Radiation compensator for gas sensors

Patent · Tue Feb 05 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5374112

Rudek, F

A compensator device for providing direct and automatic correction of electrolytic gas sensor performance anomalies caused by exposure of the sensor to high levels of ionizing radiation. The compensator device, which compensates for changes in sensor performance while operating in a radiation field, provides an electromotive force which directly cancels that portion of the electromotive force developed by the active electrolytic gas sensor produced by the radiation rather than by presence of the gas. The compensating device is constructed in the same configuration as the active electrolytic sensor with the exception that the sensing electrode of the compensating device is not exposed to the sample gas environment. The sensor and compensator device are connected in a circuit such that their electromotive forces oppose one another, thereby determining the difference between the signals so that the radiation induced component is removed, and only the signal representing the partial pressure of gas remains. An alternate embodiment wherein the compensating signal is generated within the same sensor housing by the addition of one more electrode is also disclosed.

• Assignee: Exo Sensors Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 4498049
• OSTI ID: 5374112
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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ELECTRODES
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