Catalytic sensors for monitoring explosive atmospheres

Catalytic sensors have a long history of use in environmental health and safety applications for detection of potentially explosive atmospheres. The active element of the modern sensor is a sophisticated microcalorimeter that measures the heat of combustion liberated as the combustible analyte is ox...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inIEEE sensors journal Vol. 1; no. 1; pp. 88 - 93
Main Author Miller, J.B.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York IEEE 01.06.2001
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Subjects
Atmosphere
Combustion
Explosives
Gas detectors
Gases
History
Hydrocarbons
Infrared detectors
Instruments
Monitoring
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Summary:Catalytic sensors have a long history of use in environmental health and safety applications for detection of potentially explosive atmospheres. The active element of the modern sensor is a sophisticated microcalorimeter that measures the heat of combustion liberated as the combustible analyte is oxidized on its catalytic surface. A well-designed sensor is sensitive for a wide range of hydrocarbon gases, provides a linear response with increasing concentration, and consumes little power. Environmental catalyst poisons, such as volatile silicones and sulfur compounds, pose the greatest threat to long sensor life. Fortunately, several approaches to eliminate or reduce the effects of poisons are available. Future catalytic sensors are likely to be smaller and more energy efficient than today's models, reflecting trends in portable instrument design. (Author)
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
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ISSN:1530-437X
1558-1748
DOI:10.1109/JSEN.2001.923591