Gas sensor with electrically conductive, hydrophobic membranes
US6896781B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A highly accurate, long life, low cost gas sensor is disclosed, particularly useful for measuring carbon monoxide and other toxic gases in an environment. The gas sensor has a first, sensing electrode and a second, counting electrode. Positioned between the first and second electrodes is an ion conducting, solid electrolyte membrane. In response to the presence of a toxic gas introduced to the first electrode, an electric signal is produced between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electric signal changes in response to changes in the concentration of the toxic gas. Detection circuitry measures the electric signal to determine the concentration of the toxic gas. An electrically conductive, hydrophobic top membrane electrically connects the first electrode to the detection circuitry while preventing liquid water from contacting the first electrode. An electrically conductive, hydrophobic bottom membrane electrically connects the second electrode to the detection circuitry. The top and bottom membranes, though hydrophobic, are preferably also microporous so as to be gas permeable, including permeable to water vapor. Preferably the top and bottom membranes are ion insu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.