Solid electrolyte sensor for monitoring combustibles in an oxygen containing environment

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A high temperature solid electrolyte electrochemical cell is operated as a combustibles sensor in an oxygen containing atmosphere. The electrodes of the solid electrolyte electrochemical cell consist of a catalytic material such as platinum. The resistance of the solid electroltye electrochemical cell is such that it changes exponentially with inverse absolute temperature. When subjected to an oxygen/fuel environment, combustion occurs at the catalytic electrodes resulting in a temperature increase at the solid electrolyte electrochemical cell which results in a significant resistance change. This resistance change is monitored as an indication of the fuel or combustible content of the …