What Type of Lab Equipment Should be Used for Measuring Oxygen Content?

Take the Tech Challenge below and see if you are right!

Challenge: Fred is looking for an instrument to measure the oxygen content of some vials. The amount of headspace in the vial is very crucial for his testing procedure. He needs an accurate meter that can read very low values and is easy to use. He doesn’t need any fancy, expensive functionality—he just needs to measure and store a few data points. Fred said, “The simpler the better!”

What would be the best meter for his application?

A) CheckMate II O2 Benchtop Analyzer measures from 10 ppm to 100% with an accuracy of 1% of reading, and it can log more than 10,000 test results

B) Handheld O2 Analyzer measures from 0.1 to 100% with 1% accuracy, and has no data logging capability

C) CheckPoint O2 Analyzer measures from 0 to 100% with 0.1% from 0 to 5% and 2% from 5 to 100%. It also stores up to 10 readings to be recorder later

D) Benchtop O2 Analyzer measures from 0.1 to 100% with 0.1% accuracy; has no data logging capability

Answer:

A) Incorrect. This analyzer does not read low values. Plus, this benchtop unit is also much more expensive and expansive than the customer requires.

B) Incorrect. Good range and accuracy, but does not have data logging capability.

C) Correct. This handheld analyzer fits all of Fred’s requirements. It is accurate and offers the needed measurement range. Plus it stores up to 10 readings.

D) Incorrect. This benchtop analyzer is ideal for measuring the headspace in vials but offers no data logging capability and is more expensive than simpler handheld units.