Our Technology

Aeroqual primarily uses Gas Sensitive Semi-conductor (GSS) sensor technology because of their quick response, long life, wide operating temperatures and sensitivity. The advanced sensor materials used have excellent humidity performance. Smart measurement techniques (see later) provide excellent discrimination of target gases and automated compensation to confounding factors such as cross-sensitivities and sensor drift. Some of the benefits of Aeroqual’s products are detailed below.

Aeroqual GSS Technology

Gas Sensitive Semiconductor (GSS) technology is exclusive to Aeroqual. It is a combination of smart measurement techniques and mixed metal oxide semiconductor sensors that exhibit an electrical resistance change in the presence of a target gas.

Aeroqual’s GSS technology is the culmination of more than 25 years of materials research perfecting material formulations and optimizing sensor driver algorithms. Through the use of proprietary microprocessor driven code, reliable surface mount production, rigorous calibration procedures and exhaustive testing, Aeroqual has dramatically improved accuracy, T90 response, cross-sensitivities and sensor drift over competing technologies.

The Aeroqual range of GSS sensor-based products has been designed to provide near scientific accuracy, high reliability and functionality at an affordable price. Aeroqual’s concept of fully interchangeable sensor heads eliminates the need for field calibration and provides users with unique application focused solutions. Moreover, Aeroqual products are complemented with a high level of service and support to distributors.

Accuracy

Aeroqual’s near scientific accuracy and rapid T90 response times offer an ideal solution for ambient air monitoring. Aeroqual is able to provide an accurate range of gas monitors due to;

• Passive or active sampling mechanisms allow part per billion accuracy for several gases
• A detailed understanding of the long term sensor material behaviour and the mechanisms leading to the loss of measurement accuracy
• The use of materials and operating conditions that are well characterised and stable
• Rigorous testing to assure sensor performance
• Refurbishment sensor head programme which offers calibration at laboratory levels of accuracy as opposed to in field re-calibration with a risk of contamination.

Drift

There are many potential reasons for measurement inaccuracy or drift. These range from material impurities causing surface contamination, or failure to maintain operating conditions to air sampling contamination.

Part of Aeroqual’s intellectual property comprises the material properties and operating conditions that achieve stability and how the drift components may be compensated, in the same way that achieving lamp or source stability and comparative sampling are essential elements for many optical or Infra-red measurement systems.

Compensation

Aeroqual’s methodologies have been developed from a fundamental understanding of the gas-material reaction kinetics. With any monitoring technology there will always be environmental conditions with confounding factors, such as cross sensitivities. Aeroqual has minimised these with a measurement system which delivers stable, accurate measurement across a broad range of operating conditions. De-convolution of response is achievable in many instances and Aeroqual’s technical team is keen to work with end-users with specific applications.

Adverse Effects on Sensor

The sensor poisons are identified in the product literature. Long term exposure to excessive gas concentrations will affect the sensor calibration accuracy. Silicones will produce irreversible damage. Aeroqual has sensors that are able to detect certain poisoning.

Lifetime of Sensor Heads

All electronic and mechanical components, including the sensor head, have a design life of 50,000 hours. Aeroqual products carry a one year warranty except the sensor heads which carry a 6 month warranty.

The calibration accuracy of all measurement devices can be degraded by exposure to harsh environmental conditions or contaminants requiring maintenance. In applications requiring high accuracy and sensitivity we recommend replacing the sensor heads every six to 12 months depending on the gas to ensure the air sampling elements are non-contaminated and that the specified accuracy is maintained. Our models have built-in diagnostic functions (as a standard feature) that indicate sensor failure.

Please note that for certain gases (eg. part per billion ozone monitors), exposure to excessive gas concentrations may degrade high accuracy calibrations.

Sensor Head Calibration & Refurbishment Programme

Given the low cost of interchangeable sensor heads, customers are encouraged to leave calibration to Aeroqual. Aeroqual undertakes a refurbishment after sales service for all products. Factory calibration is precise and performed by gas measurement specialists. Talk to Aeroqual distributors or sales staff regarding bump testing and measurement validation procedures.

Refurbished sensor heads offer a considerable saving on the price of new sensor heads and the refurbished sensor performance will be equivalent to that of a new sensor.