Two-stage gas measurement system
First Claim
1. A quick response, real-time gaseous measurement system for sampling a low pressure gaseous environment, the system comprising:
- pumping means for continuously extracting a sample of test gas from the low pressure gaseous environment and continuously pumping the extracted sample of test gas to a structural tee joint which is open to the atmosphere at one end thereof to ensure a constant pressure downstream thereof;
a heating means for maintaining the test gas at a constant temperature which communicates with the pumping means at the other end thereof;
an oxygen sensor based on a zirconium oxide disc coated with porous platinum, the oxygen sensor communicating with the heating means for developing a voltage which is proportional to the partial pressure of the gaseous component to be measured in the test gas;
calibration means located on the structural tee joint for allowing test gases of various known component concentrations to be sent through the heating means to the sensing means for calibration thereof;
a sample pump cooperating with a flow controller for providing a constant flow rate of test gas through the heating means and sensing means; and
means for the introduction of reference air, which is required by the oxygen sensor for optimum operation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A quick-response, real-time gaseous measurement system allows for the continuous sampling of a low pressure gaseous environment. A sample of test gas from the low pressure gaseous environment is continuously extracted and pumped to a structural tee joint which is open to the atmosphere at one end to maintain the test gas at a constant pressure. The structural tee joint communicates at the other end with a heater for maintaining the test gas at a constant temperature. From the heater, the test gas is sent to a sensor which develops a voltage that is proportional to the partial pressure of the gaseous component to be measured in the test gas, a constant flow rate to test gas being provided through the heater and sensor. Since test gas pressure, temperature, and flow rate are being held constant, changes in sensor voltage are attributable only to changes in the concentration of the measured gas component.
5 Citations
1 Claim
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1. A quick response, real-time gaseous measurement system for sampling a low pressure gaseous environment, the system comprising:
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pumping means for continuously extracting a sample of test gas from the low pressure gaseous environment and continuously pumping the extracted sample of test gas to a structural tee joint which is open to the atmosphere at one end thereof to ensure a constant pressure downstream thereof; a heating means for maintaining the test gas at a constant temperature which communicates with the pumping means at the other end thereof; an oxygen sensor based on a zirconium oxide disc coated with porous platinum, the oxygen sensor communicating with the heating means for developing a voltage which is proportional to the partial pressure of the gaseous component to be measured in the test gas; calibration means located on the structural tee joint for allowing test gases of various known component concentrations to be sent through the heating means to the sensing means for calibration thereof; a sample pump cooperating with a flow controller for providing a constant flow rate of test gas through the heating means and sensing means; and means for the introduction of reference air, which is required by the oxygen sensor for optimum operation.
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Specification
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- Resources
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Current AssigneeThe United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of Agriculture
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Original AssigneeUnited States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration
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InventorsChaturvedi, Sushil K., Chen, Tony T. D., Sprinkle, Danny R.
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Primary Examiner(s)WARDEN, JILL ALICE
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Application NumberUS07/879,480Time in Patent Office957 DaysField of Search422/88, 422/90, 422/94, 422/95, 422/98, 204/410, 204/424, 204/426, 204/427US Class Current422/94CPC Class CodesG01N 1/24 Suction devices G01N1/22 - ...G01N 33/0016 by regulating a physical va...
