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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Ionization detection system for aerosols

Patent ·
OSTI ID:862843

This invention relates to an improved smoke-detection system of the ionization-chamber type. In the preferred embodiment, the system utilizes a conventional detector head comprising a measuring ionization chamber, a reference ionization chamber, and a normally non-conductive gas triode for discharging when a threshold concentration of airborne particulates is present in the measuring chamber. The improved system utilizes a measuring ionization chamber which is modified to minimize false alarms and reductions in sensitivity resulting from changes in ambient temperature. In the preferred form of the modification, an annular radiation shield is mounted about the usual radiation source provided to effect ionization in the measuring chamber. The shield is supported by a bimetallic strip which flexes in response to changes in ambient temperature, moving the shield relative to the source so as to vary the radiative area of the source in a manner offsetting temperature-induced variations in the sensitivity of the chamber.

Research Organization:
Goodyear Atomic Corp., Portsmouth, Ohio
DOE Contract Number:
AT-(33-2)-1
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 4027165
OSTI ID:
862843
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English