It is important to know how to handle AII oxygen sensors properly to avoid damage to the sensor or putting the operator at risk. Following this advice will ensure you get the best performance from AII electrochemical sensors.
Do not remove the sensor from its original packaging until you're ready to install the sensor. Galvanic or fuel cell oxygen sensors work because of a chemical reaction with the air. Once the packaging is open, the sensor is exposed to air which slowly reduces its operating life.
AII's oxygen analyzers are designed to withstand tough, industrial conditions. However, exposed, unpacked sensors need to be handled with care and a drop of three feet is enough to break the connections on the sensor's PCB, rendering it useless. Always unpack the sensor on a flat tabletop to reduce the risk of dropping it.
Use scissors to cut open the sensor packaging and never tear it open. This helps reduce the risk of dropping the sensor, and also prevents injury if any electrolyte has leaked during transit.
Wear powder-free latex or rubber gloves when handling an oxygen purity sensor (90-100%) as even the smallest amount of grease from hands is enough to act as an ignition source in high concentrations of oxygen.
Do not touch the sensing membrane it is delicate and easily punctured or blocked.
Electrochemical oxygen sensors contain a highly alkaline or acidic electrolyte, and there is a small risk of injury or damage to equipment if they are handled without the correct precautions.
The sensor is packaged in a sealed plastic bag: inspect this bag before unpacking for any leakage of electrolyte. If there are any signs of leakage then safety goggles, lab coat and rubber gloves must be worn to protect the operator from the electrolyte.
Do not attempt to clean up the leakage without the relevant safety equipment. Flush and wipe all surfaces repeatedly with water and/or a wet paper towel.
Check with your local, state or federal regulations before disposing of sensors. They contain lead, potassium hydroxide and printed circuit boards that require specialist disposal. In most cases a standard battery recycling bin can be used.
Our galvanic electrochemical oxygen sensors have a limited shelf life and we recommend buying them as close as possible to the date you will need to use them.
Kept in their bags, GPR oxygen sensors will last 3 months and XLT oxygen sensors will last for 6 weeks.
The shelf life of the GPR oxygen sensors can be doubled if kept in the original packaging in and stored in a cold environment away from sunlight.
XLT sensors should be removed from their original packaging within 6 weeks and can be stored in a fridge in a fresh N2 purged bag for another 6 weeks.