MQ-3 Alcohol Detector Gas Sensor Module

The MQ-3 Alcohol Detector Gas Sensor Module is a widely used sensor in various applications for detecting alcohol vapors.

Here’s some information about the MQ-3 sensor module:

• Purpose: The MQ-3 is designed specifically to detect alcohol vapors in the air, making it suitable for applications where alcohol concentration monitoring is required.
• Sensitivity: It has a high sensitivity to alcohol and can detect a wide range of alcohol concentrations.
• Principle: The sensor operates on the principle of a semiconductor gas sensor, where the resistance of the sensing material changes with the concentration of alcohol vapors in the air.

Features:

• Analog and Digital Output: Like other MQ series sensors, the MQ-3 module provides both analog and digital outputs. The analog output can be used to determine the alcohol concentration, while the digital output can be set to trigger an alert when a specific alcohol concentration threshold is reached.
• Low Cost: The MQ-3 sensor module is affordable, making it a popular choice for various applications.

Applications:

• Breathalyzers: The MQ-3 sensor is used in breathalyzer devices to estimate blood alcohol content (BAC).
• Safety Applications: It can be utilized in systems to prevent drunk driving or to ensure that individuals working in sensitive environments are not under the influence of alcohol.
• Industrial Safety: In workplaces where alcohol vapors are used or produced, the sensor can be employed to monitor and maintain safe alcohol concentration levels.
• Environmental Monitoring: The sensor can also be used for environmental monitoring to detect alcohol emissions from sources like factories or distilleries.

Using the MQ-3:

• Powering the Sensor: The sensor typically requires a 5V DC power source.
• Calibration: For accurate results, calibration might be necessary. This involves exposing the sensor to clean air to establish a baseline resistance value.
• Reading Values: Like the MQ-2, you can use a microcontroller (such as an Arduino) to read values from the sensor. The analog output can be connected to an analog pin on the microcontroller, and the digital output can be connected to a digital input pin to detect the threshold level.

Considerations:

• Warm-Up Time: The sensor may need some time to warm up before it provides accurate readings.
• Cross-Sensitivity: The MQ-3 sensor can exhibit some cross-sensitivity to gases other than alcohol, particularly those with similar chemical properties. This can impact the accuracy of readings in environments where other gases are present.
• Environmental Factors: As with any gas sensor, factors like temperature and humidity can influence its performance. Integrating the MQ-3 Alcohol Detector Gas Sensor Module into a project involves considerations for calibration, environmental factors, and potential cross-sensitivity.

Technical Details

• Operating Voltage (VDC): 5V ±0.1
• Current Consumption: 150mA
• Operation Temperature : -10°C ~ +70°C
• Concentration : 0.05 mg/L ~ 10 mg/L Alcohol
• Load resistance: 200 kΩ

Physical Attributes

• Length * Width * Height (mm): 32 x 20 x 16
• Weight (gm): 6

Package Includes

• 1 x MQ-3 Alcohol Detector Gas Sensor Module