312  AO2000 CONTINUOUS GAS ANALYZERS  |  OI/AO2000-EN REV. B 
 
 
 
ZO23: Function test 
Description 
The function test is used to carry out a rapid and regular check of the re-
sponse time of the sample cell. The function test can be carried out without 
any test gases by feeding the sample gas with constant concentration. It 
has a very high correlation with the check using gas. In case of doubt, the 
latter is decisive, however. The function test facilitates the preventive 
maintenance of the gas analyzer, since a requisite exchange of the sample 
cell becomes plannable through the change in the response time. The values 
determined in the function test are stored in the log. As a result, the pro-
gression of the response time of the measuring cell can always be traced 
back. 
Procedure 
In the function test, the build-up of an oxygen potential in the sample cell is 
simulated through the connection of an electrical test current. The change in 
the oxygen potential correlates with the response time of the sample cell. A 
small change in the oxygen potential points to a relatively fast response 
time of the measuring cell. In this case, the result of the function test is 
"Test Passed". If the value deviates from the value before the completion of 
the test by more than 10 % of the value before the beginning of the test, the 
result is rejected, since it is assumed that the change in the sample gas was 
too high during the test. 
Test factor 
The test result can be tailored to the required response time. In this connec-
tion, the test factor can be set by the user within the range 1 to 200 %. A test 
factor of 100 % is set ex works. 
Test factor 1 to 99 %  Test requirements lower    T90 > 60 s 
Test factor 100 to 200 %  Test requirements higher  T90 ≤ 60 to 20 s 
If the test criteria are not met, the test factor must either be changed or the 
sample cell checked by means of test gases. 
Check of the measuring cell using test gases 
Two test gases (see page 67) with different concentrations within the 
measuring range are required to check the T95 time, e.g. a test gas with 2 
ppm O
2
 and one with 8 ppm O
2
. The T95 time is determined through alter-
nate application of the test gases. Beforehand, purge the test gas valves and 
the gas supply line with oxygen-free gas (e.g. with nitrogen from a loop 
feeder) or with sample gas (flow rate 5 to 10 l/h, duration approx. 2 h).