Apparatus for determining concentration of a gas
First Claim
1. In combination, a gas measurement device comprising a gas sensing element having an electrical signal output dependent upon concentration of a gas being measured, means for measuring the electrical signal output and means for limiting diffusion of the gas being measured to the gas measurement device and defining a path for gas being measured to enter the gas measurement device,additional means in the path for selectively and reversibly reducing diffusion of gas to the gas sensing element, microprocessor means for calculating diffusivity in the gas path based on a change in the electrical signal output upon reducing diffusion in the gas path, means for storing the calculated diffusivity, and microprocessor means for correcting subsequent measurements based upon the calculated diffusivity.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Method and apparatus for determining the concentration of an analyte gas using a gas measurement device comprising a gas sensing element having an electrical current output dependent upon concentration of a gas being measured, means for measuring the electrical output signal and means for limiting diffusion of the gas being measured to the gas measurement device and defining a path for gas being measured to enter the gas measurement device. Concentration is determined by exposing the gas sensing element to the analyte gas at a first rate of diffusion and diffusivity, and measuring the output signal for a time sufficient to establish a first steady state signal, reducing diffusion of gas to the gas sensing element to a second rate of diffusion and diffusivity, and measuring the output signal for a time sufficient to establish a second steady state signal, and calculating the concentration of the analyte gas based on the second diffusivity and the first and second steady state output signals. The method is particularly useful in calibrating gas sensors using gas source concentrations of relatively low accuracy.
-
Citations
11 Claims
-
1. In combination, a gas measurement device comprising a gas sensing element having an electrical signal output dependent upon concentration of a gas being measured, means for measuring the electrical signal output and means for limiting diffusion of the gas being measured to the gas measurement device and defining a path for gas being measured to enter the gas measurement device,
additional means in the path for selectively and reversibly reducing diffusion of gas to the gas sensing element, microprocessor means for calculating diffusivity in the gas path based on a change in the electrical signal output upon reducing diffusion in the gas path, means for storing the calculated diffusivity, and microprocessor means for correcting subsequent measurements based upon the calculated diffusivity.
Specification