초록 ▼

An apparatus or method of the present invention measures carbon monoxide included in a hydrogen-rich reactant gas with high precision, and also measures a lower alcohol or another organic compound included in the reactant gas. A carbon monoxide sensor (1) includes an electrolyte membrane (10), a pai

An apparatus or method of the present invention measures carbon monoxide included in a hydrogen-rich reactant gas with high precision, and also measures a lower alcohol or another organic compound included in the reactant gas. A carbon monoxide sensor (1) includes an electrolyte membrane (10), a pair of electrodes (12,14) arranged across the electrolyte membrane (10) to form a sandwich structure, a pair of holders (20,22) for supporting the sandwich structure as well as pair of metal plates (16,18), and an insulating member 24 for connecting the holders (20,22) with each other. A gas flow conduit (28) is joined with one holder (20), and a gaseous fuel is fed to the electrode (12) via the gas flow conduit (28). The electrode (14) supported by the other holder (22) is exposed to the atmosphere. A resistor (34) is connected to detection terminals (20T,22T) of the holders (20,22), and a potential difference between both terminals of the resistor (34) is measured with a voltmeter (32). The voltmeter (32) outputs a signal representing the measured potential difference to an external control system. The control system determines the degree of poisoning and the concentration of carbon monoxide, based on the signal representing the measured potential difference.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for detecting an organic compound included in a hydrogen-containing reactant gas, said apparatus comprising:a sandwich structure comprising an electrolyte membrane and first and second electrodes with a catalyst carried thereon, said first and second electrod

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for detecting an organic compound included in a hydrogen-containing reactant gas, said apparatus comprising:a sandwich structure comprising an electrolyte membrane and first and second electrodes with a catalyst carried thereon, said first and second electrodes being arranged across said electrolyte membrane;a reactant gas supply conduit for supplying said reactant gas to said first electrode;an oxygen gas supply conduit for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to said second electrode;potential difference measurement means for measuring a potential difference between said first and second electrodes;an elastic member for pushing up said sandwich structure from the side of said second electrode;a communicating conduit which communicates with said reactant gas supply conduit and emits said reactant gas to the air; anda valve mechanism which is positioned in said communicating conduit and utilizes said sandwich structure to be pushed up by said elastic member as a valve, said valve mechanism being driven to an open position by overcoming the pressing force applied by said elastic member and moving said valve when a pressure in said reactant gas supply conduit becomes greater than a predetermined level.