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Amperometric gas sensor

  • US 9,995,706 B2
  • Filed: 09/30/2014
  • Issued: 06/12/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for determining a concentration of a sterilant gas in a vacuum chamber during a sterilization process using an amperometric gas sensor, the method comprising:

  • placing the amperometric gas sensor in the vacuum chamber, the amperometric gas sensor consisting essentially of;

    a solid support configured as an insulator prior to being contacted by the sterilant gas and configured for diffusion of the sterilant gas therethrough, the solid support consisting essentially of one or more ionically and electrically non-conductive polymers and optionally one or more non-conductive fillers, the solid support further configured to increase in electrical conductivity when in contact with the sterilant gas;

    a working electrode in contact with the solid support; and

    a reference electrode positioned on and in contact with the solid support, the reference electrode spaced apart and ionically and electrically insulated from the working electrode prior to the solid support being contacted by the sterilant gas;

    conducting the sterilization process in the vacuum chamber under a vacuum using the sterilant gas, where the sterilization process allows the sterilant gas to be carried into, through, and out of the vacuum chamber during a portion of the cycle, andwhereby the sterilant gas increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support; and

    determining the concentration of the sterilant gas in the vacuum chamber using the amperometric gas sensor.

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