Abstract: A gas monitoring and control system including a gas sampling chamber, sampling inlet and outlet valves, a pump and a controller. Sensors are disposed within the interior chamber that sense characteristics of a gas from a gas source and generate representative signals. The sampling inlet and outlet valves i) allow the gas into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a gas sampling state, and ii) allow ambient air into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a purge state. The pump i) causes the gas to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the gas sampling state or ii) causes ambient air to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the purge state. The controller causes the sampling inlet and outlet valves, and the pump to alternate operating in the gas sampling or purge state to selectively expose the sensors to the gas.

Abstract: A sulfurization detection sensor 10 comprises: a rectangular parallelepiped insulation substrate 1, a pair of front electrodes 2 provided at both ends of a front surface in the longitudinal direction of the insulation substrate 1, respectively, a sulfurization detection conductor 3 connected between the front electrodes 2, a pair of protective films 4 for covering a part of the sulfurization detection conductor 3 and that of the front electrodes 2, respectively, a pair of back electrodes 5 provided at both ends of a back surface in the longitudinal direction of the insulation substrate 1, respectively, a pair of end face electrodes 6 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the insulation substrate 1, respectively, and external electrodes 7 provided on front surfaces of the end face electrodes 6, respectively. Specific regions 3b in which a current hardly flows are formed at both ends in the Y-direction of a sulfurization detection portion 3A.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for monitoring an environment are provided. One system includes a monitoring unit positioned within an environment and including an acoustic sensor configured to generate detected acoustic data regarding acoustics in the environment, and a controller having one or more processors and one or more non-transitory memory devices that store instructions for controlling the one or more first processors to receive and store the detected acoustic data, determine, based on the detected acoustic data, whether a noise is above a threshold, and determine, based on the detected acoustic data and that the noise is above the threshold, an estimated source of the noise.

Abstract: A gas monitoring and control system including a gas sampling chamber, sampling inlet and outlet valves, a pump and a controller. Sensors are disposed within the interior chamber that sense characteristics of a gas from a gas source and generate representative signals. The sampling inlet and outlet valves i) allow the gas into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a gas sampling state, and ii) allow ambient air into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a purge state. The pump i) causes the gas to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the gas sampling state or ii) causes ambient air to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the purge state. The controller causes the sampling inlet and outlet valves, and the pump to alternate operating in the gas sampling or purge state to selectively expose the sensors to the gas.

Abstract: There is provided a method of processing a target object to be processed including a porous film and a mask. The method include supplying a first gas into a processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus in which the target object including the porous film is accommodated, and generating a plasma of a second gas in the processing chamber to remove the mask. The first gas is a processing gas having a saturated vapor pressure of less than or equal to 133.3 Pa at a temperature of a stage on which the target object is mounted in the processing chamber, or includes the processing gas. In the step of supplying the first gas, no plasma is generated, and a partial pressure of the processing gas supplied into the processing chamber is greater than or equal to 20% of the saturated vapor pressure.

Abstract: A gas monitoring and control system including a gas sampling chamber, sampling inlet and outlet valves, a pump and a controller. Sensors are disposed within the interior chamber that sense characteristics of a gas from a gas source and generate representative signals. The sampling inlet and outlet valves i) allow the gas into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a gas sampling state, and ii) allow ambient air into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a purge state. The pump i) causes the gas to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the gas sampling state or ii) causes ambient air to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the purge state. The controller causes the sampling inlet and outlet valves, and the pump to alternate operating in the gas sampling or purge state to selectively expose the sensors to the gas.

Abstract: A heat exchanger monitoring system includes a heat exchanger 11 capable of receiving a flow F of a working fluid therethrough. A first sensor 12 is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 11 for measuring at least one property of fluid relating to an amount of contaminant material carried by a first flow entering the heat exchanger 11 and configured to output a first sensor signal indicative of the measured property of the fluid. A second sensor 14 is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 11 for measuring the same property of the fluid relating to an amount of contaminant material carried by a second flow exiting the heat exchanger 11 and configured to output a second sensor signal indicative of the measured property of the fluid.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an apparatus, systems, and methods for soiled garment detection and notification. The method may include determining a laundering status of a garment based on a comparison of sensor data and a baseline odor level of the garment. The sensor data, which comprises a measure of odor being released by the garment, may be obtained from an olfactory sensor. The method further includes causing display of a user interface to present the laundering status of the garment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining mycotoxin production in an interior environment which includes a search for a chemical fingerprint comprising at least one target molecule that is a VOC, optionally cyclic, associated with mycotoxin production, preferably selected from the group comprising cububene, cadiene, copaene, ylangene, D germacrene, muurolane, 1,1-dimethylbutylbenzene, 1,1,2-trimethyl-propyl-benzene, 1-hexyltetradecylbenzene, tetratetracontane, 1-ethyldecylbenzene, hydroxytoluene butylate, 1-butyloctylbenzene, 1-propylnonylbenzene, 2-methylisoborneol and at least one sesquiterpene.

Abstract: This invention proposes a method comprising the steps of: (a) taking an air sample in an indoor environment, then (b) detecting Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) in the sample. The step (b) comprises searching for a chemical imprint comprising at least one target molecule that is an MVOC associated with an aspergillus metabolism. Thanks to the invention, detection of such target molecules is easier and faster than detection of aspergillus strains or soluble aspergillus metabolites.

Abstract: A gas monitoring and oxygen supply control system, including a flame-proof and explosion proof housing; a gas monitoring sensor system enclosed in said housing, said sensor system including a sensor controller, a plurality of gas sensors, and a CPU; air sampling pipes in fluid communication with said gas sensors and with the atmospheres to be sampled; input sampling ports disposed on said air sampling pipes and exposed to the atmospheres to be sampled; at least one exhaust pipe for venting gases to a select atmosphere outside said housing; flame-proof port assemblies disposed through a wall of said housing separating said sensor system from an outside atmosphere and through which said air sampling pipes and said exhaust pipe are disposed; at least one pump operatively connected to said air sampling pipes so as to provide both suction and exhaust, said pump electronically connected to and controlled by said CPU; a plurality of valves disposed on said air sampling pipes and electronically coupled to and control

Abstract: An atomic particle detection assembly includes one or more detectors that detect atomic particles. The detectors are positioned within a first chamber having a first operating pressure. The atomic particle detection assembly includes a junction apparatus supporting the detectors. The junction apparatus defines a second chamber having a second operating pressure that is different from the first operating pressure. Sensing electronics are attached to the detectors and the sensing electronics are housed within the second chamber of the junction apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pollution measurement apparatus which measures a pollutant concentration and a pollutant component in gas, and more particularly a pollution measurement apparatus for easily exchanging a sensor, which can facilely exchange only desired sensors when it is required to exchange part of multiple sensors for sensing pollution.

Abstract: An encapsulated device comprising an integrated gas permeation sensor is provided, comprising a base substrate with an electronic component arranged thereon being enclosed within an encapsulation for protecting the electronic component from moisture and/or oxygen; at least one sensor is arranged within the encapsulation to measure the permeation of gas into the encapsulation; each sensor comprises an electrically conductive sensing element comprising a moisture and/or oxygen sensitive material, wherein the reaction of said material with moisture and/or oxygen results in a change in the electrical resistance/conductivity of the sensor.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a particulate matter (PM) detection unit, a temperature detection unit, and a correction unit. The PM detection unit includes an insulator, a pair of electrodes, and a detector. The insulator is disposed in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine through which an exhaust gas flows. The pair of electrodes are arranged in contact with at least a part of the insulator. The detector detects a PM detection value which is a value correlated to an amount of PM in the exhaust gas. The temperature detection unit detects at least one of an exhaust temperature of the exhaust gas passing through the PM detection unit and an insulator temperature of the insulator. The correction unit corrects the PM detection value detected by the PM detection unit based on at least one of the exhaust temperature and the insulator temperature.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for sensing air quality. In some embodiments, materials from mitochondrial membranes, and/or material that is present in mitochondrial membranes can be used as a detection system to optically detect the presence and/or absence of various materials.

Abstract: A shipping container interrogation apparatus and method that utilizes the tubular frame members of the container to deliver input air to the interior of the container, and to receive sample air from the interior of the container. A detection apparatus may be used to detect an unauthorized material in the sample air that is received from the interior of the container. Sample air from the detection apparatus may be recycled back into the container by use of a tubular frame member of the container. Input air may be delivered to the interior of the container with turbulence and in any desired direction or pattern for better interrogation of the interior of the container.

Abstract: A system and method for taking a sample of hydrogen gas and conditioning that sample so that extremely low levels of contamination can be more accurately detected. Initially a sample of hydrogen gas is captured and isolated in a collection chamber. A hydrogen permeable membrane is provided having a first side and a second side. The first side of the hydrogen permeable membrane is exposed to the gas sample held within the collection chamber. The hydrogen gas contained within the gas sample begins to permeate through the hydrogen permeable membrane and exit the collection chamber. This causes the pressure of the gas sample within the collection chamber to decrease. Since contaminants remain in the collection chamber, the concentration of contaminants within the remaining sample increases exponentially. The residual pressure within the collection chamber is measured and converted into a contaminant level reading.

Abstract: A system and method of taking a sample of hydrogen gas and reducing the hydrogen concentration by a factor greater than 1×108 while increasing the partial pressure of the contaminating gases by a factor greater than 100, so that extremely low levels of contamination can be accurately detected. A sample of hydrogen gas is captured. Only the hydrogen gas is removed leaving all the contaminating gases in the collection chamber. This causes the total pressure of the gas sample within the collection chamber to decrease dramatically since most of the gas was hydrogen. All the contaminants remain in the collection chamber. None are lost through pumping. As such, the concentration of contaminants within the remaining sample increases dramatically. The residual partial pressures of the contaminating gases within the collection chamber and can now be measured by a variety of techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for detecting one or more target gas compounds, such as a volatile organic compound, such as formaldehyde, comprising a chamber comprising a gas inlet and a gas outlet, wherein the chamber is capable of absorbing one or more non-target gas compounds. When the device is in use, the gas outlet is in fluid communication with a detector capable of detecting the amount or concentration of the one or more target gas compounds.

Abstract: In a first mode, a monitoring system inputs humidified gas through at least a portion of a conduit. At least a portion of the water in the humidified gas adheres to the inner surface of the conduit, inhibiting contaminants in the gas sample from adhering to the inner surface. The water in the humidified gas may also push any contaminants adhered to the surface of the sample line back out the sample line. In a second mode, after previously passing the humidified gas through the conduit, the monitoring system controls a flow of a gas sample including the contaminants through the conduit to a gas analyzer. The one or more layer of water on the inner surface of the conduit prevents or reduces a buildup of undesirable contaminants on an inner surface of a conduit that conveys gas samples.

Abstract: A method or system for steam purity monitoring in a steam powered turbine includes providing a chloride-sensing device in a steam flow path; generating a signal from the chloride-sensing device indicative of a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow; and indicating a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow. The steam turbine includes a rotor, a rotating shaft and a plurality of axially spaced rotor wheels. A plurality of rotating blades is mechanically coupled to each rotor wheel. A chloride-sensing device is disposed in a steam flow path. A controller is arranged to generate a signal from the chloride-sensing device indicative of a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow and indicate a concentration level of chloride ions in a steam flow.

Abstract: A method that identifies the compounds contributing to a detected burnt odor from an air conditioner artificially reproduces the detected burnt odor, and prepares a corresponding burnt odor composition is provided. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds that contribute to the detected burnt odor from an air conditioner are be identified and quantified. The detected burnt odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced burnt odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying the compounds contributing to urine odor emitting from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the detected urine odor, and preparing a corresponding urine odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the urine odor emitted from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The detected urine odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced urine odor may provide meaningful data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the monitoring of contaminant concentrations in manufacturing processes that employ fluid purification devices. The invention provides a sensitive method for analyzing contaminant concentrations in a process fluid stream using purification material to adsorb contaminants contained therein over an entire process.

Abstract: Disclosed are means for monitoring the levels of air pollution in urban areas for the purpose of optimizing the conditions of airflow ventilation of buildings according to air pollution levels in their area. The invention supplies data in real time regarding local air pollution levels or relative levels, i.e. current air pollution levels in relation to previous ones. The disclosed system and method makes use of the fluctuations in air pollution levels in order to achieve optimal reduction of air pollution levels inside buildings. The system defines optimal times for ventilation in order to achieve a significant and persisting improvement of indoor air quality, in a routine manner, by using measurements of nondeterministic, continuous and effective fluctuations in air pollution levels at the surroundings of each building, specifically in locations which don't include monitoring stations.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of at least one component of a chemically reducible gas mixture, an exhaust gas catalytic converter utilizing such a device, a vehicle including such a catalytic converter, a process for preparing such a device, a process for monitoring the NOx emissions of a vehicle, and the use of such a device.

Abstract: A pre-concentration device is provided for a gas analysis system (10) for collecting molecular contamination in a vacuum environment (11). The pre-concentration device (13) comprises a hollow element (15) having an entrance opening (20) for receiving molecules from the vacuum environment (11) in a collection phase, a gas outlet for transferring collected molecules to a vacuum compatible detector or second preconcentration device in a transfer phase. The device has an inner wall for adsorbing molecules in the collection phase and desorbing molecules in the transfer phase. The device has a filler element (14) that is movable from a first position outside the hollow element in the collection phase to a second position inside the hollow element in the transfer phase which second position leaves open a transfer channel to the gas outlet along the inner wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing and inspecting containers coated by means of a plasma treatment, e.g. plastic bottles, which are coated for instance with amorphous silicon oxide or carbon compounds. The containers are tested by a measuring device trace-gas-analytically, e.g. mass-spectrometrically, for undesired foreign substances, such as acetaldehyde and/or antimony, escaping from the container material after a plasma coating treatment.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing a hydrogen sensor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a thin film made of a transition metal or an alloy thereof on a surface of an elastic substrate, and forming a plurality of nanogaps in the thin film formed on the surface of the elastic substrate by applying a tensile force to the elastic substrate. The nanogaps are formed as the thin film is stretched in a direction in which the tensile force acts while being contracted in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tensile force acts when the tensile force is applied, and is contracted again in the direction in which the tensile force is released while being stretched again in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tensile force is released when the tensile force is released.

Abstract: A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for sensing air quality. In some embodiments, materials from mitochondrial membranes, and/or material that is present in mitochondrial membranes can be used as a detection system to optically detect the presence and/or absence of various materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pollution measurement apparatus which measures a pollutant concentration and a pollutant component in gas, and more particularly a pollution measurement apparatus for easily exchanging a sensor, which can facilely exchange only desired sensors when it is required to exchange part of multiple sensors for sensing pollution.

Abstract: A system and method for taking a sample of hydrogen gas and conditioning that sample so that extremely low levels of contamination can be more accurately detected. Initially a sample of hydrogen gas is captured and isolated in a collection chamber. A hydrogen permeable membrane is provided having a first side and a second side. The first side of the hydrogen permeable membrane is exposed to the gas sample held within the collection chamber. The hydrogen gas contained within the gas sample begins to permeate through the hydrogen permeable membrane and exit the collection chamber. This causes the pressure of the gas sample within the collection chamber to decrease. Since contaminants remain in the collection chamber, the concentration of contaminants within the remaining sample increases exponentially. The residual pressure within the collection chamber is measured and converted into a contaminant level reading.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing analyte is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensor array columns, each sensor array column including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being adapted for sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and output a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter, a heating element for selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array including a plurality of VCOs, each VCO adapted to receive an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays and for and generating an output oscillation frequency in accordance with the level of the received output current, and a counter array including a plurality of counters, each counter adapted to receive an output from a corresponding VCO and count a number of oscillations over a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of airborne impurities in confined spaces are disclosed. In one embodiment, a detection system to detect impurities in a confined chamber comprises an emitter to emit radiation, at least one channel positioned proximate the emitter to receive radiation from the emitter at a first end of the channel, and a receiver positioned proximate a second end of the channel to receive radiation from the emitter, and generate a first signal in response to the radiation received from the emitter. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods in which one or more miniature synthetic jet actuators are integrated with a chemical fluidic sensor (ChemFET) to effect inhalation and exhalation of ambient gas samples and induce small scale mixing at the surface of the sensor. The fluidically integrated jet transports ambient gas or liquid into the jet/sensor assembly through integrated gas or liquid channels, impinges the sample gas or liquid on the sensing element, and finally ejects the sample gas or liquid back into the ambient gas or liquid. The response of the sensor in the presence of the active jet is compared to its response when the jet is inactive. The jet actuator directs entrained ambient gas or liquid toward the active surface of the sensor, and the impingement of sample gas or liquid onto the surface of the sensor results in faster response time. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting portions of a target sample are disclosed herein. A method for detecting the presence and/or properties of a target sample can include selectively collecting a portion of a target sample with a sample collector and detecting, with the sample collector, the presence of one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. The method also includes analyzing, with the sample collector, the one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. Based on the analysis, the method further includes reporting, from the sample collector, a real-time indication of the analysis of the one or more properties of the target sample. The method can also include at least partially removing the microscopic portion of the target sample from the sample collector.

Abstract: Provided are an environmental gas sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The environmental gas sensor includes an insulating substrate, metal electrodes formed on the insulating substrate, and a sensing layer in which different kinds of nanofibers are arranged perpendicular to each other on the metal electrodes. Thus, the environmental gas sensor can simultaneously sense two kinds of gases.

Abstract: A cargo shipment security system includes a flexible body configured to completely enclose and contain cargo within an internal environment having a predetermined pressure. The system includes a sealable vacuum port disposed on and through the body and configured to couple with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the internal environment. The system includes one or more sealable ports disposed on and through the body, positioned to cause a turbulent flow through a predetermined volume of the internal environment of the body when the vacuum source is applied at the vacuum port and fluid is caused to enter the internal environment. The system includes one or more detectors positioned to intercept fluid flowing from the internal environment to an external environment outside the body, in such a way as to enable detection of the presence of a substance exiting from the internal environment.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection in the food industry. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from a foodstuff and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system of screening the content of an enclosure, such as a cargo container, for the presence of one or more target substances, such as explosives or drugs, comprising drawing air from the enclosure and passing the drawn air across at least one sampling card having a coating configured to absorb/adsorb the one or more target substances and thereafter analyzing the sampling card to determine if the coating has absorbed/adsorbed one or more target substances. The system embodiment includes a vacuum source, a conduit coupled to the vacuum source and a sampling card holder disposed along the conduit. The sampling card holder removably holds at least one sampling card having a coating thereon configured to absorb/adsorb the one or more target substances, so that air drawn into the conduct from the enclosure passes across the at least one sampling card.

Abstract: Disclosed are means for monitoring the levels of air pollution in urban areas for the purpose of optimizing the conditions of airflow ventilation of buildings according to air pollution levels in their area. The invention supplies data in real time regarding local air pollution levels or relative levels, i.e. current air pollution levels in relation to previous ones. The disclosed system and method makes use of the fluctuations in air pollution levels in order to achieve optimal reduction of air pollution levels inside buildings. The system defines optimal times for ventilation in order to achieve a significant and persisting improvement of indoor air quality, in a routine manner, by using measurements of nondeterministic, continuous and effective fluctuations in air pollution levels at the surroundings of each building, specifically in locations which don't include monitoring stations.

Abstract: A method is proposed for characterizing a totality of particles. The method can be used in particular for characterizing microparticular or nanoparticular aerosols. The method comprises the following steps: a) in a classification step, a class of the totality is selected, wherein the particles of the selected class have a prespecified mobility dm; b) in a counting step, a number N of the particles of the selected class is determined; c) in a charge determination step, a charge Q of the particles of the selected class is determined; and d) in an evaluation step, at least one morphological parameter is determined from the charge Q, the number N and the mobility dm, wherein the morphological parameter comprises at least one item of information about an agglomerate state of the particles.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method for managing a pollution prevention facility and a system for effectively managing the pollution prevention facility which can exhaust pollutants, and a system thereof. A method for managing a pollution prevention facility includes a first measuring step of measuring pollutants before a pollution prevention facility treats a pollutant outlet; a second measuring step of measuring the amount of pollutants after the pollution prevention facility treats the pollutant outlet; and a managing step of managing an exchange period of a filling material provided in the pollution prevention facility.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection device 100 includes a first electrode 1 whose one surface is covered with an inter-electrode dielectric material 4; a second electrode 2 disposed on the side of the one surface of the first electrode 1, to perform the discharge of electricity by a voltage applied between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode; and a pair of measurement electrodes 5, 15 disposed on the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4 so as to face each other; characteristic measurement means 3 for measuring electric characteristics between the pair of measurement electrodes 5 and 15; and particulate matter amount calculation means 13 for obtaining the amount of the particulate matter 11 collected by the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4, based on the change amount of the electric characteristics.

Abstract: A system includes an electrical generator comprising a stator, a rotor, and a gas coolant path through an interior of the electrical generator and at least one fiber optic purity sensor configured to sense a gas purity of a flow of a gas coolant through the gas coolant path.