Transient mode oxygen sensor and method
US4272330A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/4065
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This specification discloses a device to determine the partial pressure of oxygen in a gaseous atmosphere. The device, which is immersed in the atmosphere, is constructed to define an enclosed volume in which the atmosphere can be established by means of a small leak. The enclosing structure contains two partitions, a pump cell and a sensor cell, which can conduct oxygen ions and act as electrochemical cells. When attached to an external power supply, the current I.sub.P drawn through the pump cell either adds or removes (from or to the ambient) gaseous oxygen from the volume. As a result of the pumping action, an EMF (V.sub.S) develops across the sensor cell which can be used to measure the change in oxygen partial pressure in the volume relative to the ambient. In a transient mode, a voltage step is applied to the pump cell removing (adding) oxygen from (to) the volume. The rate of change of V.sub.S with respect to time at the instant of the voltage step is measured. This time derivative is inversely proportional to oxygen partial pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.