Gas analysis system for furnaces and the like
US5211820A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 18, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D41/0047
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for use in sensing the oxygen content of an industrial furnace gas typically containing hydrocarbons or hydrogen is disclosed. The system utilizes a conventional automotive EGR oxygen sensor probe positioned in an especially configured housing employing downstream flow regulating means in combination with an orificing plate in the housing to provide uniform distribution of the endothermic gas at a low temperature about the sensor to insure accurate sensor readings with minimal carbon deposition. The electrical contacts at the oxygen sensor's inner and outer electrolyte surfaces are periodically switched to an electrical power supply to cause current to flow through and heat the electrolyte to elevated temperatures while air is flowed over the electrolyte's surfaces to achieve burn out of any carbon deposits and restore the life of the oxygen sensor probe. In addition, a portion of the sensor is thermally shielded to maintain somewhat equal reference air and furnace gas temperatures to produce consistent and reliable output signals from the oxygen sensor probe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.