DEVELOPMENT OF A RELIABLE METHANE DETECTOR

Present commercial combustible detectors (semiconductors or pellistors ) are basically non-selective and they could lead to a non-neglectable rate of false alarms. In order to solve the selectivity problem, we h ave designed a detection system based on the differential catalytic ac tivity uf platinum and palladium, versus the oxidation of methane. Two detesters based on semiconductor oxides and/or pellistors and their e lectronic control circuits are presented. The results of the whole sys tem and long term stability are finally given and discussed. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science S.A.