Breathalyzers

	Skyfine’s model AT578-B is a professional-use breathalyzer with a 0.005% BAC at 0.05% BAC accuracy. It uses fuel cell sensors and has an LCD with EL backlight for night operation.

The latest releases feature increased reliability. Some boast a 2,000-entry memory capacity and a built-in printer.

Suppliers of breathalyzers in China are enhancing product features to drum up sales. Improvement efforts revolve around accuracy.

To this end, makers are employing airflow tubes vertical to the sensor so that the breath sample is not aimed directly at the component. Such a structure prevents a decrease in the working temperature, which can affect the reactive capability of the sensor. It also limits the sample volume to avoid trapping excess air inside the component and causing repetitive testing of the specimen.

Another way to regulate the entry and amount of breath inside the device is by placing a single- or 2-hole plastic sheet in front of the sensor.

Henan Hanwei Electronics Co. Ltd offers a model adopting an airflow tube with a small gap in the middle where the sample can pass through toward the sensor. The excess air exits the product via the hole opposite the mouthpiece.

Further, to improve testing reliability, some midsize and large suppliers are investing about $10,000 in an alcohol air generator that transforms the liquid to a gaseous substance with properties similar to a person’s breath.

The traditional method of exposing a breathalyzer to a bottle of alcohol for performance evaluation is not reliable since the unit’s maximum range is 1,000ppm, while the liquid’s concentration can reach 5,000ppm and above. The high level will cause the product to stop working or give inaccurate measurements in succeeding tests. To resume normal operations, the unit has to be turned on and off until all content has evaporated.

Increased functionality is another trend in this industry. The latest models suitable for law enforcement agencies have built-in memory that can hold 2,000 driver’s license and plate numbers, and police officer codes. These are also equipped with a printer.

More makers are likewise coming out with breathalyzers featuring a large LCD that provides onscreen instructions.

In addition, sleek and compact designs that fit into a pocket or purse are becoming popular.

Promotional and professional-use breathalyzers are available in China. US- and EU-bound models comply with FDA, CE and RoHS standards. Specialized versions can also meet DOT and NF requirements on accuracy.

Priced from $1.50 to $5 each, low-end designs adopt semiconductor sensors and LED indicators. Those topping $2 are mostly promotional items, while models starting at $3 are portable versions for personal use. The latter features an LCD with a backlight and a digital clock.

Midrange breathalyzers also employ semiconductor sensors and have a ±0.05% BAC accuracy. They are usually fitted with a strawlike mouthpiece, and an LCD that shows test results in digital or cartoon mode. Prices range from $10 to $30. Versions above $30 feature a more complicated airflow tube structure.

High-end models utilize fuel cell sensors with a BAC accuracy of ±0.001%. Quotes start at $50 and can reach $900. Products use a four-character LCD, which provides five readouts. They have passive testing capability.

Models below $150 are personal-use units that adopt 20mm-diameter sensors valued at $15 each. Professional versions between $800 and $900 employ 32mm types worth $50.

The most expensive breathalyzers feature internal memory storage with a 2,000-entry capacity. They also have a built-in printer and can connect to a PC.

There are approximately 100 suppliers of breathalyzers in China, including four large enterprises. About 10 are specialists with more than fi ve years of experience in the industry.

Small and midsize companies offer the line to supplement other health products such as body fat analyzers and UV testers. The former has 100 to 200 workers and annual sales from $200,000 to $1 million. Midsize makers employ up to 500 personnel. Revenue reaches $10 million each year.

Large enterprises can have a workforce of 2,000. They generate as much as $20 million in sales annually.

Their factories are usually equipped with dust-free workshops, air generators, temperature and humidity testing chambers, gas analyzers and spot-welding machines.

R&D capability is the key differentiator among suppliers. Although most outsource sensors, large companies have skilled technicians responsible for improving the component’s design and technology, as well as designing the airflow tubes and the whole module.

Meanwhile, product development at small and midsize makers commonly involves varying the appearance and electronic features.

Guangdong province is the main manufacturing center for breathalyzers in China. Most companies are located in the cities of Shenzhen and Dongguan, including three large foreign-invested enterprises. Makers in these areas thrive on a vast local supply of electronic materials.

Shenzhen is home to 500 PCB, IC and LCD factories. This extensive network helps lower manufacturing outlay. PCB production, for instance, is 3 percent less expensive than elsewhere in China.

Dongguan has 200 suppliers of various electronic parts and housing materials. Breathalyzer companies in this city cater primarily to the low end and midrange.

Skyfine Inc. Ltd, a large Taiwan-invested enterprise, is based in Dongguan.

The province of Henan is also considered another key sourcing hub even though it is home to only one breathalyzer maker.

Henan Hanwei is the largest supplier of the line with both breathalyzer and sensor production capability. It offers models across all price points, including personaland police-use designs.