Oxygen miniaturized

Rosenweig Z., Kopelman R., Analytical properties of miniaturized oxygen and glucose sensors, Sensor Actuat B-Chem. 1996 35-36 475-483... 

A miniaturized MB spectrometer MIMOS II was developed for the robotic exploration of Mars, where it provided fundamental information about mineralogical composition and alteration processes, helped to classify rocks and soils, aided geologic mapping, was instrumental in assessing habitability of past and present environments, and identified potential construction resources for future human explorers. The applicability of the instrument as a process monitor for oxygen production and prospecting tool for lunar ISRU has been demonstrated. The characterization of air pollution sources and the study of mixed-valence materials as a function of depth in soil are examples of terrestrial in situ applications. MIMOS lla with additional XRF capability will open up new applications. 

Finally, there are some miscellaneous polymer-electrolyte fuel cell models that should be mentioned. The models of Okada and co-workers - have examined how impurities in the water affect fuel-cell performance. They have focused mainly on ionic species such as chlorine and sodium and show that even a small concentration, especially next to the membrane at the cathode, impacts the overall fuelcell performance significantly. There are also some models that examine having free convection for gas transfer into the fuel cell. These models are also for very miniaturized fuel cells, so that free convection can provide enough oxygen. The models are basically the same as the ones above, but because the cell area is much smaller, the results and effects can be different. For example, free convection is used for both heat transfer and mass transfer, and the small... 

If the oxygen sensitive dye is replaced by a pH sensitive dye, optical pH sensors can be produced. Thus miniaturization of these sensors is easy, and multisensing systems can be set up. Different sensor types for biotechnical application are described in the literature (e.g., ethanol and chloride sensors) [23,24]. 

Miniaturization might also be used in the distributed production of chemicals. Two examples include the safe production of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen or the production of chemicals or fuels from synthesis gas. More detailed study into the potential improvements in product yields, waste minimization, and costs are required to fully understand the impact of miniaturization. At this time it offers the potential to produce hazardous materials or conduct potentially dangerous oxidation reactions on a small scale that is inherently safer. 

Note The optimum carbide-to-water ratio is 1 ounce of carbide to 2 fluid ounces of water. The explosion may be intensified by placing a small oxygen canister, such as those used in miniature welding or brazing outfits, under the scat and opening the valve just prior to closing the door. 

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