Explosimeter

Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analysed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.

Abstract: A gas detection system and method are provided for determining the type of gas present and the concentration of the gas in terms of a percentage of a specific level of the gas. This percentage level may be in terms of a lower explosive limit level of a combustible gas. The system generally includes a testing chamber, a detection channel apparatus, a memory for storing a plurality of gas signature tables, and a programmed controller for determining the identity and concentration level of a gas. The system and method further provide for the accurate determination of gas concentration level at very high and low concentration levels by weighted average computation.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a gas detector, a reference gas generator, and a circuit. The reference gas generator includes a heater and a gas releasing material. The gas releasing material is in proximity to the heater such that, when the heater is energized during calibration, the gas releasing material releases an overpressure of a reference gas to the gas detector and such that, when the heater is not energized, the gas releasing material releases no substantial overpressure of the reference gas to the gas detector. The circuit energizes the heater during calibration and is responsive to an output of the gas detector during the period when the gas detector is provided the reference gas so as to calibrate the gas sensor.