Method and device for identifying gaseous compounds

US6636811B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• WMA Airsense Analysentechnik GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Andreas Walte · Schwerin, DE
• Wolf Münchmeyer · Wittingen, DE
• Gerhard Matz · Kürten, DE
• Torsten Hunte · Hamburg, DE
• Stefan Dohren · Norderstedt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 24, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 21, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 24, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N33/0031
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for identifying gaseous compounds, comprising a sensor array (1) having, for instance, ten gas sensors (2) in the form of semiconductor gas sensors. Said sensor array (1) has a supply line (3) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5). A switchable three-way valve (6) is located in the supply line (3), to which a selective collector unit (7) is attached. Said collector unit (7) comprises a special adsorber (8), a heater (9) and a separate feed pump (10) with a flow sensor (11). A secondary line (12), in which a dilution unit (13) is arranged, discharges into the feed line (3) between the three-way valve (6) and the sensor array (1). A feeding and control unit (16) also having a feed pump (17) with a flow sensor (18) is located in the area of the outlet (5) of the sensor array (1). An electrical line (19) leading to an evaluation computer (20) branches off from the sensor array (1).