Errors in oxygen concentration analysis: sensitivity of the IMI analyser to nitrous oxide

Abstract

The sensitivity to nitrous oxide of the IMI oxygen analyser (Model 3300) has been tested. Even if the manufacturer's checks are performed and the analyser appears to be functioning correctly, the reading given by the IMI oxygen analyser may be seriously affected by the presence of nitrous oxide. There is a wide variation in the sensitivity to N2O between different instruments, and this variation is partly a function of the electrode. The influence of nitrous oxide on a particular meter may be assessed by placing the probe in 100% nitrous oxide and noting the shift of the meter from zero.