A method of operating a particulate matter sensor having a pair of spaced apart electrodes and a heater includes accumulating particulate matter on the sensor, thereby changing resistance between the pair of spaced apart electrodes. The particulate matter sensor includes a sensing cycle that includes a deadband zone, followed by an active zone, which is followed by a regeneration zone in which the heater is operated to elevate the temperature of the particulate matter sensor to a first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time in order to oxidize the particulate matter accumulated on the particulate matter sensor. The method also includes interrupting the sensing cycle with a modified regeneration zone which is either higher in temperature or length than the regeneration zone.

A method of operating a particulate matter sensor having a pair of spaced apart electrodes and a heater includes accumulating particulate matter on the sensor, thereby changing resistance between the pair of spaced apart electrodes. The particulate matter sensor includes a sensing cycle that includes a deadband zone, followed by an active zone, which is followed by a regeneration zone in which the heater is operated to elevate the temperature of the particulate matter sensor to a first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time in order to oxidize the particulate matter accumulated on the particulate matter sensor. The method also includes interrupting the sensing cycle with a modified regeneration zone which is either higher in temperature or length than the regeneration zone.

A gas detection device and a gas detection process monitor an area for a combustible target gas. A detector (10), a compensator (11.1), a sensor array (40, 41) and an analysis unit (9) are arranged in a gas detection device housing. The detector includes an electrically conductive wire with a heating segment (20), electrical insulation around the wire and a catalytic material in the electrical insulation. The compensator extends in a plane and includes an electrical strip conductor (32) with a heating segment and a carrier plate for the strip conductor. The gas detection device applies an electrical voltage to the detector and to the compensator. The detector oxidizes the target gas with the heating segment. The sensor array measures detection variables (U10, U11) for the detector and the compensator. The analysis unit compares the two detection variables to determine if a combustible target gas is present.

A gas detection device and a gas detection process monitor an area for a combustible target gas. A detector (10), a compensator (11.1), a sensor array (40, 41) and an analysis unit (9) are arranged in a gas detection device housing. The detector includes an electrically conductive wire with a heating segment (20), electrical insulation around the wire and a catalytic material in the electrical insulation. The compensator extends in a plane and includes an electrical strip conductor (32) with a heating segment and a carrier plate for the strip conductor. The gas detection device applies an electrical voltage to the detector and to the compensator. The detector oxidizes the target gas with the heating segment. The sensor array measures detection variables (U10, U11) for the detector and the compensator. The analysis unit compares the two detection variables to determine if a combustible target gas is present.

Leak detection system and method for monitoring leaks in underground and aboveground storage tanks, pipelines or other containments, including single, double or triple wall containments are provided. A leak detection apparatus includes an oxidation chamber, a chemical marker concentrator, a mass spectrometer (MS) ion trap and a scroll vacuum pump. Vapor samples carrying marker chemicals introduced into a tank, pipeline, or other containment are injected at sample injection point into an oxidation chamber. Oxygen from an oxygen source is fed into oxidation chamber to destroy or oxidize contaminates such as hydrocarbons in the vapor without destroying or oxidizing the chemical markers. Effluent from the oxidation chamber is passed to an elongate conduit with a metal foil or screen suspended within the conduit. The marker chemicals are attracted by a chemical coating on the foil/screen and released by heating the metal. The released marker chemicals are fed into a mass spec ion trap for leakage analysis and results.

Various embodiments described herein relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems for recovering gas sensors from silicone poisoning. In an example embodiment, a method of recovering a gas sensing apparatus from silicone poisoning is provided. The method includes exposing the gas sensing apparatus to a predetermined hydrogen concentration for a period of hydrogen exposure time. The predetermined hydrogen concentration breaks down the silicon oxide bonds formed on a catalytic bead of the gas sensing apparatus. The method also includes providing a methane concentration to the gas sensing apparatus for a period of methane exposure time. The method further includes determining that the gas sensing apparatus satisfies a predetermined calibration sensitivity based on the reaction of the gas sensing apparatus to the methane concentration.

Various embodiments described herein relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems for recovering gas sensors from silicone poisoning. In an example embodiment, a method of recovering a gas sensing apparatus from silicone poisoning is provided. The method includes exposing the gas sensing apparatus to a predetermined hydrogen concentration for a period of hydrogen exposure time. The predetermined hydrogen concentration breaks down the silicon oxide bonds formed on a catalytic bead of the gas sensing apparatus. The method also includes providing a methane concentration to the gas sensing apparatus for a period of methane exposure time. The method further includes determining that the gas sensing apparatus satisfies a predetermined calibration sensitivity based on the reaction of the gas sensing apparatus to the methane concentration.

The present disclosure relates to a sensor device including a gas sensor disposed on a first substrate, a heating element disposed within the first substrate so that the gas sensor overlaps the heating element, a processor operatively coupled to the gas sensor and the heating element, and a memory storing a program to be executed by the processor. The gas sensor is configured to measure first sensor data points and second sensor data points. The program includes instructions for performing the following steps in real-time: recording first resistance values and second resistance values of the heating element; adjusting the second sensor data points using the first sensor data points, the first resistance values, and the second resistance values to obtain corrected sensor data points; and determining sensed values from the corrected sensor data points.

A heat tone sensor includes a housing with a gas inlet and with a gas outlet as well as a device for generating a gas stream of a gas to be tested between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. A measuring element, around and/or through which the gas stream flows, is configured to catalytically burn at least a portion of the gas stream and to send a measurement signal. The measurement signal indicates a quantity of heat released in the process.

A heat tone sensor includes a housing with a gas inlet and with a gas outlet as well as a device for generating a gas stream of a gas to be tested between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. A measuring element, around and/or through which the gas stream flows, is configured to catalytically burn at least a portion of the gas stream and to send a measurement signal. The measurement signal indicates a quantity of heat released in the process.