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Optical oxygen sensor for safe operation in hazardous areas

Anna Swiderska - Sroda 1Witold Łojkowski 1,2Roman S. Mukhovskyi 1

1. Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of High Pressure Physics (UNIPRESS), Sokolowska 29/37, Warszawa 01-142, Poland
2. Politechnika Białostocka, Wydział Zarządzania (WZPB), O. St. Tarasiuka 2, Białystok 16-001, Poland

Abstract

Optical oxygen sensor based on luminescence properties of ZrO2:Eu nanoparticles was invented in Laboratory of Nanostructures of IHPP. Nanopowder with particle size around 10 nm, synthesized in Laboratory,  was compressed into thin pallet and irradiated with ultraviolet (250 nm) or blue (405 nm) LED. Experiments were done in different gas atmospheres. We registered that intensity of Europium luminescence spectra depended on the oxygen partial pressure in sample environment: increased when O2 content decreased. The phenomenon was reversible and repeatable and gave a rise to the work on the new-generation oxygen sensor. Moreover, in our prototype device all electrical elements were eliminated from measurement area: low energy excitation light as well as luminescence signal are transmitted by optical fiber. Such construction make it possible to build an intrinsically safe and explosion-proof industrial sensor for work in hazardous environment,  with flammable gases or dust, found in e.g. petrochemical refineries or mines. The future commercial version of the oxygen nano-sensor, built on the basis of the present laboratory model, will meet the requirements of the Directive ATEX.

 

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Related papers

Presentation: Oral at Nano PL 2014, Symposium A, by Anna Swiderska - Sroda
See On-line Journal of Nano PL 2014

Submitted: 2014-10-06 13:12
Revised:   2014-10-06 13:17