How does a Fuel Cell Alcohol Tester work?

A Fuel Cell Alcohol Tester, also known as a breath alcohol tester or breathalyzer, operates based on a technology called electrochemical fuel cell sensing. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:

 

Breath Sample Collection:

When a person exhales into the device, the breath sample is collected.
Oxidation of Ethanol:

The key component in the fuel cell is a porous electrode coated with a catalyst. In the presence of alcohol (ethanol), which is the primary component in alcoholic beverages, oxidation occurs at the catalytic surface.
Generation of Electrical Current:

During the oxidation process, ethanol is oxidized to acetic acid and water. This chemical reaction results in the release of electrons. These electrons flow through an external circuit, generating an electrical current.
Measurement of Current:

The amount of current produced is directly proportional to the amount of ethanol present in the breath sample.
Conversion to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC):

The electrical current is then converted into a digital or analog signal that corresponds to the person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
Display of Results:

The BAC reading is typically displayed on a digital screen or through indicator lights, providing an estimate of the individual’s level of alcohol intoxication.

Fuel cell technology is preferred in breath alcohol testers because it offers high specificity to ethanol, providing accurate and reliable results. It is commonly used in law enforcement, workplaces, and other settings where testing for alcohol levels is necessary. It’s worth noting that while fuel cell testers are generally accurate, proper calibration and maintenance are crucial to ensure their reliability over time.