collides with it and the emission of luminescent radiation is not stopped.
5. No oxygen is consumed in the process and no minimum flow rate is required. This measurement method allows high measurement accuracy even at low oxygen concentrations.