How Breathalyzers Work

by Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

Inside this Article

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. Introduction to How Breathalyzers Work Why Test? Principle of Testing Types of Devices: Breathalyzer Types of Devices: Intoxilyzer Types of Devices: Alcosensor III or IV See more

6.

How Breathalyzers Work

We hear and read about drivers involved in an accident who are later charged with drunken driving, and usually a news report on the accident will say what the driver's blood alcohol level was and what the legal limit for blood alcohol is. A driver might be found to have a level of 0.15, for example, and the legal limit is 0.08. But what do those figures mean? And how do police officers find out if a driver they suspect has been drinking is actually legally drunk? You have probably heard about the Breathalyzer, but may wonder exactly how a person's breath can show how much that person has had to drink. It is important for public safety that drunken drivers be taken off the roads. Of the 42,000 traffic deaths in the United States in 1999, about 38 percent were related to alcohol. Drivers who can pass roadside sobriety tests -- they can touch their noses or walk a straight line -- still might be breaking the legal limit for blood alcohol and be a hazard on the road. So police officers use some of the latest technology to detect alcohol levels in suspected drunken drivers and remove them from the streets. Many officers in the field rely on breath alcohol testing devices (Breathalyzer is one type) to determine the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in drunken-driving suspects. In this article, we will examine the scientific principles and technology behind these breath alcohol testing devices.

Why Test?
Alcohol intoxication is legally defined by the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. However, taking a blood sample in the field for later analysis in the laboratory is not practical or efficient for detaining drivers suspected of driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). Urine tests for alcohol proved to be just as impractical in the field as blood sampling. What was needed was a way to measure something related to BAC without invading a suspect's body. In the 1940s, breath alcohol testing devices were first developed for use by police. In 1954, Dr. Robert Borkenstein of the Indiana State Police invented the Breathalyzer, one type of breath alcohol testing device used by law enforcement agencies today. Let's take a look at what these tests are based on.

Principle of Testing
Alcohol that a person drinks shows up in the breath because it gets absorbed from the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines into the bloodstream. Alcohol is not digested upon absorption, nor chemically changed in the bloodstream. As the blood goes through the lungs, some of the alcohol moves across the membranes of the lung's air sacs (alveoli) into the air, because alcohol will evaporate from a solution -- that is, it is volatile. The concentration of the alcohol in the alveolar air is related to the concentration of the alcohol in the blood. As the alcohol in the alveolar air is exhaled, it can be detected by the breath alcohol testing device. Instead of having to draw a driver's blood to test his alcohol level, an officer can test the driver's breath on the spot and instantly know if there is a reason to arrest the driver. Because the alcohol concentration in the breath is related to that in the blood, you can figure the BAC by measuring alcohol on the breath. The ratio of breath alcohol to blood alcohol is 2,100:1. This means that 2,100 milliliters (ml) of alveolar air will contain the same amount of alcohol as 1 ml of blood. For many years, the legal standard for drunkenness across the United States was 0.10, but many states have now adopted the 0.08 standard. The federal government has pushed states to lower the legal limit. The American Medical Association says that a person can become impaired when the blood alcohol level hits 0.05. If a person's BAC measures 0.08, it means that there are 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. There are several different devices used for measuring BAC.

Types of Devices: Breathalyzer

There are three major types of breath alcohol testing devices, and they're based on different principles:

Breathalyzer - Uses a chemical reaction involving alcohol that produces a color change Intoxilyzer - Detects alcohol by infrared (IR) spectroscopy Alcosensor III or IV - Detects a chemical reaction of alcohol in a fuel cell Regardless of the type, each device has a mouthpiece, a tube through which the suspect blows air, and a sample chamber where the air goes. The rest of the device varies with the type. Breathalyzer The Breathalyzer device contains:

A system to sample the breath of the suspect Two glass vials containing the chemical reaction mixture A system of photocells connected to a meter to measure the color change associated with the chemical reaction To measure alcohol, a suspect breathes into the device. The breath sample is bubbled in one vial through a mixture of sulfuric acid, potassium dichromate, silver nitrate and water. The principle of the measurement is based on the following chemical reaction:

The Chemistry of Alcohol The alcohol found in alcoholic beverages is ethyl alcohol (ethanol). The molecular structure of ethanol looks like this: H H3C - C - O - H H where C is carbon, H is hydrogen, O is oxygen and each hyphen is a chemical bond between the atoms. For clarity, the bonds of the three hydrogen atoms to the left carbon atom are not shown. The OH (O - H) group on the molecule is what makes it an alcohol. There are four types of bonds in this molecule: carbon-carbon (C - C) carbon-hydrogen (C - H) carbon-oxygen (C - O) oxygen-hydrogen (O - H) The chemical bonds between the atoms are shared pairs of electrons. Chemical bonds are much like springs: They can bend and stretch. These properties are important in detecting ethanol in a sample by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. In this reaction: 1. 2. The sulfuric acid removes the alcohol from the air into a liquid solution. The alcohol reacts with potassium dichromate to produce: chromium sulfate potassium sulfate acetic acid water The silver nitrate is a catalyst, a substance that makes a reaction go faster without participating in it. The sulfuric acid, in addition to removing the alcohol from the air, also might provide the acidic condition needed for this reaction. During this reaction, the reddish-orange dichromate ion changes color to the green chromium ion when it reacts with the alcohol; the degree of the color change is directly related to the level of alcohol in the expelled air. To determine the amount of alcohol in that air, the reacted mixture is compared to a vial of unreacted mixture in the photocell system, which produces an electric current that causes the needle in the meter to move from its resting place. The operator then rotates a knob to bring the needle back to the resting place and reads the level of alcohol from the knob -- the more the operator must turn the knob to return it to rest, the greater the level of alcohol.

Types of Devices: Intoxilyzer

This device uses infrared (IR) spectroscopy, which identifies molecules based on the way they absorb IR light. Molecules are constantly vibrating, and these vibrations change when the molecules absorb IR light. The changes in vibration include the bending and stretching of various bonds. Each type of bond within a molecule absorbs IR at different wavelengths. So, to identify ethanol in a sample, you have to look at the wavelengths of the bonds in ethanol (C-O, O-H, C-H, C-C) and measure the absorption of IR light. The absorbed wavelengths help to identify the substance as ethanol, and the amount of IR absorption tells you how much ethanol is there.

Diagram of the Intoxilyzer

In the Intoxilyzer: 1. 2. 3. A lamp generates a broadband (multiple-wavelength) IR beam. The broadband IR beam passes through the sample chamber and is focused by a lens onto a spinning filter wheel. The filter wheel contains narrow band filters specific for the wavelengths of the bonds in ethanol. The light passing through each filter is detected by the photocell, where it is converted to an electrical pulse. The electrical pulse is relayed to the microprocessor, which interprets the pulses and calculates the BAC based on the absorption of infrared light

4.

Types of Devices: Alcosensor III or IV

Oxidation of Alcohol If you strip off hydrogens from the right carbon of ethanol in the presence of oxygen, you get acetic acid, the main component in vinegar. The molecular structure of acetic acid looks like this: O || H3C - C - O - H where C is carbon, H is hydrogen, O is oxygen, the hyphen is a single chemical bond between the atoms and the || symbol is a double bond between the atoms. For clarity, the bonds of the three hydrogen atoms to the left carbon atom are not shown. When ethanol is oxidized to acetic acid, two protons and two electrons are also produced. Modern fuel-cell technology (which may power our cars and even our houses some day) has been applied to breathalcohol detectors. Devices like the Alcosensor III and IV use fuel cells. The fuel cell has two platinum electrodes with a porous acid-electrolyte material sandwiched between them. As the exhaled air from the suspect flows past one side of the fuel cell, the platinum oxidizes any alcohol in the air to produce acetic acid, protons and electrons. The electrons flow through a wire from the platinum electrode. The wire is connected to an electrical-current meter and to the platinum electrode on the other side. The protons move through the lower portion of the fuel cell and combine with oxygen and the electrons on the other side to form water. The more alcohol that becomes oxidized, the greater the electrical current. A microprocessor measures the electrical current and calculates the BAC.

Operators of any breath alcohol testing device must be trained in the use and calibration of the device, especially if the results are to be used as evidence in DWI trials. Law enforcement officers can carry portable breath testing devices that use the same principle as full-size devices. Court cases can turn on the perceived accuracy of a breath test, however, so prosecutors rely on the results obtained from full-size devices. For more information on Breathalyzers and related topics, check out the links on the next page.

Lots More Information

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How Alcohol Works How Beer Works How Winemaking Works How Blood Works How Your Lungs Work How Crash Testing Works Quiz Corner: Alcohol Quiz DWI Q&A: The Breathalyzer Blood-Alcohol Content Calculator Scientific Basis of Breath Tests Alcohol and the Human Body Introduction to IR Spectroscopy Basic Infrared Spectroscopy National College for DUI Defense: Breath Analysis International Association for Chemical Testing Fuel Cell Technology Applied to Alcohol Breath Testing Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Boaters Against Drunk Driving (BADD) Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) Breath Alcohol Testing and Daubert Criteria

More Great Links

AlcoTector Fuel Cell Breathalyzer Product Description

The AlcoTector Breathalyzer is a state of the art instrument used to detect Ethyl Alcohol from a valid breath sample. The AlcoTector uses an electrochemical fuel cell to measure the concentration of alcohol from the exhaled human breath. Simply put, the AlcoTector is the most accurate hand held breathalyzer for sale. The AlcoTector has the greatest accuracy of all our breathalyzers. Fuel Cell technology can detect Ketones in a diabetic, and alcohol based mouthwash, and will NOT increase the BAC. So a person can NOT use either of these two excuses when tested with an AlcoTector breathalyzer. The AlcoTector Professional breathalyzer was developed and manufactured to provide reliable, fast and highly accurate alcohol breath analysis in a compact, portable and user friendly electronic device. Constructed from the highest quality components available, the AlcoTector is intended for heavy commercial and law enforcement use without compromising sensitivity and accuracy. The LCD digital display utilizes simple visual prompts to show internal self diagnostics and recalibration, test progress and test results. The unit's electronic sensor automatically calculates the correct breath sample amount required and will report a test error for under blows thus eliminating test subject sample manipulation. Additionally, The AlcoTector professional model includes AlcoMate AccuCell AL9000 is the 4 specially designed non-disposable one-way mouthpieces that prevent subject best replacement for the AlcoTector WAT90. manipulation of breath sampling by "blow back" and insuring proper breath sampling. Key on chip functions include self diagnostic checks for calibration and accuracy, automatic recalibration, automatic zero resetting, sample volume to alcohol content logarithm and real time clock self adjustment. The AlcoTector is furnished with an aluminum and steel reinforced heavy duty briefcase intended for law enforcement field use and any other application, including personal use, requiring rapid and evidentiary accurate alcohol breath analysis.

The very easy to use Alcotector Fuel Cell Breath Tester is a highly sensitive and reliable alcohol detector with a 3 digit display that measures 0.00 to 0.40% of B.A.C. This advance alcohol analyzer detects the level of breath alcohol concentration from an individual. Just breath into the mouth piece of the Alcotector, and a special accurate sensor will detect your blood alcohol level. This Breathalyzer is simple to use, and gives you a accurate testing. If alcohol is present, a corresponding voltage is generated from the fuel cell, which is proportional to the alcohol content of the sample provided by a human subject. This voltage is then sent to the Micro controller to calculate and display a subjects %BAC level.

Specifications
Featuring the highly accurate and proven electrochemical fuel cell, the AlcoTector is simple to use with most test operations completely automated. The AlcoTector Professional is the model of choice for anyone serious about alcohol use, abuse, detection and prevention. Highly sensitive, the unit can display with a detection range of .000 to . 400 % BAC and field accuracy rate of .003 BAC of the control alcohol solution used in BAC calibration. The AlcoTector exceeds the testing standards for accuracy established by the U.S. Department of Transportation and other regulating authorities. The AlcoTector Professional model is also ideally suited for zero tolerance alcohol testing programs where even the smallest amount of system alcohol can be detected. Operation is fast, with an instant response to negative and positive tests, and a maximum 45 second recovery time. Microprocessor monitoring of breath flow, unique one-way flow mouthpiece design, and an alcohol specific electrochemical fuel cell combine to automatically assure the accuracy of alcohol breath testing and analysis. One button operation, auto calibration, shirt-pocket size, and a host of exclusive convenience features make the AlcoTector Professional model stand alone in field sobriety testing and analysis. The large graphic LCD display and high powered internal software give the operator visual and audible prompts and error messages minimizing operator

error and simplifying the test procedure. This evidential quality breath analyzer is recommended for "on the spot" testing whenever alcohol consumption is planned or intoxication is suspected. The AlcoTector should provide accurate readings indefinitely as long as the microprocessor and electrochemical fuel cell are not internally damaged. QUALITY The AlcoTector housing is constructed of commercial grade, high impact ABS polymers with a scratch resistant high density crystal acrylic display providing superior protection to the internal microprocessor and computer circuitry. Each unit comes in an aluminum and steel reinforced heavy duty briefcase for mobile and field use. Electronics are shock resistant and solid state. Mouthpieces are specially designed to provide one-way breath flow only thereby eliminating test subject sample manipulation by suck back or under flow. Given simple routine maintenance, the unit should provide unlimited service in a commercial use environment. AVAILABILITY Each AlcoTector professional unit comes in an aluminum and steel reinforced heavy duty briefcase, 4 AA Alkaline battery pack, 12 volt auto adapter, operation and calibration manual, and four (4) one-way, ultra-trap mouthpieces. Mouthpieces are high grade abs plastic and non disposable and they can be re-used if washed in hot water between uses in personal use or lower volume testing applications. Additionally, the AlcoTector unit must be used only with its specially designed mouthpiece or damage to the fuel cell sensor could occur along with inaccurate test results. Failure to use AlcoTector mouthpieces in operation of the unit may void the manufacturers warranty.

Fuel Cell Sensor Based Breath Alcohol Analyzer

Technical Specification 1. SENSOR : FUEL CELL SENSOR 2. MEASUREMENT MODE : PASSIVE, ACTVE 3. MEASUREMENT RANGE : 0 TO 550 MG/100ML 4. ACCURACY : - + 5% OF MEASURE VALUE 5. OPERATION TEMPERATURE : - 5*C TO + 55*C 6. STORGAE TEMPERATURE : - 20*C TO + 60*C 7. PRESSURE : 600 TO 1400 hPa 8. HUMIDITY : 20 TO 98% r.h 9. BATTERY : RECHARGABLE LI-ION BATTERY 10. MEASUREMENT ON ONE CHARGE: MORE THAN 2000 MEASUREMENTS 11. CONNECTION TO PC : USB 12. SIZE (L X W X H ) : 190MM X 61MM X 38MM 13. WEIGHT : 300 GMS WITH BATTERY 14. PRE HEATING TIME : ABOUT 5 TO 8 SECONDS 15. RETURN TO ZERO TIME : ABOUT 7 TO 10 SECONDS 16. CROSS SENSITIVITY : NO

17. MOUTH PIECES : DISPOSABLE, SINGLE WAY 18. UNITS : BAC (MG/100ML, MG/L, %) 19. BUTTONS : 5 20. POWER SAVE MODE : AUTO OFF AFTER 2.5 MINUTES IF NO USE 21. DISPLAY : 262,000 COLOURS, 1.8 INCH 22. MEMEORY : MORE THAN 50,000 TESTS, INCLUDING TIME, DATE, ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION 23. SOFTWARE : PC DATA MANGER 24. CALIBRATION : ONCE IN A YEAR 25. PRINTER : THERMAL PORTABLE BATTERY OPERATED PRINTER FOR PRINTING ON SPOT REPORT 26. WARRANTY : 24 MONTHS REPLACEMENT WARRANTY

THE COMPLETE SET CONSIST OF 1. ALCOHOL BREATH ANALYSER AMRUTHA TECH, AT 1100 : 01 No. 2. CHARGER FOR BREATH ANALYSER : 01 No. 3. PORTABLE THERMAL PRINTER : 01 No. 4. CHARGER FOR PRINTER : 01 No 5. USB CABLE : 01 No 6. PAPER ROLL FOR PRINTER : 01 No. 7. DISPOSABLE MOUTH PIECES : 25 Nos 8. SOFTWARE CD FOR DATA TRANSFERING TO PC : 01 No. 9. INSTRUCTION MANUAL : 01 No. 10. CARRY CASE : 01 NO.

Supplier's Contact Information Amrutha Technologies, Hyderabad Year of Establishment: 2002 Mr. Ashok P. (Director) Near Law College, Opposite Mana Party Office, Yellareddyguda, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India - 500 073 Telephone: +(91)-(40)-27747000 Mobile / Cell Phone: +(91)-9603815198c

Breath Alcohol Detectors

Victoria gas alarm company presents with their innovative products. They manufactured and export the product. They have different types of breath alcohol detectors. Like:

Professional alcohol tester the best evidential accuracy "fuel cell sensor" v-1000 - the instrument utilizes fuel cell to quantify alcohol in the provided breath sample. The v-1000 is an automated hand-held evidential breath alcohol analyzer. The v1000 alcohol tester follows a program driven test procedure. Each function is displayed which provides the operator with step-by-step instructions. The instrument is without battery and its weight is 240gm. Breath alcohol detector victory 701d - victory-v701 is a hand breath alcohol detector that reliable identifies alcohol impaired drivers. Victory-v701 is a hand breath alcohol detector that reliable identifies alcohol impaired drivers. It is a hand breath alcohol detector that reliable identifies alcohol impaired drivers and quick measurement of the alcohol level in breath by highly sensitive sensor. Its compact size and light weight makes it perfectly portable. It has re-chargeable battery operated to carry anywhere and no recurring cost. Breath alcohol detector v7 - victory-v7 is a hand held breath alcohol detector that reliable, identifies alcohol impaired drivers. It automatically tells you when it`s ready for the subject to take a test. Compact size and light weight makes it perfectly portable. The quick measurement of the alcohol level in breath by highly sensitive sensor. Breath alcohol detector v-701 - victory-v701 is a hand held breath alcohol detector. The quick measurement of the alcohol level in breath by highly sensitive sensor. 3 colour zone green/yellow/red marked analog meter display for immediate assessment. Its re-chargeable battery operated to carry anywhere and no recurring cost. The company also provide another three breath alcohol detector items. These are: Breath alcohol detector v701 f On line breath analyser for locomotive application vx 3 Professional alcohol tester the best evidential accuracy "fuel cell sensor v1100"
Suppliers Name : Victory Gas Alarm Company

Address Telephone No. Fax No.

: 32A, Chittaranjan Avenue, Trust House, Kolkata, West Bengal - 700012 : 91 - 033 - 22122052 / 22121066/22120104/22120998/22120923 : 91 - 033 - 22122052