What is Paramagnetic Technology?

Servomex pioneered the use of Paramagnetic sensing technology, and it continues to be a proven, trusted cornerstone of the company’s oxygen (O₂) analysis products. This technology is used across many of Servomex’s industrial, portable, and multi-gas analyzers, providing fast and reliable measurements of percentage O₂ concentrations.

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At the core of this capability is Servomex’s magnetodynamic Paramagnetic technology, which delivers accurate, sensitive, and rapid O₂ measurements. Its reliability and precision make it a preferred solution for applications that demand consistent performance.

The Paramagnetic cell itself is built around a simple yet effective design. Two nitrogen-filled glass spheres are mounted on a rotating suspension within a magnetic field. A centrally placed mirror is fixed to the suspension, allowing light to reflect onto a pair of photocells.

Because oxygen is naturally Paramagnetic, it is attracted to the magnetic field. When O₂ enters the cell, it displaces the nitrogen-filled spheres, causing the suspension to rotate. This rotation shifts the reflected light beam, and the photocells detect the movement.

A current is then applied through a feedback coil, also located within the magnetic field, to generate torque that returns the suspension to its original position. The amount of current required is directly proportional to the oxygen concentration in the sample gas.

One of the key advantages of this approach is its long-term stability. Unlike electrochemical sensing technologies, a Paramagnetic cell does not degrade or require replacement over time. This reduces maintenance needs and supports a long operational life, making it a dependable choice for continuous O₂ monitoring.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Servomex.

For more information on this source, please visit Servomex.