Method and apparatus for determining O2 and N2O in gas mixtures

US6303018A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Varta Geratebatterie GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Konrad Holl · Aalen, DE
• Dejan Ilic · Ellwangen (Jagst), DE
• Michael Schmalz · Ellwangen, DE
• Hans-Joachim Kohnke · Kassel, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 13, 1999
• Grant date: Oct 16, 2001
• Expiry date: Oct 13, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A50/20
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for determining relative amounts of O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O in gas mixtures by quantitative electrochemical reaction including feeding a gas mixture containing O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O to a zinc-air cell having electrodes connected to a circuit consisting of a plurality of diodes and resistors, which circuit is set to have an electrochemical working range corresponding to each of the O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O; and measuring current flowing in the respective working range to determine the relative proportions of O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O in the gas mixture. An electrochemical cell including a casing capable of containing a gas mixture, including O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O a zinc-air cell in the casing, and a circuit connected to electrodes of the zinc-air cell, the circuit containing a plurality of diodes, resistors and tap points; means for measuring current to determine the relative proportions of O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O in the gas mixture.