Microcombustor array and microflame ionization detector for hydrocarbon detection

Matthew Moorman; Ronald P. Manginell; Christopher W. Colburn; Deborah L. Mowery-Evans; Paul G. Clem; Nelson S. Bell; Lawrence F. Anderson

doi:10.1117/12.476318

16 January 2003 Microcombustor array and micro-flame ionization detector for hydrocarbon detection

Matthew Moorman, Ronald P. Manginell, Christopher W. Colburn, Deborah L. Mowery-Evans, Paul G. Clem, Nelson S. Bell, Lawrence F. Anderson

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4981, MEMS Components and Applications for Industry, Automobiles, Aerospace, and Communication II; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.476318
Event: Micromachining and Microfabrication, 2003, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes results from using a microcombustor to create two hydrocarbon gas sensors: one utilizing calorimetry and the other a flame ionization detector (FID) mechanism. The microcombustor consists of a catalytic film deposited on the surface of a microhotplate. This micromachined design has low heat capacity and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for heating catalysts placed on its surface. The catalytic materials provide a natural surface-based method for flame ignition and stabilization and are deposited using a micropen system, which allows precise and repeatable placement of the materials. The catalytic nature of the microcombustor design expands the limits of flammability (LoF) as compared with conventional diffusion flames; an unoptimized LoF of 1-32% for natural gas in air was demonstrated with the microcombustor, whereas conventionally 4-16% is observed. The LoF for hydrogen, methane, propane and ethane are likewise expanded. Expanded LoF permit the use of this technology in applications needing reduced temperatures, lean fuel/air mixes, or low gas flows. By coupling electrodes and an electrometer circuit with the microcombustor, the first ever demonstration of a microFID utilizing premixed fuel and a catalytically-stabilized flame has been performed; the detection of 1.2-2.9 % of ethane in a hydrogen/air mix is shown.

Citation Download Citation

Matthew Moorman, Ronald P. Manginell, Christopher W. Colburn, Deborah L. Mowery-Evans, Paul G. Clem, Nelson S. Bell, and Lawrence F. Anderson "Microcombustor array and micro-flame ionization detector for hydrocarbon detection", Proc. SPIE 4981, MEMS Components and Applications for Industry, Automobiles, Aerospace, and Communication II, (16 January 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.476318

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available