breathalyser

The term breathalyser It is formed from two components: alcohol Y -meter. Analyzing the meaning of both, we can clearly appreciate what the concept.

A alcohol It is an organic compound that has an aliphatic radical or a derivative thereof linked to a hydroxyl group. Typically, the notion refers specifically to the ethyl alcohol, which is the essential ingredient of the so-called alcoholic drinks (like wine, beer, or whiskey). The compositional element -meterMeanwhile, it can be related to a measurement or to a device that is used to perform a measurement.

A breathalyzer allows you to calculate how much alcohol is in a person's blood.

What is a breathalyzer

Is named breathalyser to the device that allows you to calculate the level of alcohol present in a gas or liquid. Usually the idea refers specifically to the device used to determine how much alcohol is in the air exhaled by an individual.

Also called alcohol tester, the breathalyzer is used in calls breathalyzer tests. The objective of these evaluations is to know the amount of alcohol that appears in a person's blood. If that amount is excessive, it is understood that the subject is drunk or that, at least, he does not have the same reflexes or the same ability to reaction than someone who is sober.

The breathalyzer, however, does not actually measure the alcohol in the blood. What it does is analyze the exhaled air and then that data is extrapolated to estimate the amount of alcohol that exists in the body.

Different types of devices

Breathalyzers can work in different ways. There are breathalyzers that have a infrared sensor and that are based on the fact that gases they absorb certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

These breathalyzers calculate the concentration of ethanol in the expelled air according to the absorbed radiation. The result of the calculation is displayed on a screen.

Other breathalyzers resort to electrochemical cells. Ethanol, passing through the anode from the instrument, it is oxidized and converted into acetic acid, while the electrons that are released produce an electric current that is proportional to the alcoholic concentration.

It is interesting to note that some breathalyzers combine both techniques (the infrared sensor and electrochemical cells) to provide more accurate results.

The use of breathalyzers in vehicle controls aims to discourage and punish the consumption of alcohol while driving.

Breathalyzers at traffic controls

Various statistics show the incidence of alcohol consumption in vehicle accidents. If the driver consumed an alcoholic drink, his judgment is reduced, he loses inhibitions and records a distortion of his reflexes and his view, thereby increasing the risk of sinister vial.

For this reason, the authorities usually carry out alcohol tests on public roads. When the driver exceeds the alcohol limit allowed to drive, he receives a sanction that can include a fine, the hijacking of the vehicle and removes it from the license.

Although the procedure can vary, generally the driver is asked to blow several seconds into a slot or mouthpiece of the breathalyzer. The air is analyzed by the device, which finally displays on a screen the degree of alcohol that was in the air that the person expelled. In some cases, when the alcohol level exceeds that established by the law, a sound is emitted or a light is turned on.

Breathalyzer controls are carried out by the police or other authorities, who are in charge of stopping vehicles that circulate in certain places and bringing the breathalyzer closer to the driver for the development of the proof . These officers are also empowered to act when the test shows that the driver violated the rules.