2-22 Operational Theory Model 3000PA
Teledyne Analytical Instruments
analyzed. The Micro-Fuel Cell is therefore a hybrid between a battery and a
true fuel cell. (All of the reactants are stored externally in a true fuel cell.)
2.2.2 Anatomy of a Micro-Fuel Cell
The Micro-Fuel Cell is a cylinder only 1ΒΌ inches in diameter and 1
inch thick. It is made of extremely inert plastic, which can be placed confi-
dently in practically any environment or sample stream. It is effectively
sealed, although one end is permeable to oxygen in the sample gas. The
other end of the cell is a contact plate consisting of two concentric foil rings.
The rings mate with spring-loaded contacts in the sensor block assembly and
provide the electrical connection to the rest of the analyzer. Figure 2-1
illustrates the external features.
Figure 2-1: Micro-Fuel Cell
Refer to Figure 2-2, Cross Section of a Micro-Fuel Cell, which illus-
trates the following internal description.
Figure 2-2. Cross Section of a Micro-Fuel Cell (not to scale)
At the top end of the cell is a diffusion membrane of Teflon, whose
thickness is very accurately controlled. Beneath the diffusion membrane lies