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Process and device for monitoring the hydrogen concentration

  • US 20030192781A1
  • Filed: 01/22/2003
  • Published: 10/16/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A process for monitoring the hydrogen concentration in a gas mixture with at least one first device comprising an electrochemical gas sensor, the process following steps forming a measuring cycle, wherein the process begins with any one of the steps comprising:

  • a) applying a voltage to a first working electrode in a first potential range, bringing about the oxidation of hydrogen, via a first operational amplifier, applying a voltage to a second working electrode in a second potential range, bringing about the reduction of oxygen, via a second operational amplifier, measuring a current conduction proportional to the concentration of hydrogen at the first working electrode, measuring a current conduction proportional to the concentration of oxygen at the second working electrode, sending the measured current values as a signal to a microcontroller and comparing the measured values with a preset signal value at the microcontroller;

    b) applying to the two working electrodes a voltage in the second potential range, bringing about a reduction of oxygen, via the first and second operational amplifiers, measuring a current conduction proportional to the concentration of oxygen at the first and second working electrodes, sending the measured current values as a signal to the microcontroller and comparing the measured values with preset signal values at the microcontroller; and

    c) interrupting a connection between the first operational amplifier and the first working electrode by opening a first switch to form an open circuit, determining an open circuit potential at the first working electrode, sending the open circuit potential value as a signal to the microcontroller via an instrument amplifier, comparing the open circuit signal with preset parameters at the microcontroller, applying a voltage in the second potential range to the second working electrode, bringing about the reduction of oxygen, via the second operational amplifier, measuring a current conduction proportional to the concentration of the oxygen at the second working electrode, sending a measured current conduction as a signal to the microcontroller and comparing the current conduction signal with a preset signal value at the microcontroller.

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