Measuring and testing – Gas analysis – Detector detail
Patent
1995-03-30
1997-12-16
Brock, Michael
Measuring and testing
Gas analysis
Detector detail
73 232, 73 2331, 422 88, 422 94, 324609, 324691, 324663, 338 34, G01N 2712, G01N 2706, H01L 2966
Patent
active
056987714
ABSTRACT:
A hydrocarbon gas detection device operates by dissociating or electro-chemically oxidizing hydrocarbons adsorbed to a silicon carbide detection layer. Dissociation or oxidation are driven by a varying potential applied to the detection layer. Different hydrocarbon species undergo reaction at different applied potentials so that the device is able to discriminate among various hydrocarbon species. The device can operate at temperatures between 100.degree. C. and at least 650.degree. C., allowing hydrocarbon detection in hot exhaust gases. The dissociation reaction is detected either as a change in a capacitor or, preferably, as a change of current flow through an FET which incorporates the silicon carbide detection layers. The silicon carbide detection layer can be augmented with a pad of catalytic material which provides a signal without an applied potential. Comparisons between the catalytically produced signal and the varying potential produced signal may further help identify the hydrocarbon present.
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Ryan Margaret A.
Shields Virgil B.
Williams Roger M.
Brock Michael
Kusmiss John H.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
Wiggins J. David
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