Hydrogen Sensor Element With Gas Separation Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring dissolved hydrogen gas in liquids are not suitable for real-time monitoring, require expensive and complex equipment, and can be affected by exposure to liquids, which degrades the sensing electrodes, and are influenced by other gases, leading to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen sensor device with a metallic gas separation film, a pumping unit, and a control system that isolates the sensing electrode from the liquid, uses a gas separation film to penetrate hydrogen gas into a sealed space, and includes an oxygen ion conductor and pumping electrodes to remove interfering gases, allowing for real-time measurement of hydrogen concentration without direct liquid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensing electrode is exposed to the liquid to measure dissolved hydrogen gas, then the measurement can be performed, but the sensing electrode degrades due to exposure to the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two separate chambers: a measurement chamber where the sensing electrode measures hydrogen concentration in the liquid, and a reference chamber where the reference electrode is exposed to reference gas. This segmentation allows the sensing electrode to contact the liquid while the reference electrode remains protected, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and sensor durability.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas-permeable membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid and the sensing electrode. The membrane allows hydrogen gas to permeate through to the sensing electrode while preventing direct contact between the liquid and the electrode, thus enabling measurement while protecting the electrode from degradation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If other gases are present in the measurement environment, then the sensor can operate in various conditions, but the accuracy of hydrogen measurement is influenced by the presence of other gases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor design creates different local environments for the two electrodes: the sensing electrode is placed in an environment where hydrogen concentration varies with the liquid being measured, while the reference electrode is placed in a controlled environment with fixed reference gas composition. This local quality differentiation allows the sensor to adapt to various operating conditions while maintaining accurate hydrogen measurements by compensating for environmental variations.
3Device complexity
If a simple measurement device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to measure in real-time and prevent electrode degradation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the two-electrode configuration simultaneously enables hydrogen concentration measurement, provides reference for accuracy, and protects against electrode degradation through the gas-permeable membrane. This merging of functions achieves real-time reliable measurement without requiring complex external equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, real-time measurement of hydrogen gas concentration in liquids without degrading the sensing electrode and minimizes interference from other gases, providing reliable and reproducible results even from a distance.
Implementation Method 1
a gas separation film, which is not capable of penetrating the liquid but is capable of penetrating the hydrogen gas
Implementation Method 2
an oxygen ion conductor and pumping electrodes to remove interfering gases
Implementation Method 3
a hydrogen sensor, a sensing electrode of the hydrogen sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
The present invention couples a housing including a gas separation membrane to a sensor unit capable of detecting the concentration of hydrogen gas such that liquid cannot permeate a closed space within the housing and only hydrogen gas dissolved in the liquid can permeate the closed space through the gas separation membrane, and detachably couples such a hydrogen sensor element to an opening of a container in which the liquid is held. Accordingly, the present invention can measure the concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas in a simple manner.