What does an oxygen analyzer do?

An oxygen analyzer is specifically designed to measure the percentage of oxygen in a gas mixture, which is crucial for divers using nitrox blends. Nitrox typically consists of a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, and the proportion of oxygen in this mixture is essential for calculating the appropriate oxygen exposure limits for safe diving. This allows divers to tailor their breathing gas for optimal safety and performance at varying depths.

Accurate measurement of oxygen levels helps in planning dives and managing the risk of oxygen toxicity, particularly at greater depths where the partial pressure of oxygen increases. Understanding the specific gas mixture being used is vital in preventing both hypoxia and hyperoxia during dives, making the oxygen analyzer an important tool in dive planning and safety.