Breathalyser

Breathalysers are used to determine the concentration of alcohol vapour in the air exhaled by a person. They are used by traffic police to detect alcohol intoxication. They can also be used by car owners for self-testing and by logistics companies for monitoring the sobriety of their employees.

Operating principle

The person being tested blows into a hole in the device’s body or into a special mouthpiece. The exhaled air hits the sensor that converts the alcohol vapour into electrical signals. The readings are displayed on the LCD screen and depend on the concentration of alcohol.

Types of available breathalysers

By purpose and performance:

1. Professional. These are suitable for up to 300 tests per day with a 0.01 ppm error and are used by traffic police and transport companies.
2. Special. These are intended for several dozen measurements a day. They are highly precise and may be certified for medical use.
3. Personal. These have a low precision and are usually used for self-testing.

By principle of material intake:

1. Without a mouthpiece. The air is exhaled into a hole in the body of the device. These feature a low price and small size and have a high degree of error.
2. With a mouthpiece. The air in these devices is supplied directly to the sensor. These are fitted with disposable mouthpieces.
3. Universal. These allow for performing the test using both contact and non-contact methods.
4. With forced sampling function. These allow for taking samples from an unconscious person.

By sensor type:

1. Semiconductor. The obtained data is converted during the combustion of alcohol molecules on the heated surface of the sensor. They have a low precision and require frequent adjustments.
2. Electrochemical. When ethanol hits the catalyst, a redox reaction starts with the release of free electrons. These changes are measured and converted to alcohol content readings. They are durable, precise, and resistant to temperature changes. They require calibration once a year.
3. Photometric. The data obtained depends on the degree of infrared radiation absorption by the alcohol vapour. They are the most expensive and do not lose sensitivity.

Recommendations for using breathalysers

1. If your device has a mouthpiece, use a new tip for each measurement.
2. Wait at least half an hour after drinking alcoholic beverages before performing measurements.
3. Do not use the device in rooms saturated with petrol or acetone vapours and other similar substances, since this may affect the readings.
4. Keep your breathalyser away from heating elements.

AUTODOC: easy online shopping

You can buy a breathalyser at an advantageous price in our online shop.