How Did the Drunkometer Work?

Harger's drunkometer, a model of simplicity, was the first tool to successfully measure alcohol levels using breath analysis. The subject being tested blew into a balloon. The captured air was then mixed with a chemical solution, which changed color if alcohol was present.

How does a Drunkometer work?

The drunkometer collected a motorists breath sample directly into a balloon inside of the machine. The breath sample was then pumped through an acidified potassium permangate solution. If there was alcohol in the breath sample, the solution changed colour. ... This machine was developed by Professor Forester.

How does a breathalyser work?

Fuel cell breathalysers contain two platinum electrodes with a permeable acid-electrolyte material is inserted in between. When the suspect's exhaled air flows past one side of the fuel cell, the platinum instantly oxidises the alcohol present in the air and generates acetic acid, electrons and protons.