Oxygen and PSA
Paramagnetic oxygen analyser
WHO-UNICEF guidance of 14 January 2019 describes oxygen analysers that measure oxygen concentration using the paramagnetic properties of oxygen, and HTM 02-01 (2026), the NHS England guidance, names the paramagnetic analyser the specified instrument for the identity of oxygen and asks for a duplex paramagnetic monitoring system in PSA plants.
The WHO-UNICEF technical specifications and guidance for oxygen therapy devices name electrochemical (galvanic cell), ultrasonic and paramagnetic sensors as three common technologies for testing oxygen purity. The UMDNS definition they quote describes gas analysers based on one of several technologies, including the paramagnetic properties of oxygen and zirconia oxygen cells, that can usually measure from 0 to 100%.
HTM 02-01 (2026) Part A uses the paramagnetic analyser in quality control testing, where it is the specified instrument for the identity of oxygen. For PSA plants it asks for a duplex calibrated paramagnetic oxygen monitoring system: two oxygen analysers, two oxygen concentration indicators, two oxygen flow monitors and an oxygen concentration/flow recorder.
For the zirconia type, see zirconia oxygen analyser. The Ultra Controlo QuPHARM purity analyser is offered with either a zirconia or a paramagnetic O2 sensor.
Sources
- WHO-UNICEF, Technical specifications and guidance for oxygen therapy devices (14 January 2019), chapter 8 and oxygen analyser specification
- HTM 02-01 (2026) Part A, paragraphs 6.121 and 20.48 (NHS England)
- Ultra Controlo, QuPHARM product page
Ultra Controlo figures come from its technical datasheets. Third-party facts were read at the source on the date shown.