초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for determining the operating condition of a gas sensor apparatus including an amperometric electrochemical sensor operating normally in a potentiostat mode. By coating the sensor with a conductive coating or by varying one or more operating conditions, a response of the senso

A method and apparatus for determining the operating condition of a gas sensor apparatus including an amperometric electrochemical sensor operating normally in a potentiostat mode. By coating the sensor with a conductive coating or by varying one or more operating conditions, a response of the sensor can be determined and compared with sensor response while operating normally. This testing enables abnormalities in sensor operation to be determined, and failure of the sensor to be predicted.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Method for testing an amperometric electrochemical sensor including a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode and an electrolyte disposed in a sensor body, a potential difference being maintained between the working electrode and the reference electrode, comprising the steps

1. Method for testing an amperometric electrochemical sensor including a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode and an electrolyte disposed in a sensor body, a potential difference being maintained between the working electrode and the reference electrode, comprising the steps of:a) at a first time, increasing or decreasing the potential difference between the working electrode and the reference electrode by a predetermined amount and determining background current of the sensor after a time necessary to achieve steady state conditions; b) determining, at the first time, a value of potential difference between the working electrode and the reference electrode at which background current from the sensor is zero; c) repeating said steps a) and b) at a later time and comparing the value of potential difference at which zero current is obtained at the later time with the value of potential difference at which zero current is obtained at the first time, and d) determining by any change in the value of said potential difference if a change in condition of said sensor has occurred.