EP0511582A1 - Device for detecting atmospheric impurities - Google Patents

Device for detecting atmospheric impurities Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0511582A1
EP0511582A1 EP92106868A EP92106868A EP0511582A1 EP 0511582 A1 EP0511582 A1 EP 0511582A1 EP 92106868 A EP92106868 A EP 92106868A EP 92106868 A EP92106868 A EP 92106868A EP 0511582 A1 EP0511582 A1 EP 0511582A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
alarm
impurities
control signals
display
variable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP92106868A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Massalongo
Paolo Bolla
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EUROGIADA Srl
Original Assignee
EUROGIADA Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by EUROGIADA Srl filed Critical EUROGIADA Srl
Publication of EP0511582A1 publication Critical patent/EP0511582A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/12—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
    • G08B21/16—Combustible gas alarms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
    • G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
    • G08B17/117—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means by using a detection device for specific gases, e.g. combustion products, produced by the fire
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/12—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
    • G08B21/14—Toxic gas alarms

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for detecting atmospheric impurities in enclosed spaces, such as living spaces, public places, vehicle interior compartments and the like.
  • Gas detectors in particular detectors which are sensitive to methane gas or carbon dioxide or to carbon monoxide, for household use, are currently known; said detectors are suitable for indicating, by means of simple alarms, usually acoustic ones, the presence of explosive or noxious gases in an amount which exceeds a preset threshold.
  • This threshold is usually set at a density level per cubic meter of explosive or noxious gas in air which is lower than the characteristic risk threshold of the particular gas.
  • Such devices are unable to indicate the quality of the air in the enclosed space in which they are located. In fact they only have alarms or controls which are activated when the preset threshold is reached but provide no information at lower levels, which would be a precise and definitely better item of information regarding the state of the air.
  • the aim of the present invention is to eliminate or substantially reduce the problems described above by providing a device for detecting atmospheric impurities which provides a precise assessment of the atmosphere of the enclosed space in which it is located or, so to speak, of its "degree" of pollution.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a detection device which also indicates that specific danger thresholds have been exceeded for at least one noxious gas.
  • Not least object of the present invention is to provide a detection device which is highly reliable, easy to install and can be produced at competitive costs.
  • a device for detecting atmospheric impurities which comprises means for detecting the presence of gaseous impurities in the atmosphere, said means being suitable for emitting variable control signals, means for displaying the level of said impurities by displaying levels of said variable control signals, and an electric power supply for said detection means and for said display means.
  • a device for detecting atmospheric impurities comprises means for detecting the presence of gaseous impurities in the atmosphere, designated by the general reference numeral 1.
  • the detection means 1 generate variable control signals for controlling means, designated by the general reference numeral 2, for displaying the level of impurities by displaying levels reached by the variable control signals which flow in the electrical connection shown in solid lines in the figure.
  • the detection means 1 and the display means 2 are furthermore powered by an electric power supply 3.
  • the detection means 1 comprise at least one sensor, or a plurality of sensors, depending on whether the device must be sensitive to one or more types of impurities in the air.
  • the type of sensor or capsule suitable for being used comprises a resistor, for example of the layer type or of the filament-in-air type and in any case comprising catalyst materials, such as for example platinum and stannous dioxide, which is initially raised and kept at a temperature of approximately several tens of degrees Celsius and varies its resistance as a function of the amount of impurities of one or more gases present in the atmosphere.
  • the resistance variations of the resistor entail variations of the absorbed current, i.e. of the dissipated power, which become the variable control signals directed to the display means 2.
  • Capsules of the described type are commercially available in a wide range of formats, sizes, power dissipation capabilities and detectable gases, such as for example the sensors 812 and 813 manufactured by the Japanese company Figaro and the sensor FGS-7712 of the Japanese company Hakuto.
  • the display means 2 comprise analogue instruments, for example of the dial or deflection type, or digital instruments.
  • Preferred display means may be cathode-ray-tube displays, liquid-crystal displays or LED displays, which have the advantage of being readable under any lighting condition.
  • liquid-crystal displays and LED displays can either provide a direct reading of the momentary value of the impurities, which are indicated by means of a string of numbers, or a history reading, and thus a time-based control.
  • they are matrices of liquid crystals or of LEDs which have a time-related weight factor on the abscissa and a weight factor which indicates the impurities on the ordinate.
  • the activation of elements within this matrix according to a well-defined proportionality with respect to the ordinates and depending on the provided time interval, provides in the course of time a chart of the impurities condition in the enclosed space in which the device according to the invention is inserted.
  • a system 4 for controlling the temperature and, possibly, the humidity which subjects the detection means 1 to thermostatic control Said control system 4 thus allows to keep the sensitivity of the detection means 1 constant, even if the climatic and ambient conditions change.
  • variable control signals can advantageously control a ventilation system 5 so as to continuously vary the rotation rate of the motor or motors of said ventilation system 5 in order to provide an exchange of air between the enclosed space and the outside which is more or less intense according to the degree of pollution detected.
  • the variable control signals can conveniently also control alarm means which warn that a preset threshold of risk for the health of the persons present in the controlled enclosed space is exceeded.
  • the alarm means comprise an alarm activator 6 the threshold whereof is variable according to the different type of gas being monitored, which can selectively or simultaneously control an acoustic alarm apparatus 7, a visual alarm apparatus 8, a solenoid or electric valve 9 for closing gas ducts and a relay 10 for example for deactivating the power lines.
  • the above mentioned risk thresholds can be adjusted through adjustment means, designated by the reference numeral 11 in the figure, which can comprise at least one rotary potentiometer or at least one decade potentiometer or an adjustment device provided with a display of the selected level by numeric indication; such adjustment device can be of the pushbutton type or of the gear type.
  • the adjustment means 11 activate the alarm activator 6 if at least one risk threshold is exceeded.
  • the electric power supply 3 which must provide the various components of the above described circuit with a voltage of for example 5 volts, can comprise a power supply/transformer which converts the alternating mains voltage into the required 5 volts, or a power supply which converts a direct voltage, for example of 12 volts, into the supply voltage of the circuit, and a battery pack capable of providing, in any case, the state of the enclosed space even in case of power failure at the mains or other source.
  • Said battery pack can conveniently be of the rechargeable type, and can thus be recharged when the power supply voltage of the device according to the invention is available.
  • the device in its various versions, can be advantageously located in household rooms, work rooms and the like, as well as in interior compartments of motor vehicles, boats and aircraft.
  • the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, constituting a considerable advance with respect to known alarm devices, since it provides its users with a reference (digits, color codes and the like) for deciding whether to ventilate a room even before risk thresholds are reached, and thus reduce pollution-related dangers in enclosed spaces.

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  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials Using Thermal Means (AREA)
EP92106868A 1991-04-29 1992-04-21 Device for detecting atmospheric impurities Withdrawn EP0511582A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITVR910037A IT1249197B (it) 1991-04-29 1991-04-29 Dispositivo di rilevazione di impurita' atmosferiche
ITVR910037 1991-04-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0511582A1 true EP0511582A1 (en) 1992-11-04

Family

ID=11427322

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92106868A Withdrawn EP0511582A1 (en) 1991-04-29 1992-04-21 Device for detecting atmospheric impurities

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0511582A1 (it)
CA (1) CA2067287A1 (it)
IT (1) IT1249197B (it)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2294794A (en) * 1994-11-02 1996-05-08 William Michael Sheret Fuel leak monitoring apparatus
GB2310751A (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-09-03 Cyril William Coleman Safety system with a gas supply cut-off valve
EP0814444A2 (de) * 1996-06-22 1997-12-29 Huberg Gasmesstechnik GmbH Sicherheitsvorrichtung
EP0869318A1 (fr) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-07 D.T.N. France, Société Anonyme Dispositif de sécurité pour poêle mesurant directement le taux d'une production gazeuse
EP0962903A1 (en) * 1998-06-05 1999-12-08 Feliciano Cauzzo Safety system for suspending the supply of gas when a leak is detected
EP0961254A3 (de) * 1998-05-28 2000-06-28 Wendling Umwelttechnik Gasexplosions-Schutzgerät
EP1170710A1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2002-01-09 D'Urania Electrodomesticos Decoration Cocinas S.L. Safety device for combustible gases or liquids
ES2282006A1 (es) * 2005-04-18 2007-10-01 Servinge, S.L. Dispositivo de seguridad para instalaciones de gas y procedimiento de deteccion.
CN103345817A (zh) * 2013-06-13 2013-10-09 无锡商业职业技术学院 一种燃气安全监控控制系统
EP2749818A3 (en) * 2012-12-26 2016-10-12 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Range hood and control method thereof

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3740718A (en) * 1971-06-01 1973-06-19 Westinghouse Electric Corp Control apparatus for an environmental data system
US3955186A (en) * 1974-05-17 1976-05-04 Compugraphic Corporation Character image generation apparatus and CRT phototypesetting system
US4088986A (en) * 1976-10-01 1978-05-09 Boucher Charles E Smoke, fire and gas alarm with remote sensing, back-up emergency power, and system self monitoring
GB2101748A (en) * 1981-07-15 1983-01-19 Mine Safety Appliances Co Atmospheric sampling system
DE3237021A1 (de) * 1981-10-08 1983-05-05 Westinghouse Electrotechniek en Instrumentatie B.V., Zaandam Selektives gas/rauchdetektionssystem
GB2137389A (en) * 1983-03-30 1984-10-03 Ca Minister Nat Defence Monitoring presence of chemical agents
WO1988001057A2 (en) * 1986-08-02 1988-02-11 Hoelter Heinz Device for detecting different pollutants contained in gas streams

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3740718A (en) * 1971-06-01 1973-06-19 Westinghouse Electric Corp Control apparatus for an environmental data system
US3955186A (en) * 1974-05-17 1976-05-04 Compugraphic Corporation Character image generation apparatus and CRT phototypesetting system
US4088986A (en) * 1976-10-01 1978-05-09 Boucher Charles E Smoke, fire and gas alarm with remote sensing, back-up emergency power, and system self monitoring
GB2101748A (en) * 1981-07-15 1983-01-19 Mine Safety Appliances Co Atmospheric sampling system
DE3237021A1 (de) * 1981-10-08 1983-05-05 Westinghouse Electrotechniek en Instrumentatie B.V., Zaandam Selektives gas/rauchdetektionssystem
GB2137389A (en) * 1983-03-30 1984-10-03 Ca Minister Nat Defence Monitoring presence of chemical agents
WO1988001057A2 (en) * 1986-08-02 1988-02-11 Hoelter Heinz Device for detecting different pollutants contained in gas streams

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2294794A (en) * 1994-11-02 1996-05-08 William Michael Sheret Fuel leak monitoring apparatus
GB2310751A (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-09-03 Cyril William Coleman Safety system with a gas supply cut-off valve
EP0814444A2 (de) * 1996-06-22 1997-12-29 Huberg Gasmesstechnik GmbH Sicherheitsvorrichtung
EP0814444A3 (de) * 1996-06-22 1998-09-09 Huberg Gasmesstechnik GmbH Sicherheitsvorrichtung
EP0869318A1 (fr) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-07 D.T.N. France, Société Anonyme Dispositif de sécurité pour poêle mesurant directement le taux d'une production gazeuse
EP0961254A3 (de) * 1998-05-28 2000-06-28 Wendling Umwelttechnik Gasexplosions-Schutzgerät
EP0962903A1 (en) * 1998-06-05 1999-12-08 Feliciano Cauzzo Safety system for suspending the supply of gas when a leak is detected
EP1170710A1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2002-01-09 D'Urania Electrodomesticos Decoration Cocinas S.L. Safety device for combustible gases or liquids
ES2282006A1 (es) * 2005-04-18 2007-10-01 Servinge, S.L. Dispositivo de seguridad para instalaciones de gas y procedimiento de deteccion.
EP2749818A3 (en) * 2012-12-26 2016-10-12 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Range hood and control method thereof
CN103345817A (zh) * 2013-06-13 2013-10-09 无锡商业职业技术学院 一种燃气安全监控控制系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITVR910037A0 (it) 1991-04-29
ITVR910037A1 (it) 1992-10-29
CA2067287A1 (en) 1992-10-30
IT1249197B (it) 1995-02-20

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