5 Must-Know things about Breathalyzers
The concept of breathalyzers came up back in the 1920s, when researcher Emil Bogen conducted experiments to measure alcohol content in breathe and urine. The first breath alcohol tester was christened drunkometer and was largely used during those times, or at least until 1954 when Dr. Robert Borkenstein introduced the first modern alcohol-blow that employed the principles of oxidation and photometry. With that introduction, let us then imagine a situation in which you want to buy a breathalyzer but have no idea on what to do.
1) Legal limit and the workings of a Breathalyzer
With a breath alcohol tester, all you have to do is blow into it and look at the small digital display. What many don’t know is that below the casing, your alcohol-laden breathe passes over sensors that deduce alcohol levels before extrapolating the results using a formula. The displayed results are an estimate of blood alcohol content or BAC.
In all U.S. states, the legal BAC limit is set at 0.08 above which, authorities consider you intoxicated. Take caution though, as many people get impaired at 0.04 BAC, which can attract a ‘driving while impaired’ charge. It might be a lesser offense but one that can quickly attract hefty fines to say the least. Additionally, and more importantly, driving while impaired exposes yourself and friends to the danger of grisly accidents.
2) Different types of sensors
A sensor located inside the breathalyzer runs the whole show. It detects and interprets the level of alcohol in the breath. There are two types of sensors namely semi-conductor and fuel cell sensors. Both sensors have the capacity of recording accurate readings up to an estimate of 1.5 times the legal limit. However, at BAC levels way over the legal limit, fuel cell sensors are more accurate. Breathalyzers using fuel cell sensors are also more expensive and costs $450 – $1,500.
On the other hand, semi conductor sensors are cheaper as they are more economical to make. Breath alcohol testers using these sensors cost $55 – $300.
3) Calibration
For accurate readings, breathalyzers are initially calibrated at the factory. With time, however, residue that is trapped on the sensors will cause inaccurate readings. For this, you will need to periodically recalibrate your breathalyzer, a process that will involve sending them back to the manufacturer. Recalibration will cost between $25 and $50 plus shipping fee if any and will take about 6 months.
4) Blow-Over versus Intake mouth piece
Breathalyzers analyzes breathe supplied by the subject. A mouth piece that is directly attached to the device is often the best as there is no contamination of the breathe. Then there is blow-over testing where the subject blows over the mouthpiece. This method can also give accurate readings if used correctly. In the same light, blow-over breathalyzers are convenient and safer to use in social gatherings like parties.
5) Then there is style
Breathalyzers become novel items to tote around when their usefulness is coupled with style. Personal breathalyzers are often made in the form of keychain or handhelds. The option you pick largely depends on personal tastes.
Categorised as: General