What is a fuel cell?

What is a Fuel Cell Breathalyser?

A fuel cell measures alcohol content by creating a chemical reaction through platinum metal that oxidises the alcohol in the sample and produces an electrical current. Fuel Cell breathalysers are more specific for ethyl alcohol and reduces false readings from substances such as ketones that are similar in chemical structure to alcohol. Therefore, they are accurate and very stable. Fuel cell sensors are one of the most advanced methods of determining a persons BAC (blood alcohol concentration).


When a breath sample is taken with a fuel cell breathalyser, the chemical reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of alcohol in the sample. When screening large volumes on employees, the majority of tests will return a zero reading, this means there was not chemical reaction hence none of the fuel cell is diminished. For this reason fuel cell breathalysers can perform test after test without losing accuracy or reliability.
The fuel cell sensor itself will last up to 5 years or 20000 tests before needing replacement. Recalibration is required, although at longer intervals, to ensure the associated internal processes continue to perform correctly.
Fuel Cell breath testers are not as prone to external elements as seen in semi-conductor breath testers. Dirt, dust, spittle, liquid and moisture are less likely to enter the fuel cell because it is well protected within the unit. Where as semi-conductor sensors are directly exposed to breath samples and other atmoshpheric conditions because they are placed directly in the line of air flow from the subject.

See : AlcoSense Checkmate, Precision/Precision II, Stealth, Prodigy/Prodigy II,


What is a Semi Conductor Breathalyser?

A semi conductor breathalyser uses an economical method to oxidise the alcohol electronically through tin-oxide substance. Semi conductors breathalysers are accurate and very sensitive to any chemical substances. Therefore it is recommended to wait 20 minutes after the last consumption of alcohol or any food before using the unit.

Semi conductor sensors are commonly used in alcohol screening devices, personal breathalysers and for low-volume professional testing. These breathalysers have been proven to perform very well and give accurate readings when maintained or calibrated every 6 months.

See : AlcoSense Mini, , AL6000Pro, Elite II, Zenith


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