ALCOHOL SENSOR

MQ-3 Semiconductor Sensor for Alcohol

Sensitive material of MQ-3 gas sensor is SnO2, which with lower conductivity in clean air.
When the target alcohol gas exist, the sensor's conductivity is higher along with the gas
concentration rising. Please use simple electro circuit, Convert change of conductivity to
correspond output signal of gas concentration.
MQ-3 gas sensor has high senility to Alcohol, and has good resistance to disturb of gasoline,
smoke and vapor. The sensor could be used to detect alcohol with different concentration; it is
with low cost and suitable for different application.

Configuration
Character
* Good sensitivity to alcohol gas.
* Long life and low cost
* Simple drive circuit
Application
* Vehicle alcohol detector
* Portable alcohol detector

Technical Data

The above is basic test circuit of the sensor. The sensor needs to be put 2 voltage, heater voltage
(VH) and test voltage (VC). VH used to supply certified working temperature to the sensor, while
VC used to detect voltage (VRL) on load resistance (RL) whom is in series with sensor. The
sensor has light polarity, Vc need DC power. VC and VH could use same power circuit with
precondition to assure performance of sensor. In order to make the sensor with better
performance, suitable RL value is needed: Power of Sensitivity body (Ps):
 Model No. MQ-3
Sensor Type Semiconductor
Standard Encapsulation Bakelite (Black Bakelite)
Detection Gas Alcohol gas
Concentration 0.04-4mg/l alcohol
Loop Voltage Vc <24V DC Ps=Vc2*Rs/
Circuit Heater Voltage VH 5.0V±0.2V AC or DC (Rs+RL)2
Load Resistance RL Adjustable

Basic test Heater RH 31Q±3Q (Room Tem.) loop

Resistance of Resistance sensor (Rs):
Rs=(Vc/VRL- Heater PH <900mW 1)*RL
Sensitivity consumption Characteristics
Character Sensing Rs 2KQ-20KQ(in 0.4mg/l
Resistance alcohol )
Influence of Sensitivity S Rs(in air)/Rs(0.4mg/L
Alcohol)>5
Slope A <0.6(R300ppm/R100pp
m Alcohol)
Tem. Humidity 20°C±2°C; 65%±5%RH
Condition Standard test circuit Vc:5.0V±0.1V; VH:
5.0V±0.1V
Preheat time Over 48 hours
Temperature/Humidity
Fig.2 shows the typical temperature and humidity characteristics. Ordinate means resistance ratio
of the sensor (Rs/Ro), Rs means resistance of sensor in 0.4mg/l alcohol under different tem. and
humidity. Ro means resistance of the sensor in environment of 0.4mg/l alcohol, 20°C/65%RH
Fig.1 shows the typical sensitivity characteristics of the MQ-3, ordinate means resistance ratio of
the sensor (Rs/Ro), abscissa i s concentration of gases. Rs means resistance in different gases, Ro
means resistance of sensor in 0. 4mg/l alcohol. All tests are under standard test conditions.
P.S.: Sensitivity to smoke is ignite 10pcs cigarettes in 8m3 room, and the output equals to 0.1mg/l
alcohol.
Structure and configuration
 Structure and configuration of MQ-3 gas sensor is shown as Fig. 3, sensor composed by micro
AL2O3 ceramic tube, Tin Dioxide (SnO2) sensitive layer, measuring electrode and heater are fixed
into a crust made by plastic and stainless steel net. The heater provides necessary work conditions
for work of sensitive components. The enveloped MQ-4 have 6 pin, 4 of them are used to fetch
signals, and other 2 are used for providing heating current.
Notification
1 Following conditions must be prohibited
1.1 Exposed to organic silicon steam
Organic silicon steam cause sensors invalid, sensors must be avoid exposing to silicon bond,
fixture, silicon latex, putty or plastic contain silicon environment
1.2 High Corrosive gas
If the sensors exposed to high concentration corrosive gas (such as H2Sz, SOX, Cl2, HCl etc), it
will not only result in corrosion of sensors structure, also it cause sincere sensitivity attenuation.
1.3 Alkali, Alkali metals salt, halogen pollution
The sensors performance will be changed badly if sensors be sprayed polluted by alkali metals salt
especially brine, or be exposed to halogen such as fluorine.
1.4 Touch water
Sensitivity of the sensors will be reduced when spattered or dipped in water.
1.5 Freezing

Do avoid icing on sensor’ surface, otherwise sensor would lose sensitivity.

1.6 Applied voltage higher
Applied voltage on sensor should not be higher than stipulated value, otherwise it cause down-line
or heater damaged, and bring on sensors' sensitivity characteristic changed badly.
1.7 Voltage on wrong pins . _ For 6 pins sensor, if apply voltage on 3 pins or 6 pins
2 Following conditions must be avoided
2.1 Water Condensation '
Indoor conditions, slight water condensation will affect sensors performance lightly. However, if
water condensation on sensors surface and keep a certain period, sensor' sensitivity will be
decreased.
2.2 Used in high gas concentration
No matter the sensor is electrified or not, if long time placed in high gas concentration, if will
affect sensors characteristic.
2.3 Long time storage
The sensors resistance produce reversible drift if it's stored for long time without electrify, this
drift is related with storage conditions. Sensors should be stored in airproof without silicon gel bag
with clean air. For the sensors with long time storage but no electrify, they need long aging time
for stability before using.
2.4 Long time exposed to adverse environment
No matter the sensors electrified or not, if exposed to adverse environment for long time, such as
high humidity, high temperature, or high pollution etc, it will affect the sensors performance badly.
2.5 Vibration
Continual vibration will result in sensors down-lead response then rapture. In transportation or
assembling line, pneumatic screwdriver/ultrasonic welding machine can lead this vibration.
2.6 Concussion
If sensors meet strong concussion, it may lead its lead wire disconnected.
2.7 Usage For sensor, handmade welding is optimal way. If use wave crest welding should meet
the following conditions:
2.7.1 Soldering flux: Rosin soldering flux contains least chlorine
2.7.2 Speed: 1-2 Meter/ Minute
2.7.3 Warm-up temperature: 100±20C
2.7.4 Welding temperature: 250±10C
2.7.5 1 time pass wave crest welding machine
If disobey the above using terms, sensors sensitivity will be reduced.