SEDL / STP / STP1161-EB / STP25076S

Evaluation of Metal Oxide Semiconductor and Polymer Adsorption Gas Sensors as Applied to Underground Storage Tank Leak Detection

Portnoff, MA
Manager, Sensor/Laser Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA

Grace, R
Project Manager, Carnegie Mellon Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA

Guzman, AM
Director, Carnegie Mellon Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA

Hibner, J
Laboratory Technician, Carnegie Mellon Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

Gas sensor properties are measured with the purpose of comparing two sensor technologies used for underground storage tank leak detection. Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) and the Polymer Adsorption (PA) gas sensors were tested in simulated underground storage tank environments using the Carnegie Mellon Research Institute (CMRI) automated gas testing facilities. This automated system was used to monitor the response of the sensors while dynamically exposing them to various mixtures of methane, butane and xylene. The sensors were also tested to determine the effects of humidity on their responses. Sensor responses were characterized by sensitivity, selectivity, and speed of response and recovery to the test environments. The test results are presented as a list of sensor specifications to allow the potential end user a direct comparison of these two different types of sensors.