2 Theory of Operation | Model 9700 |
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An optional CAUTION alarm circuit utilizes potentiometer P4 to establish the setpoint. When the setting of P4 is exceeded. transistor Q2 is turned on and relay K1 is energized, resulting in an alarm.
The optional FAILURE alarm circuit is set up so that if the detector opens up, an alarm comparator will trip and turn off a relay, which is normally energized, i.e., during the
The power supply circuitry includes transformer T1 which is a
2. 3 Detector
The basic elements of the combustible gas detector are shown in Figure 5. The two beads each consist of a very small coil of wire coated with an appropriate material. The active (or measuring) bead coating is a mixture of a catalytic material with an inert binder. This catalytic material is selected to enhance the oxidation of combustible gases. The reference bead coating is an inert material having similar thermal properties to the other bead.
Upon exposure of the detector to an atmosphere containing com- bustible gases and oxygen, these will combine at the surface of the measur- ing bead. Energy produced by this reaction will heat the active bead and cause the electrical resistance of its wire coil to change. The change in resistance of this coil is, then, for a particular gas, a measure of the reaction rate at the bead surface. The reaction rate and energy production depend strongly on the nature of the gas. By raising the temperature of the bead, the reaction rate can be increased, making the effects of different gases more nearly equal. Thus, the sensitivity of the detector is made greater and more nearly equal for different gases. This heating is accomplished by passing a constant electrical current through the wire coil supporting the bead.
TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING |
Analytical Instruments