A thick-film calormetric sensor for monitoring the concentration of combustible gases

Abstract

A calorimetric sensor consisting of two identical platinum heater/ resistance thermometer films fabricated by a thick-film metallization process is used to monitor the steady-state concentration of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon gases in a flow reactor. Platinum black and palladium are used as catalysts and are deposited either chemically or electrolytically on one of the platinum films, while the other serves as a compensating element. Experimental studies show that the sensors fabricated by this process have good sensing characteristics for the combustible gases examined.