Analytical Industries GPR-3500 MO Portable Oxygen Analyzer - Manual (Page 9)

Advanced Instruments Inc.
9
Accuracy & Calibration
Single Point Calibration: As previously described the
galvanic oxygen sensor generates an electrical current
proportional to the oxygen concentration in the sample gas.
Absolute Zero: In the absence of oxygen the sensor exhibits
an absolute zero, e.g. the sensor does not generate a current
output in the absence of oxygen. Given these linearity and
absolute zero properties, single point calibration is possible.
Pressure: Because sensors are sensitive to the partial pressure
of oxygen in the sample gas their output is a function of the
number of molecules of oxygen 'per unit volume'. Readouts in
percent are permissible only when the total pressure of the
sample gas being analyzed remains constant. The pressure of
the sample gas and that of the calibration gas(es) must be the
same (reality < 1-2 psi).
Temperature: The rate oxygen molecules diffuse into the sensor is controlled by a Teflon membrane otherwise known as an 'oxygen
diffusion limiting barrier' and all diffusion processes are temperature sensitive, the fact the sensor's electrical output will vary with
temperature is normal. This variation is relatively constant 2.5% per ºC.
A temperature compensation circuit employing a thermistor offsets this effect with an accuracy of better than +5% (over the entire
Operating Range of the analyzer) and generates an output function that is independent of temperature. There is no error if the
calibration and sampling are performed at the same temperature or if the measurement is made immediately after calibration. Lastly,
small temperature variations of 10-15º produce < 1% error.
Accuracy:
In light of the above parameters, the overall accuracy of an analyzer is affected by two types of errors: 1) those
producing 'percent of reading errors', illustrated by Graph A below, such as +5% temperature compensation circuit, tolerances of
range resistors and the 'play' in the potentiometer used to make span adjustments and 2) those producing 'percent of full scale errors',
illustrated by Graph B, such as +1-2% linearity errors in readout devices, which are really minimal due to today's technology and the
fact that other errors are 'spanned out' during calibration. Graph C illustrates these 'worse case' specifications that are typically used to
develop an transmitter's overall accuracy statement of < 1% of full scale at constant temperature or < 5% over the operating
temperature range. QC testing is typically < 0.5% prior to shipment.
Example: As illustrated by Graph A any error, play in the multi-turn span pot or the temperature compensation circuit, during a span
adjustment at 20.9% (air) of full scale range would be multiplied by a factor of 4.78 (100/20.9) if used for measurements of 95-100%
oxygen concentrations. Conversely, an error during a span adjustment at 100% of full scale range is reduced proportionately for
measurements of lower oxygen concentrations.