01

Basics of electrochemical sensors

© Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 2020

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrochemical sensor:
Electrochemical reaction:
Electrochemical sensors work much like batteries. In the presence of the target gas, a small electrical charge is chemically generated between two
electrodes and displayed in the transmitter. The signal size is proportional to the concentration.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrochemical sensor:
The common electrochemical functional principle:
• Gas diffusion of the target gas through a semi-permeable PTFE membrane
• catalytic reaction on a noble metal catalyst on the measuring electrode
• Conducting the electrons of the reaction at the electrode by means of a wire
• Amplification of the charge current in the electronic potentiostat
• Drift of the ions through the aqueous electrolyte
• Reaction at the noble metal counter electrode with ions

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors

Interface (Connector) PC board

Carrier Memory chip

and Seal Temperature sensor

Counter electrode, Air filled

Reference electrode buffer volume

Backbone, Wick, Liquid

Electrolyte container Electrolyte

Gas permeable
membrane Measurement Electrode

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Pressure release system:
• No internal pressure variation due to barometric pressure, temperature or humidity.
• Unique, patented, orientation independent pressure release system
• Teflon housing:
• porous,
• gas permeable
• chemically inert

Teflon housing

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Ambient air pressure
Due to a patented design for internal pressure compensation, the sensor's measurement is unaffected by barometric pressure. The
sensors can be used at all altitudes. A rapid change in pressure also has no effect.

However, the sensor can only withstand a low differential pressure. The pressure difference between the gas space on the membrane and
the back of the sensor must not generally exceed ± 30 mbar. Some sensors only allow ± 5 mbar.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Pressure release system:
internal air pressure build-up due to rise in temperature

keep the electrolyte (ink) in let the air (pressure) out

all others Dräger

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

sensor immersed in warm water
 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrochemical sensors:
Restrictions
- Depending on the sensor type, oxygen is needed for the electrochemical reaction - longer operation in an
oxygen-free environment is not possible

Sensor for PH3

Sensor for SO2

Sensor for CO

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors

Electrochemical sensors:
Interference
• Cross-sensitivity to other gases can lead to a positive or
negative signal change

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrochemical sensors:
Lower detection limit

The Dräger lower detection limit is the concentration display, which with high probability is not due to the zero-point unsteadiness but to a gas measurement. The
detection limit only applies within moderate variations in ambient temperature and humidity conditions

Rule of thumb: zero unrest times two detection limits; detection limit times two smallest alarm threshold; Pre-alarm times two main alarms

occurance
zeo LDL pre alarm
mean 2ppm 4ppm 8ppm
zero

95%
50%

zero noise
sensor
distribution
signal
DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023
 Basics of electrochemical sensors
T90 time:
• The t90 time is independent from the gas
high concentration
concentration and defines the time till 90%

concentration
of the final reading has been reached. mid concentration

• Some gases are difficult to handle and apply

low concentration
because they adhere to or react with
surfaces. This leads to sometimes very
long t90 curve shapes with a slight gradient
that ends towards infinity. For this reason,
t90 times are not used to define a time time
t0 t90
base for an alarm

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Sensor-response-time vs. Sensor time constant τ (tau):

• Responsiveness of any sensor is usually given as a Time Constant and represented

by the Greek letter τ “tau”.

• T63 is equal to the time constant tau in the linear time-invariant first-order system.

• A system is referred to as a linear time-invariant system if its behavior has both the
property of linearity and is independent of time shifts. This independence from time
shifts is called time invariance. This describes a mathematical model for physical
systems whose behavior suddenly changes exponentially.
t0 time
• Most gas detectors have an exponential response when gas is supplied. t63 t99

• Sensor Response Time = 5*τ (5x Time Constant)

1 x τ (tau) = 63,2%; 2 x τ (tau) = 86,5%; 3 x τ (tau) = 95,0%; 4 x τ (tau) = 98,2%; 5 x τ (tau) = 99,3%

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Alarm-response-time:
high concentration
• The sensors are normally used to detect
certain gases and to inform and alert the time to t90
high conc.
user.
low concentration
• It is therefore important to know how long it
time to t90
takes for the alarm to go off - so the alarm low conc.
alarm threshold
response time is relevant. This depends on
the gas concentration used.
t90 time always
time the same
• The higher the concentration, the faster the t0 t90
alarm
Time to alarm at low concentration

Time to alarm at high concentration

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Alarm-response-time

In the instructions for use for the electrochemical sensors you can find the alarm
response time for gas exposure:

− with 5 x alarm threshold t0…20

− with 1.6 x alarm threshold t0…63.

t0 time
t63 t99

The factors for the alarm thresholds come from the standards for the performance requirements for measuring the concentration of
chemical substances in workplace atmospheres.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrochemical sensors:

Environmental influences (temperature, humidity, ..)

− The aqueous electrolyte is hygroscopic. It is in dynamic vapor pressure equilibrium with the relative humidity of the ambient air. In drier
air it releases water into the environment, in a humid environment it absorbs water vapor until its state of equilibrium is restored.

− An air-filled reserve volume is provided in the sensor for this purpose. Above 95% r.h. the reserve volume is no longer sufficient in the
long run and internal overpressure occurs, which leads to the destruction of the sensor.

− High humidity (> 95% r.h.) can lead to condensation on the membrane, which impedes gas access.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrolyte, e.g. DrägerSensor H2S

humid normal dry

air

water
sulfuric acid

reversibler Prozess

• Sulfuric acid does not evaporate

• The water content is in balance with the ambient air

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrolyte, e.g. DrägerSensor O2

start Half-time end

air

KOH

• low electrolyte loss through water evaporation

• depending on O2 concentration and CO2 - approx. 2 years

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Electrolyte, e.g. DrägerSensor AC

• Electrolyte loss through evaporation

and chemical consumption
• dependent on temperature, airflow
and exposure

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 Basics of electrochemical sensors
Restriction of the orientation / installation angle
The sensor internally contains a liquid electrolyte to connect all internal electrodes and to allow the ions to migrate as soon as gas reaches the measuring
electrode via the membrane. In order to distribute the electrolyte for the reaction process and to keep the electrodes moist, the interior contains a core that
connects all electrodes via porous fiber discs. These porous materials act like a sponge filled with electrolytes. The transport even works against gravity. For the
sensor, it makes no difference whether the electrolyte must rise from the measuring electrode to the reference / counter electrode or vice versa. The amount of
electrolyte varies depending on the ambient humidity of the sensor. There is an internal reserve volume that is filled with air to compensate for the additional
space required by the electrolyte. With some sensors, the arrangement of the electrodes, the electrolyte used and the structure of the core result in a restricted
distribution of the electrolyte depending on the installation angle.

Reference and counter electrode

Air
Core

Electrolyte

Measurement electrode

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 02
DrägerSensor AC

© Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 2020

 DrägerSensor AC
Electrochemical diffusion sensor for the detection of hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen bromide (HBr), boron
trifluoride (BF3), silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4), germanium tetrafluoride (GeF4), tungsten hexafluoride (WF6), boron trichloride (BCl3),
silicon tetrachloride (TeCS), dichlorosilane (DCS), phosphorus oxychloride (POC), phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) and chlorine
trifluoride (ClF3) in the ambient air under ambient conditions. Suitable for the detection of leaks. An aerosol formation of the target
substance can strongly influence the detection.

Sensor HF/HCl L / Cl2 DrägerSensor AC L DrägerSensor AC

6809360 / 6809370 6809735 6810595

Note: The DrägerSensor AC is a sensor for leak detection

only. It is not intended for use for monitoring of
workplace exposure limits.
DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023
 DrägerSensor AC
Working principle – „open sensor“
Detects
e- Bias voltage ↨
• acidic gases and vapours Amplifier
• substances which decompose into mineral acids Working electrode Counter electrode

• some organic acids

by pH measurement
Br2/Br-

Pre-reaction:
 6HF → 6F- + 6H+ HF gas
 6H+ + 5Br- + BrO3- → 3Br2 ↑ + 3H2O
Cathode reaction: Wick

 3Br2 + 6e- → 6Br-

Anode reaction:
 6Br- → 3Br2 + 6e-
Electrolyte pool:
Bromide and bromate
DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023
 DrägerSensor AC
Working principle – „open sensor“:
This type of sensor has an open construction so that no membrane restricts gas access
(note: most acidic gases would not pass through a membrane at all). The more gas that
is transported to the electrode by convection or forced flow, the faster the alarm
response and the higher the signal. The sensor is therefore already very sensitive to
flow. In order to get adequate accuracy, flow conditions must be matched between
calibration and application.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Open design versus constant flow operation

Displayed ppm HF
Open design
9
Sensor response is a function of flow
6
0.5 l/m = 0.6 m/s
3

0.25 0.5 0.75 L/min.

Measured ppm HF
Constant flow
10
Linear sensitivity e.g., 0.5 L/min in
5
pumped operation.
1

1 5 10 ppm exposed
DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023
 DrägerSensor AC
Working principle – „open sensor“:
During commissioning, the sensor must be filled with electrolyte, which
must also be replaced if the "calibration" provides insufficient signals, or the
electrode is contaminated with dirt or chemicals. Normally, the zero signal is
stable and has almost no drift. After high doses of gas, the span must be
checked

Excessive exposure to HF leads to deposition of white crystals, which are LiF from
reaction with the electrolyte.
Described in SI 31:
To remove the salt crystals, use a weak water jet and a smooth brush, e.g., a soft
toothbrush. Please use applicable gloves to avoid skin contact of the salt crystals.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Features:
• Long lifetime due to refillable electrolyte
• Capable to detect acid aerosols (mg/m3)
• High sensitivity: Indicating range 0.1 ppm to 30 ppm
• Lower Detection Limit 0.5 ppm
• Little cross-sensitivities for non-acids; except: Cl2, SO2

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Characteristics:
• Mounting restriction – only in upright position - limited to ± 30 ° from the vertical
• Air movement essential for sensitivity
• Humidity required (> 25 % rel. humidity)
• Electrolyte level must be checked regularly - can be monitored with Self-Test-Dongle in Transmitter
• No predictive maintenance / vitality monitoring supported - makes no sense with a refillable sensor

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Properties DrägerSensor AC

DrägerSensor DrägerSensor AC 6810595

Max. measuring range 30 ppm

Default measuring range 10 ppm

Min. measuring range 3 ppm

Detection limit 0.5 ppm

Measurement accuracy
measurement uncertainly (of meas. value) or ≤ ± 20%
minimum (whichever is the greater value) ≤ ± 1 ppm

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Properties DrägerSensor AC

DrägerSensor DrägerSensor AC 6810595

Alarm response time, on gas exposure with 5x alarm threshold, t0...20 ≤ 30 seconds

Alarm response time, on gas exposure with 1.6x alarm threshold, t0...63 ≤ 60 seconds

Warm-up-time ready for operation after max. 10 min.

Warm-up-time ready for calibration after max 60 min.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Properties DrägerSensor AC

DrägerSensor DrägerSensor AC 6810595

Environmental conditions, temperature, min./max. -40°C / +50°C

Environmental conditions, rel. humidity, min./max. 25 / 95%

Environmental conditions, ambient pressure ± 30%

Drift during a month period, zero ± 0.3 ppm

Drift during a month period, sensitivity ≤ ± 5 % of measured value

Expected service life, in ambient air > 36 months

electrolyte to be replaced after severe exposure; electrolyte to be

Gas doses limitation
renewed periodically in dry environment

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 03
Target gases

© Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 2020

 DrägerSensor AC
Target Gases:
• Acidic gases, boiling point below 20°C:
• HF, HCl, HBr, HJ, SiF4, BCl3, ClF3, …
• Acidic vapours, boiling point above 20°C:
• HCN, POCl3, Nitric acid HNO3 (NO2), Formic acid HCOOH, Acetic acid CH3COOH
• Acidic aerosols (fuming acid):
• HCl, H2SO4 (SO3), HF, BF3
• Acidic aerosols (no vapour):
• Phosphoric acid H3PO4, Sulphuric acid H2SO4 (<96%)

Caution: Ammonia inhibits sensor.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Target gases & calibration groups:
The selection of an alternative target gas is only supported by the Polytron 6100 / 7000 / 8100 / PointGard

Displayed name Gas / Vapor Chemical formula CAS number calibration group Relative Sensitivity
HF Hydrogen fluoride HF 7664-39-3 A 1.0
HCl Hydrogen chloride HCl 7647-01-0 A 1.0
HBr Hydrogen bromide HBr 10035-10-6 A 1.0
BF3 Boron trifluoride BF3 7637-07-2 A 1.0
SiF4 Silicon tetrafluoride SiF4 7783-61-1 A 1.0
GeF4 Germanium tetrafluoride GeF4 7783-58-6 A 1.0
WF6 Tungsten hexafluoride WF6 7783-82-6 A 1.0
BCl3 Boron trichloride BCl3 10294-34-5 A 1.0
TeCS Silicon tetrachloride SiCl4 10026-04-7 A 1.0
DCS Dichlorosilane SiH2Cl2 4109-96-0 A 1.0
POC Phosphorous trichloride oxide POCl3 10026-87-3 A 1.0
PCl3 Phosphorous trichloride PCl3 7719-12-2 A 1.0
ClF3 Chlorine trifluoride ClF3 7790-91-2 B 3.0
Acid Antimony pentachloride SbCl5 7647-18-9 A 1.0
Acid Thionyl chloride SOCl2 7719-09-7 A 1.0
Acid Titanium tetrachloride TiCl4 7550-45-0 A 1.0
Acid Trichloro silane SiHCl3 10025-78-2 A 1.0
Acid Tin tetrachloride SnCl4 7646-78-8 A 1.0
Acid Hydrogen iodide HI 10034-85-2 A 1.0
Acid Acetic acid CH3COOH 64-19-7 A 1.0
Acid Formic acid HCOOH 64-18-6 A 1.0
Acid Boron tribromide BBr3 10294-33-4 A 1.0
Acid Chlorosulfonic acid HSO3Cl 7790-94-5 A 1.0
Acid Germanium tetrachloride GeCl4 10038-98-9 A 1.0
DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023
 DrägerSensor AC
Polytron 8100 Menu:
Gas settings
This function sets the gas type, measuring range and units of measurement.
Not all sensors offer a selection of values.
1. Select Settings > Sensor > Gas setting and confirm.
The current measured gas is displayed.
2. Select a measured gas from the list and confirm.
The current unit of measurement is displayed.

Note: The selection of an alternative target gas is only supported by the

Polytron 6100 / 7000 / 8100 / PointGard.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Aerosol detection:
Following chemicals are not existing as gas/vapour and can not be measured by means of electrochemical gas sensors
as a volume concentration (ppm):
Sulphuric acid H2SO4
phosphoric acid H3PO4
If they occur as aerosols under special circumstances, they can react with the open-designed electrolyte and trigger an
electrical signal that corresponds to a specific concentration.

Example, cross-measurement @ 20°C and 1023 mbar:

5 ppm HCl gas, corresponds to 7.5 mg/m3 and produces a reading of 5 ppm HCl on the display.
10.2 mg/m3 H2SO4 produces the same reading as 5 ppm HCl.
lower-detection-limit:
for HCl it is 0.5 ppm, which corresponds to 1 mg/m3 H2SO4 - exposure limit value for H2SO4 is 0.1 mg/m3

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Aerosol detection:

Chemical Form Workplace Limits DrägerSensor AC LDL

HCl gas 7,5 mg/m3 5 ppm 0,5 ppm

HNO3 aerosol 5,2 mg/m3 1,3 mg/m3

H3PO4 aerosol 2 mg/m3 2 mg/m3

H2SO4 aerosol 0,1 mg/m3 1 mg/m3

Note: It is recommended that the pre-alarm should not be closer than twice the LDL and the main alarm 4 times LDL to avoid
false alarms.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 04
Use of DrägerSensor AC

© Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 2020

 DrägerSensor AC
Calibration adapter
Screw on calibration adapter AC so that the hose connections point
to the left and right of the grey dot marking on the sensor. Feed the
test gas through the connection (see Figure 1) to the left of the
marking.

Note: Mounting is orientation dependent !

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Pump Adapter for AC-Sensor
Screw on calibration adapter AC so that the hose connections point to the left and right of the grey dot marking on the sensor.

1 Gas infeed from measuring point

2 Calibration adapter, left-hand connector
3 Calibration adapter, right-hand connector
4 Pump intake side
5 Pump blow-out side
6 Exhaust air

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Calibration adapter AC 8324093
With the calibration adapter 6809380, the position for the gassing inlet and outlet is defined by the internal thread. After installation
on the Polytron 3000/7000, these are in a plane parallel to the transmitter display. With the Polytron 5000/8000, the position of
the inlets and outlets is undefined due to the sensor mount.
The calibration adapter AC 8324093 therefore has a threaded wheel for assembly so that the hose connections can be aligned in the
respective position.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Material selection for installation and tubing
Gases can react with or being absorbed in or being adsorbed on the surface of certain materials they get in touch with. This leads to a loss of matter
resulting in a reduced concentration, delay in gas response and purging, or total disappearing of the target gas. Materials can decompose or corrode over
time. This is important to consider when using tubing, hoses, piping, joins, accessories, container, pressure reducer, valves.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
Material selection for installation and tubing
Metals Plastics Elastomers Lub.

Fluorocarbon Based
Hydrocarbon Based
Ethylene-Propylene
CAS
Gas

Stainless Steel

Buthyl Rubber

Nitrile Rubber
Number

Carbon Steel

Chloroprene
Aluminium

PCTFE
Copper

Silicon
PVDF
PTFE
Brass

FKM
PA

PP
Hydrogen Bromide 10035-10-6 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 4 0 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4

Hydrogen Chloride 7647-01-0 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 4 0 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4

Hydrogen Fluoride 7664-39-3 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 4 0 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4

Boron Trichloride 10294-34-5 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1

Boron Trifluoride 7637-07-2 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1

Legend
No data 0
Satisfactory 1
Satisfactory but risk of corrosion in presence of moisture 2
Acceptable under certain conditions 3

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023 Non recommended 4

 DrägerSensor AC
Pumped operation - Impact of tubing length 0.5 m vs. 23 m

23 m
Comparison of tubing length: Delay due to different 0.5 m
length 20 sec.
 Material: FEP; øi 4.8 mm

 Gas: 1.9 ppm HF

Delayed response due to
 Flow: 2.7 L/min. interaction with tubing

 Humidity: 30% r.h.

Final deviation due to loss in the 23 meter

tubing -20% in concentration

FEP = Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene

2.7 L/min. = 2.5 m/s = 2 Bft = 5 Kt
0 300 600 900 1.200 1.500
Time/sec.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 05
DrägerSensor AC Performance

© Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 2020

 DrägerSensor AC
EXERA report 2014 - HF response curve Association des Exploitants d’Equipements de Mesure, de Régulation et
d’Automatisme (Paris France)

 HF step change
 5.5 ppm
 T50 = 45 s
 T90 = 90 s
 With calibration mask

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
EXERA report 2014 – Alarm response time

Alarm level HF concentration 5 ppm HF concentration 30 ppm

Test before exposure Alarm 1 – 1 ppm 14 s.
Alarm 2 – 3 ppm 36 s.
High exposure Alarm 1 – 1 ppm 6 s.
Alarm 2 – 3 ppm 7 s.
Test after exposure Alarm 1 – 1 ppm 13 s.
Alarm 2 – 3 ppm 38 s.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
EXERA report 2014 – Step response 5 ppm

Blue line:

 Gas response after four months

exposure to clean air

Green line:

 Second gas response

Result:

 No falling asleep

 No sensitivity loss

 First exposure slower

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor AC
EXERA report 2014 – Long term exposure
The detector was operated under reference test gas ( 5 ppm) at a rate of 8 hours per day for 3 days. The detector worked in ambient air
for the rest of the day. After this test, a Response time measurement performed.

Endurance test under reference gas

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 06
DrägerSensor Self-Test

© Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 2020

 DrägerSensor Self-Test
Sensor Test & Diagnose Dongle
With the various software dongles, different functionalities can be built into the transmitter, adapting them to application-specific
requirements.
• With the sensor test dongle, the Dräger Polytron 7000 / 8100 performs a variety of patented sensor tests that ensure the reliability
and functionality of the sensor and the gas warning system.
• The sensor diagnostic function (including sensor test) estimates the wear and the remaining sensor life, so that a maintenance and
replacement plan can be drawn up.

Use of the diagnostic dongle does not make sense with the DrägerSensor AC
DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023
 DrägerSensor Self-Test
Sensor Self-Test

1. Performing the test:

• change of measuring electrode potential U0 by ∆U for T1

• change of measuring electrode potential in opposite direction T2

• duration T1- T2 << 1 sec,

• Repetition interval depending on sensor type, e.g., DrägerSensor AC every 10

minutes.

2. Evaluation:

• calculation of the capacity (Cm) and conductivity (Gm) of the measuring

electrode based on I0, I1 and I2

• temperature compensation

• comparison with values in data memory for diagnostics

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor Self-Test
Sensor Self-Test Polytron 7000 with DrägerSensor AC:

Polytron 7000 will perform an initial sensor test during the warmup time when a sensor gets connected. It is checked whether all
electrodes are connected to the correspondingly or are conductive. The result of the initial SST is also stored in the sensor memory.

If the sensor is dry, meaning not filled with electrolyte, a sensor error is displayed:

• Polytron 7000 „ - - - -„ Error #134 „Sensor connection error“

The sensor must be disconnected, filled with electrolyte and reconnected to reset the error on the transmitter.

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor Self-Test
Sensor Self-Test Polytron 7000 with DrägerSensor AC:
The Polytron 7000 fitted with the sensor AC 6810595 (starting with serial number ARUE) in combination with Sensor Dongle (8317619) or Diagnostic
Dongle (8317860) is performing a periodic sensor test. The test alerts on open circuit electrodes and dried up electrolyte.

• Polytron 7000 Display “- - - -“ Warning Error #132 “Sensor test failure! Refill sensor”

• After refilling as described in the Start-up kit (6809381) manual you must wait approx. 40 minutes until the warning is canceled.

• If the sensor was electrically disconnected for the refill an additional warm-up time (ready for operation) must be accounted for.

• After electrolyte refill the sensor needs to be calibrated after Warm-up time (ready for calibration)!

• Despite the sensor self-test, the electrolyte must be checked and replaced regularly. If the sensor runs dry, the electrodes can be damaged. A sensor
with low or depleted electrolyte will not meet the performance specification!

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor Self-Test
Sensor Self-Test Polytron 7000 with DrägerSensor AC:

Sensor Self-Test Time period Displayed Number

Filled sensor Unfilled sensor

Test Sequence
Initial SST failed before warm up time #134 #134 SST Fault saved in sensor memory

Periodical SST failed 20 minutes after 2 consecutive tests #132 SST Warning saved in sensor memory

Periodical SST failed 40 minutes after 4 consecutive tests #125 SST Fault saved in sensor memory

Number Cause Remedy

#125 Sensor not ready for operation Replace the sensor

#129 Sensor electrolyte has evaporated Replenish sensor electrolyte

#132 Sensor electrolyte has evaporated. Measurements will soon no longer be possible. Replenish sensor electrolyte

Check sensor contacts. Remove and re-install the sensor

#134 Contact between sensor and measurement module is faulty.
several times. If the error persists, replace the sensor.
DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023
 07
Accessories

© Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, 2020

 DrägerSensor EC Accessories
Adapter

• Calibration adapter AC 8324093

• Calibration adapter Polytron L 6809380

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023

 DrägerSensor EC Accessories
Others

• Commissioning kit HF / HCl, AC L 6809381

• Rain shield 6809379

DrägerSensor AC | Oertel, Marcus | 24.07.2023