Servomex Crowborough Sussex Oxygen Sensor

Servomex Crowborough Sussex Oxygen Sensor (Paramagnetic Transducer Cell)

The Servomex Crowborough Sussex Oxygen Sensor is a paramagnetic transducer cell engineered for continuous, non-depleting percentage oxygen analysis. Originating from Servomex’s technical manufacturing center in Crowborough, East Sussex, UK, this transducer is widely integrated into marine Inert Gas Systems (IGS), Inert Gas Generators (IGG), deck seal monitoring lines, and auxiliary marine boiler combustion flue-gas monitoring assemblies.

Unlike consumable electrochemical galvanic cells that degrade over time, the Servomex paramagnetic sensing unit operates on the magneto-dynamic (dumbbell) principle. High-purity sample gas enters the temperature-controlled cell chamber, where oxygen molecules are drawn into an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The resulting mechanical displacement of the precision torque-suspension dumbbell is optically detected and balanced via electromagnetic feedback coils. This delivers linear response times, near-zero baseline drift, and direct percentage O2 readouts without consuming fuel or carrier gases.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: Servomex Group Ltd. (Crowborough, East Sussex, United Kingdom)
• Primary Series Compatibility: SERVOTOUGH Oxy 1800 / 1900, SERVOPRO 4100 / 4900, Servomex 1100A / 1158 / 570 series, and IG/Flue Gas Analysis Cabinets
• Typical Transducer Cell MPNs / Sub-assembly Part Numbers:
• Primary MPN: 01800A1 / 01100C / 01420001 (Core Paramagnetic Measuring Cell Module)
• Transducer Variant Cross-References: 01900001A, 244-701, 00570901, 01810001
• Flow / Sample Block Spares: 00700001E, S1800991 (Heated cell block kit)

Features

1. Non-Depleting Paramagnetic Measuring Principle: Features a sealed, magneto-dynamic dumbbell suspension that does not degrade, corrode, or consume internal chemical electrolytes during long-term continuous operation.
2. Solvent-Resistant, Rugged Flow Chamber: Precision-machined wetted materials (316L stainless steel, fluoroelastomer O-rings, and sapphire windows) provide chemical resilience against corrosive exhaust condensates and harsh marine sulfur loads.
3. Integral Temperature Stabilization: Equipped with an internal heating element and platinum resistance temperature detector (Pt100 RTD) that controls cell temperature up to 50°C/60°C, isolating the measurement from engine room thermal variations.
4. Vibration & Tilt Resilient Suspension: Engineered with taut-band platinum-nickel suspension bands that resist mechanical shock, marine engine vibration, and vessel roll/pitch movements up to 15° with negligible offset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this paramagnetic sensor and a standard electrochemical sensor?

Electrochemical oxygen sensors rely on consumable chemical electrolytes and lead anodes that deplete continuously, typically requiring total sensor replacement every 9 to 18 months. The Servomex paramagnetic sensor is a non-depleting physical measuring device utilizing the magnetic properties of oxygen molecules. It does not wear out chemically, providing continuous operational stability over many years with minimal routine calibration.

Can this sensor be mounted directly into a marine boiler exhaust flue?

No. Paramagnetic cells must be supplied with conditioned, clean, dry, and cooled sample gas. Direct flue mounting will expose the precision optical elements and suspension to hot soot, acidic condensation, and excessive temperatures. It is designed to sit inside a cabinet-mounted sample conditioning system (such as the Servomex 1800/1900 series or deck-side IGS cabinets) fed via sample gas sample lines with filtration and moisture separation.

Why is the analyzer reading negative or drifting off-scale?

A negative or erratic reading on a paramagnetic cell typically indicates a corrupted zero calibration, liquid contamination within the glass chamber, or an open circuit on the internal heater circuit causing thermal drift. Check terminal block voltages and inspect upstream particulate filters for signs of moisture before conducting a fresh two-point calibration.