SENSITIVITY LOSS IN CATALYTIC COMBUSTIBLE
GAS SENSORS
There are a variety of factors that can cause a decrease
in the sensitivity of catalytic type combustible gas
sensors. Interfering or contaminating substances that
can adversely affect the response of the sensor to
combustible gases are as follows:
A. Materials that can clog the pores of the sintered
metal flame arrestor and reduce the gas diffusion
rate to the sensor are:
1. Dirt and oil.
A dust cover should be installed to protect the
flame arrester whenever these conditions exist.
The dust cover can be cleaned as part of routine
maintenance. This can be accomplished using
an organic solvent and an ultrasonic bath.
2.
Corrosive products.
This occurs when substances such as Cl
2
(Chlorine) or HCl are present. A dust cover
provides some protection. The dust cover
should be replaced as part of routine
maintenance.
3.
Flame arrester clogged as a result of painting
or house cleaning.
The routine maintenance procedure should
include covering the sensor with a plastic bag
when painting or cleaning. The bag should be
removed as soon as possible when the
procedure is complete.
4.
Polymer formation in the flame arrester.
This can occur where monomer vapors such as
1-3 butadiene, styrene, isoprene, etc. are
present.
B. Substances that cover or tie up the active sites on
the catalytic surface of the active sensing element.
This occurs in the presence of volatile metal
organics, gases, or vapors of hydrides, and volatile
compounds containing phosphorous, boron,
silicone, etc.
Examples:
RTV silicone sealants
Silicone oils and greases
Tetraethyl lead
Phosphine
Diborane
Silane
Trimethyl chlorsilane
Hydrogen fluoride
Boron trifluoride
Phosphate esters
V-6
0
90
5
10
15
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
100
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
DISPLAY
READING
(%LFL)
PERCENT OF METHANE (BY VOLUME)
LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT
(100% LFL)
UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT
B1125
Figure V–4—Typical Response of Catalytic Sensor to All Possible Mixtures of Methane and Air
Содержание Eagle Quantum 95-8470-05
Страница 116: ...Figure A1 A 10...
Страница 122: ...Figure B1 B 6...
Страница 125: ...APPENDIX D D 1 95 8470...
Страница 128: ...LON is a registered trademark of Echelon Corporation Modbus is a registered trademark of Modicon Inc...