Sensor for thermally ionizable particles and/or vapors
US4117396A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1974 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 1994 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21C17/044
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor for detecting the presence of thermally ionizable particles and vapors is disclosed. The sensor comprises an ionizer for supplying sufficient heat to thermally ionize the particles to be detected. The ionized particles are then caused to flow between the ionizer and an anode by impressing an electrical potential between the ionizer and the anode. The magnitude of the ion current is indicative of the concentration of the particles of vapors to be detected. The sensor is particularly useful in detecting alkali vapors and other particles, for example sodium, which may be easily thermally ionized. In most applications it is contemplated that the sensor will serve as a detector for alkali vapors and particles present in a gaseous atmosphere. Specifically it will serve as a detector for locating leaks in components of the fast breeder nuclear reactor system which employs sodium as a heat exchanger fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.