What to look for when buying a breathalyzer?
A sobriety check is an activity you should perform after drinking alcohol to see if you are already able to drive safely. The quickest and easiest way to perform a sobriety test is to use a breathalyzer. From this guide, you'll learn which breathalyzer to buy, how to calibrate a breathalyzer, as well as whether a disposable breathalyzer is effective and whether it's a good idea to buy a certified breathalyzer.
Electrochemical fuel cell or semiconductor breathalyzer - which type of sensor to choose?
The most important component of a breathalyzer is the sensor, which is responsible for measuring the alcohol content of exhaled air. It has a direct impact on the stability, accuracy and lifetime of the breathalyzer, which makes the choice of the right sensor crucial. In general, there are two types of sensors: semiconductor and electrochemical. How does a semiconductor breathalyzer work, and how does an electrochemical one?
Semiconductor breathalyzers
If you are looking for an inexpensive device to measure alcohol content in exhaled air, then a breathalyzer with a semiconductor sensor, may be a good choice for you. How does a semiconductor breathalyzer work? The conductivity of the semiconductor is increased by the oxidation of alcohol on the surface of the electrode. The change in the resistance value is proportional to the alcohol content of the sample.
It is worth knowing that semiconductor sensor breathalyzers are sensitive devices, for example, to substances contained in tobacco and diabetic medications. For this reason, they will be a good choice for people who occasionally consume alcohol, do not smoke cigarettes and do not take diabetes medications. Semiconductor breathalyzers do not have the same high sensitivity as electrochemical models, as they indicate the result of the measurement to hundredths of a percent, with the latter reporting the measurement result to thousandths of a promille. A semiconductor breathalyzer can be used as a personal breathalyzer, but it is worth bearing in mind its limitations.
Fueal cell electrochemical breathalyzers
Breathalyzers using electrochemical sensors provide very precise results with accuracy to thousandths of a promille. These devices use the process of oxidation of alcohol with the help of appropriate chemical compounds. This process converts ethanol into acetic acid, resulting in the release of electrons and the creation of electricity. The higher the concentration of alcohol, the more current is produced.
Electrochemical sensors are generally more durable and equipped with more advanced technology than semiconductor sensors. They are used by police, health services and by employers to check the sobriety of employees before they start work. Electrochemical sensors do not require calibration as often as semiconductor sensors, but it is still necessary to perform calibration from time to time. It is worth remembering this, because lack of calibration can negatively affect the correctness and accuracy of the measurement of alcohol levels in exhaled air.
How to calibrate a breathalyzer to get accurate measurement results?
Calibration is a process that aims to adjust the breathalyzer so that it is able to accurately measure the alcohol content of exhaled air. During this process, the sensor undergoes adjustment and the software is optimized. Calibration of the breathalyzer should be performed at intervals according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
How to calibrate a breathalyzer? In theory, self-calibration of a breathalyzer is possible, but in practice it can be difficult and require the purchase of specialized tools, such as an exhalation simulator and alcohol standards for the simulator. The cost of purchasing such tools is high, and the calibration process itself is complicated, time-consuming and requires a measuring station. As a result, for many people it is better to contact the manufacturer or service center for professional help. Calibrating a breathalyzer costs from tens to hundreds of zlotys, depending on the manufacturer of the device, the type of sensor or the location where it is performed. If the breathalyzer is under warranty, calibration is usually performed at no additional cost.
Disposable breathalyzer - is it effective?
Disposable breathalyzers are used to measure alcohol content in exhaled air. They indicate the level of sobriety based on crystals that change color from white to red depending on the concentration of alcohol. The result is indicative of whether the alcohol level is above 0.0 promille, 0.2 promille or 0.5 promille.
It is worth knowing that alcotests are characterized by sensitivity to temperature changes, which can affect the accuracy of measurements. Therefore, when buying, pay attention to whether a particular disposable breathalyzer has an attached certificate, which is a confirmation that it meets certain standards.
A breathalyzer can be useful in emergency situations when you need to quickly assess whether a person is sober. However, if you need a precise measurement or have doubts about the results obtained, a better option is to use a professional breathalyzer or, for example, go to the police station for a test.
Certified breathalyzers - why buy them?
An attestation is a certificate that confirms that a device or product meets certain quality and safety requirements. Attestations are granted by specialized institutions, such as testing laboratories. Having an attestation attached to a breathalyzer is a guarantee that it has been subjected to special examinations and tests in a laboratory, which check the reading parameters or the efficiency of the sensor.
Having an approved breathalyzer is important for both individuals and institutions, because it ensures that the test will give a reliable result for measuring alcohol in the exhaled air.
It is worth remembering that the purchase of a certified and tested breathalyzer is crucial, as it will provide reliable results. Based on the new car confiscation laws that may come into effect, a driver with at least 1.5 promille of alcohol in his blood will lose his car forever, even if there has been no accident. For this reason, it is important to always have a tested breathalyzer on hand and check your blood alcohol level before driving.
Offer of breathalyzers at Militaria.pl:
Militaria.pl offers electrochemical, semiconductor, and disposable breathalyzers that will allow you to easily measure the concentration of alcohol in your exhaled breath. We offer breathalyzers from manufacturers such as Datech, BACscan, and AlcoForce. The vast majority of the models sold by us are equipped with LCD displays, which facilitate reading the test results and provide information about the need for calibration or battery replacement. Some devices also store the results of previous measurements. It is worth noting that some models automatically shut off when they detect inactivity. Among the available models, you will also find screening breathalyzers that are used to perform a large number of measurements in a short period, even up to 750 measurements per hour. Familiarize yourself with the breathalyzer offer at Militaria.pl and choose one that will meet your needs.
