Abstract: A highly accurate gas sensor includes a circuit having an improved S/N ratio. First ends of a heat generating element and reference resistor brought into contact with a detected gas are commonly connected, and second ends are respectively connected to a first switch. The first switch is connected with a power source apparatus for supplying a current to the heat generating element or reference resistor. A voltage measuring portion measures a voltage across the heat generating element or reference resistor. An operating portion switches the first switch between the reference resistor and heat generating element by a predetermined timing by determining a condition of controlling a power source apparatus for supplying at least 3 stages of step-like currents to the heat generating element from the voltage across the reference resistor. A voltage measuring portion measures the voltage across the heat generating element and calculates a concentration of a detected gas.

Abstract: A breathing tube for a sensor (9) with a horizontally extending grip element (11) shall be improved such that the sensor (9) assumes a preferred position in relation to the connecting component (1). To accomplish the object, a wall section (7), which extends flush and at the level of grip element (11), is provided at the connecting component.

Abstract: In a procedure for measuring the concentration of a target gas, a gas sensor is provided whose sensor signal at constant temperature is dependent on a target gas concentration and has a lower measurement sensitivity in a first modulation range than in a second modulation range. The position of the modulation ranges is dependent on the temperature. The temperature of the gas sensor is controlled so that the sensor signal is essentially independent of the target gas concentration and lies within the second modulation range. The temperature of the gas sensor is then a measurement for the target gas concentration.

Abstract: A three-wafer channel or column structure for a fluid analyzer. The structure may have a support member, membrane, or support wafer containing heaters and interactive elements. The membrane may have a channel of one wafer facing the interactive element side and a space of another wafer facing the other side. The membrane may have perforations to equalize the pressures on both sides of the membrane. A detector in the membrane may have exposure to both the channel and space for good sensitivity, as the sample may be on both sides of the membrane. The wafers may be bonded with a thin film of non-flowing viscous material. Capillaries may be attached to an inlet and outlet of the channel and be parallel to an elongated dimension of the channel.

Abstract: A multi-purpose concentration sensor (MPCS) for organic compounds/gases or other compounds/gases tests the concentration of target content of the compound/gas such as methanol dissolved in certain solvents like water, where the exemplary methanol solution is called target solution, where the sensor can optionally or alternatively test the concentration of gas state target content like methanol vapor in a gas mixture and where the gas mixture to be tested is called target gas. The MPCS comprises two chambers or flow passages, a ‘separate’ structure, one or more diffusion or transport structures, one or more transfer structures, optionally includes one or more temperature control structures, one or more aim sensors, and optionally, one or more thermal management structures.

Abstract: A micro fluid analyzer that may be highly sensitive, fast and very compact. The analyzer may use sufficiently low power per analysis to be easily implemented with an equivalently small battery pack or other portable power source. There may be energy conservation features in the analyzer, such as optimal adsorber film thicknesses in the pre-concentrator, concentrator and chromatographic separators. There may be special timing of the phased heating elements in the concentrators and separators to further reduce energy consumption. Various kinds of detectors and sensors may be incorporated in the analyzer for achieving low probability for false positives and detection versatility. There may be a controller that provides data acquisition and analyses, drive signals for control, management of wireless signal transmission and reception, processing, and other operational uses of the micro analyzer.

Abstract: Nitrogen concentration in a fuel-cell stack is estimated more accurately, hence the life of the fuel-cell is prevented from being reduced by operation performed when the impurity concentration in the anode increases. The fuel-cell system comprises: stack temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the fuel-cell stack; fuel electrode pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the fuel electrode; and standing time measuring means for measuring the standing time.

Abstract: A gas measuring device for measuring a presence of a target gas in a fluid medium includes a sensor having a sensing element and a heating element being configured to heat the sensing element to a predetermined operating temperature. The sensing element is responsive to the target gas such that at least one electrical property of the sensing element varies based on a presence of the target gas, and the electrical property of the sensing element is measured by the gas measuring device. The gas measuring device also includes a control circuit having a heating element controller connected to, and measuring an electrical property of, the heating element. The control circuit also includes a heater power supply supplying power to the heating element, wherein the heating element controller is connected to, and controls the operation of, the heater power supply based on the measurement of the electrical property of the heating element.

Abstract: A test adapter for the saturated vapor calibration of gas-measuring devices. The test adapter (2) has, in an adapter housing (15), a peripheral edge (7) for receiving a gas-measuring device and has a depression (10) for receiving the sample liquid in the area of the gas-sensitive surface of the gas-measuring device.

Abstract: A duct mounted environmental sensing unit includes a plurality of sensors for detecting respective parameters of a fluid in a duct. The sensing unit enables at least three sensors to make contact with the fluid through a single insertion point in the duct.

Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.

Abstract: Floating bubble jar gas dryer include a container floating in glycol on top of input gas sample pipe. The gas flow pressure regulates the depth of sinking of the floating container in the drying liquid (glycol for water). Small holes at the bottom of the floating container disperse the gas into the liquid where the diffusion process absorbs the moisture from the gas sample.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a component of a gaseous fluid containing multiple components. The sensor includes a housing, which delimits a measuring chamber and which accommodates a measuring chip having a heatable diaphragm. The housing has at least one opening which allows convective heat transport.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a dielectric base having a face, a heater element on the face, electrodes connected to the heater element, and a gas sensor element on the heater element that when heated changes impedance when in contact with a predetermined gas. The element is in electrical contact with the heater element. A power supply connected to the heater element electrodes energizes same and heats the gas sensor to its operating temperature. A sensor electrode is also in contact with the sensor element so that the impedance of the sensor element can be measured between the sensor electrode and one of the heater element electrodes.

Abstract: A modular system for monitoring a hydrogen-cooled generator includes a skid having a platform, a support attachable to said platform and attachable to a plurality of modules for monitoring the hydrogen-cooled generator, and at least one module for monitoring the hydrogen-cooled generator. The module may include a vibration monitoring module. The monitoring modules may allow monitoring the operation of the hydrogen-cooled generator and generating data such as an optimization factor regarding the performance of the hydrogen-cooled generator. The module may be connected via a communications link to a remote control center.

Abstract: A sensor element for gas sensors for determining the concentration of particles in gas mixtures, especially soot sensors, having at least one measuring device exposed to the gas to be determined, at least one heating element integrated into the sensor element and at least one temperature measurement element integrated into the sensor element, the heating element being situated within the sensor element spatially between the measuring device and the temperature measurement element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing the hydrogen-gas compatibilities, hydrogen-gas embrittlement susceptibilities, hydrogen-gas containment performances, and/or the hydrogen-gas pressure-cycling durabilities, of hollow enclosures (“test specimens”), with single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer walls, composed of various barrier materials, are disclosed. Barrier materials include but are not limited to: carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, a polymeric material (e.g., high-density polyethylene), and a liquid material (e.g., water, or an aqueous solution). The test gas is either high-purity hydrogen or a hydrogen-bearing gas mixture (e.g., hydrogen gas mixed with methane/natural gas and/or biomethane). A key piece of the testing equipment is an enclosure that surrounds the test specimen. Fabricated from high-strength, porous solid material (e.g.

Abstract: A nano-particle containing apparatus, a nano-particle detection system and a method are disclosed. The nano-particle containing apparatus includes a casing, an air extracting device, a pressure device and a measuring instrument. The casing has a containing space for disposing a plurality of nano-particles. An internal wall surface of the casing has active self-cleaning function. The pressure control device controls the pressure status of the containing space. The active self-clean function is that nano-particles adhered to the internal surface wall are removed into the containing space. The nano-particles then are pumped by the air extracting device from the containing space. The measuring instrument then detects the status of an object affected by the nano-particles after the object is delivered into the containing space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for measuring a gas consumption by means of a gas meter. A gas meter with thermal mass flow sensor for determining mass flow signals (SM) and with a calibration as energy meter for outputting energy value signals (SE) is known. According to the invention, a gas type is determined by the gas meter insofar as combustible and non-combustible gas mixtures are differentiated. The gas meter is operated, in the case of a non-combustible gas mixture, with calibration in mass or standard volume units (I/min) and, in the case of a combustible gas mixture, with calibration in energy units (kWh). Embodiments concern inter alia: measurement of a gas parameter (?, ?, c, ?) of the gas or determining the gas type; gas quality sensor with an identical construction to thermal flow sensor; measuring intervals lengthened in the case of non-combustible gas and shortened in the case of combustible gas.

Abstract: The resistance of an oxygen sensor heating element is estimated by modeling the effects of physical and electrical heating on the resistance of the heating element lead-in conductors, and subtracting the lead-in conductor resistance from a measure of the heating circuit resistance. The lead-in conductor resistance model is based on the temperature of the oxygen sensor boss and the current carried by the lead-in conductors. The heating element temperature is calculated from the determined heating element resistance and initial (cold-start) parameters of the heating circuit.

Abstract: An acoustic wave flow sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate and a heater located immediately below the acoustic wave substrate. A heating element can be deposited in association with a plurality of acoustic wave components upon the acoustic wave substrate. The acoustic wave components, the piezoelectric substrate, the heater and the heating element operate in a high-condensation environment, such that the plurality of acoustic wave components are heated directly by the heater and/or the heating element, thereby promoting a desorption of water in the high-condensation environment in order to achieve accurate and reliable flow sensing data thereof.

Abstract: A micro fluid analyzer having a concentrator and two or more separators. The analyzer may have one, two or more pumps. The analyzer may have a hyper pre-concentrator having a number of channels. There are numerous detectors positioned along the flow path of the analyzer. Also, one or more orifices and micro valves may be positioned in the flow path. The concentrator may have an array of phased heater elements that provide a heat pulse that moves along the fluid path to provide an increasing concentration of heat. The analyzer may be configured as a multiple fluid or gas chromatograph.

Abstract: A sensor is provided which is able to determine the level of contaminant gas within a gas stream. In particular, the sensor is able to detect the level of hydrogen gas contamination within an oxygen containing gas stream, or the oxygen gas contamination within a hydrogen containing gas stream. The sensor has a first temperature measurement device which measures a first temperature within a catalyst bed which catalyst bed catalytically effects the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to produce heat. The first temperature is compared to the temperature of the original gas stream measured using a second temperature measurement device. The difference in the first and second temperatures provides a heat signature which can be related to the contaminant gas concentration. A simple, cost effective and reliable contaminant gas sensor is provided.

Abstract: In order to provide a step capable of reliably detecting a CO concentration in a reformed gas at low cost and a hydrogen purifier capable of fully exerting a function of a CO purifying catalyst, a gas concentration detector comprising a reaction chamber which has a catalyst layer and a gas temperature detector and capable of detecting the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas by means of a signal of the temperature detector referring to a reformed gas passing along through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an analyte in a gas. The apparatus includes a gas collecting device within the apparatus for collecting the gas containing the analyte, a gas input in fluid communication with the gas collecting device for inputting the gas containing the analyte into the gas collecting device, an analyte interactant in fluid communication with the gas collecting device, wherein the analyte interactant, when contacted by the analyte, reacts to cause a change in thermal energy within the gas collecting device, the anlayte interactant being disposed in a plurality of regions separate from one another, a thermopile device comprising at least one thermopile thermally coupled to the gas collecting device to generate a signal in response to the change in thermal energy, wherein the signal comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte. A related method also is disclosed.

Abstract: Device for measuring thermodynamic characteristics of a fluid sample, comprising in combination: a high-pressure cell (6) equipped with a motorized piston, a drying oven surrounding the cell and intended to vary the cell temperature, motorization means arranged outside the drying oven, means for stirring the fluid placed within the cell, a frame supporting said oven and means (1) for tilting said frame so as to tip the cell up. The cell comprises:—a specific head for measurements on condensate gas wherein a chamber (42) of elongate shape along the axis of the cell is intended to collect the liquids, and—means (44) for visualizing the position of the liquid/gas interface.

Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.

Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a heat conducting metallic contact pad having a contact surface. A sensor probe is embedded in the contact pad. Conductive wires extend through the contact pad and are connected to the sensor probe.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes a hydrogen-absorbing material, a thermoelectric element, an electrical circuit for driving the thermoelectric element, a thermometer for the hydrogen-absorbing material, a temperature control circuit for maintaining the hydrogen-absorbing material at a constant temperature using the thermoelectric element, a unit for calculating the exothermic value of the hydrogen-absorbing material based on the electrical current flowing from the drive circuit, and a unit for calculating the hydrogen uptake of the hydrogen-absorbing material based on the exothermic value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes filter for removing a non-tracer gas from detection system and control unit for detecting the presence a low concentration tracer gas in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer having a concentrator and separator for concentrating and separating fluid samples at pressures up to about 10,000 psi (˜700 bar). The concentrator and separator may consist of a solid-state thin-film heater-adsorber and a channel supported by a solid substrate. The concentrator may have numerous heated interactive elements for adsorbing and desorbing constituents of a sample fluid. The interactive elements may be heated in a time phased sequential manner by heaters. The separator may separate the sample fluid by compound. There may be thermal conductivity detectors, a flow sensor and electrical conductivity detectors proximate to the channels. This system of concentrator, separator, heaters and sensor may provide information about the sample fluid composition. A pump may be connected to the channel to move the sample fluid through it.

Abstract: When the ignition switch of a vehicle is turned OFF, a purging process for increasing the flow of an off-gas fluidizing in each of the outlet side pipings of a fuel cell and discharging water remaining in a fuel cell system to an outside is started to be executed, and the amount of current conductance to the heater of the gas sensor is increased synchronously with the start of the execution of the purging process. With the completion of the purging process, the fluidization of the off-gas in each of the outlet side pipings stops, and the amount of current conductance to each of the units of the gas sensor (for example, an electrifying voltage) is gradually decreased depending on a predetermined current conductance reducing amount which is preset, thereby stopping the current conductance to each of the units and the amount of current conductance to the heater is gradually decreased, thereby stopping the current conductance to the heater.

Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas analyzer comprising: a measuring volume (2), a radiation source (1) for providing a beam to pass said measuring volume; a heat sink (16) for said radiation source; at least one thermal detector (3) having a hot junction within a support structure and receiving the radiation and a cold junction for reference within the same support structure and protected from said radiation; at least one optical bandpass filter (9) between said hot junction and said radiation source; and a thermal mass (11), which is formed of a material having high thermal conductance. The thermal mass has a cavity with a bottom step (34) and a rim (32), and a first length therebetween. The support structure has a frontal edge (35) and a base plate lip (33), and a second length therebetween. There is a radial gap between the thermal mass and the support structure.

Abstract: A micro fluid analyzer having a concentrator and separator. A strip continuous through a channel in the concentrator may provide a hot zone that may move with the flow of fluid through the channel of the concentrator to provide a concentration of heat in the flow. A pump may provide a flow to the fluid through the analyzer. Detectors may be positioned at places where the fluid may flow. A processor or controller may be connected to the strip, separator, pump and detectors. The concentrator, separator, detectors and processor may be integrated on one chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effective composition of a mixture of gases including a plurality of hydrocarbon gases, the method comprising selecting one or more effective hydrocarbons to represent the plurality of hydrocarbon gases in the gas mixture, the number of effective hydrocarbons being less than the number of hydrocarbon gases in the gas mixture whose composition is to be determined; measuring a number of characteristics of the gas mixture whose effective composition is to be determined, the number of characteristics to be measured being one less than the total number of components to be determined and determining the effective composition of the mixture of gases from the measurements of the characteristics of the gas mixture, a predetermined parameter dependent upon the characteristic measured and knowing that the sum of the components of the gas mixture equals 100%.

Abstract: A modular system for monitoring a hydrogen-cooled generator includes a skid having a platform and an upwardly extending support. The support is attachable to a hydrogen gas purity monitoring module, a generator overheat monitoring module, a hydrogen gas dryer module, a gas/generator monitoring module, and a gas manifold. The gas/generator monitoring module allows monitoring the operation of the hydrogen-cooled generator and generating data regarding the performance of the hydrogen-cooled generator. The gas/generator monitoring module may display an optimization factor or data regarding the performance of the hydrogen-cooled generator, and/or may be connected via a communications link to a remote control center.

Abstract: A measuring head for the determination of the concentration of a paramagnetic gas in a gas sample has first and second housing parts (21, 2) made of a steel alloy for accommodating a magnet coil body (4, 5) each. The magnet coil bodies extend concentrically around the central axis of each housing part (21, 2). Metallic bars (31, 3), which are used as magnet poles for the measuring head, are located at spaced locations with a defined air gap in the assembled state of the measuring head. The bars are arranged in the center of the measuring head in the area of the central axis of the housing parts (21, 2). A sample gas cuvette support (6) is provided in the air gap between the housing parts (21, 2) for positioning a sample gas cuvette holder (1). The sample gas cuvette support (6) is provided with a gas inlet and gas outlet (8, 81).

Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector includes separate sample gas and reference gas chambers. Each chamber has a gas inlet and a gas outlet and a sensor. The chambers are connected by at least one passageway. For example, a passageway can extend from the sample gas chamber to the reference gas chamber adjacent the gas inlets. As a further example, a passageway can be provided adjacent the gas outlets. More specifically, an exhaust passageway extends from the first passageway to the additional passageway and there is an exhaust outlet connected to the additional passageway.

Abstract: A highly compact measuring gas cell for a device for measuring the concentration of a paramagnetic gas on the basis of the change in the thermal conductivity of the paramagnetic gas, which is brought about by a change in the magnetic field. The measuring gas cell has a bottom plate (1) that carries a measuring element (1.4) for the detection of the thermal conductivity of the measured gas, electric leads, an electric measuring gas cell heater (1.2) and a temperature-dependent electric sensor element (1.3) for the detection of the temperature of the measuring gas cell. A channel plate (2) is cut out for the gas guide in the area of the measuring element (1.4) and around the measuring element (1.4). A cover plate (3), seals the measuring gas cell in the upward direction and has at least two holes for the inlet and outlet of the gas into and out of the gas guide of the channel plate (2).

Abstract: The measuring sensor, particularly a lambda probe, has a ceramic sensor member retained at a high temperature during measuring operation. It is shielded from water droplets, carried along in the gas to be analyzed, by a heated protective housing, permeable for the gas to be analyzed, by which water droplets carried along in the direction of the sensor member are evaporated before reaching the sensor member. In this way, the water droplets are unable to cause any shock-like temperature drops at spots on the surface of the sensor member or material flaking.

Abstract: A gas sensor configuration comprises a radiation-emitting radiation device, a gas measuring chamber, a detector unit and an evaluation device. A measuring gas that contains at least one gas component is present in the gas measuring chamber. The evaluation device detects the gas component and/or its concentration depending on the output signal of the detector unit. The radiation emitting device comprises at least one source that emits a measuring radiation and at least one reference radiation source, the latter being switched on periodically to measure the aging state of the source that emits the measuring radiation. The evaluation device detects the aging of the source that emits the measuring radiation on the basis of deviations with respect to the output signals of the detector unit when the reference radiation source and the source that emits the measuring radiation are switched on, and, if necessary, compensates for the aging.

Abstract: A “folded leg” thermal detector microcantilever constructed of a substrate with at least one leg interposed between a fixed end and a deflective end, each leg having at least three essentially parallel leg segments interconnected on alternate opposing ends and aligned in a serpentine pattern with only the first leg segment attached to the fixed end and only the last leg segment attached to the deflective end. Alternate leg segment are coated on the pentalever with coating applied to the top of the first, third, and fifth leg segments of each leg and to the bottom of the second and fourth leg segments of each leg.

Abstract: A leak detector having a multi-stage concentrator, consisting of an array of heater elements which desorb analytes in a phased manner, in synch with the sample stream, to maximize sensitivity. The heater elements of the concentrator are coated with adsorber material on both sides of the heater elements, i.e., top and bottom sides, and have small anchor points to minimize power dissipation. The concentrated gas mixture output of the concentrator is electronically injected into a separator, which for separates the constituents of the detected analyte-fluid and recognizing the nature or source of the analyte.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes filter for removing a non-tracer gas from detection system and control unit for detecting the presence a low concentration tracer gas in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas analyzer comprising a measuring volume (6) for a sample gas mixture (G), a radiation source (1) for providing a beam (20) of electromagnetic radiation to pass said measuring volume, a heat sink (4) for said radiation source, at least one thermopile detector (9), at least one optical bandpass filter (10), electrical contact pins (12) for signal(s) in the housing of said detector, a thermal mass formed of a material having high thermal conductance. Said thermal mass has a cavity (21) and an outer surface (22), surrounding at least said detector housing in the cavity, being in contact with said detector housing, and extending towards the radiation source. There is a thermal barrier between the heat sink (4) and the thermal mass (8, 16). The gas analyzer further comprises electrical wires (15), which are composed of materials and having dimensions producing an overall thermal conductance substantially lower than that of said electrical contact pins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of determining gas concentrations in a gas mixture comprising more than one component, in which thermal conductivities of the gas mixture are determined at different temperatures, deriving therefrom the individual gas concentrations. The invention aims to improve upon this method by enabling the accuracy of measurement to be enhanced, the sensitivity to external influences to be diminished, and the constructional expenditure of a measuring apparatus to be reduced.