EP1037183B1 - Gasnachweisalarmvorrichtung - Google Patents

Gasnachweisalarmvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1037183B1
EP1037183B1 EP00650013A EP00650013A EP1037183B1 EP 1037183 B1 EP1037183 B1 EP 1037183B1 EP 00650013 A EP00650013 A EP 00650013A EP 00650013 A EP00650013 A EP 00650013A EP 1037183 B1 EP1037183 B1 EP 1037183B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
processor
alarm device
gas sensing
sensing alarm
memory
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00650013A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1037183A3 (de
EP1037183A2 (de
Inventor
Michael Byrne
James Duignan
Fergus Flynn
Michael Guinee
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.)
EI Technology Ltd
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EI Technology Ltd
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1037183A2 publication Critical patent/EP1037183A2/de
Publication of EP1037183A3 publication Critical patent/EP1037183A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1037183B1 publication Critical patent/EP1037183B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • 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 invention relates to an alarm device for generating alerts in response to presence of a toxic gas such as carbon monoxide (CO).
  • a toxic gas such as carbon monoxide (CO).
  • United States Patent Specification No. 5694118 describes an alarm device for generating alerts in response to CO presence.
  • the device has a microprocessor, a sound buzzer, and different coloured LEDs to indicate sensing of toxic gas such as CO. This is apparently quite effective for providing alerts to users upon detection of CO, and a strobe light output is also provided.
  • the alarm can be annoying to people who can hear it but not reset it, and the battery is likely to be rapidly depleted.
  • US 5526280 discloses a gas alarm which gives an indication of gas concentration in a moving window.
  • Another object is to provide for more versatile calibration of such alarm devices.
  • a still further object is to allow more effective testing of such alarm devices.
  • a gas sensing alarm device comprising a ventilated housing containing a circuit comprising a toxic gas sensor, a processor connected to the sensor, and an output device to provide an alert for a user,
  • the processor comprises means for intermittently activating a light emitter at one of a plurality of discrete frequency levels, each associated with a gas concentration threshold.
  • the processor memory is a register
  • the processor comprises means for writing a flag to the register to indicate gas concentration.
  • a flag for a previous peak concentration value since reset is over-written by a flag indicating a new peak since reset.
  • the input interface comprises a button
  • the processor comprises means for recognising depression of the button initially as an input to generate an alert based on historical data, and after a pre-set time duration of pressing the button as an input to reset the memory.
  • the processor comprises means for also performing an automatic test in response to user depression of the button.
  • the processor comprises means for sampling sensor output at a higher frequency than for a normal mode when a user test instruction is detected.
  • the test sampling rate is at least once every four seconds.
  • the processor comprises means for returning to the normal mode automatically after a pre-set time period had elapsed.
  • the processor comprises a microcontroller having non-volatile memory storing calibration values in sequential location which are addressable after manufacture, and the memory includes addressable spare locations for storage of calibration values arising from re-calibration.
  • a method of programming an alarm device comprising the steps of writing a set of calibration values to a microcontroller memory sequence of locations, and if mis-calibrated, over-writing the used locations with a flag to cause the program to move to the next location.
  • the used locations are over-written with a NOP flag.
  • the test gas comprises a mixture of CO and N 2 .
  • the mixture is approximately 10%CO: 90%N 2 .
  • the environment within the enclosure is controlled to 20°C +/- 2°C temperature and 50% +/- 5% relative humidity.
  • the alarm device 1 comprises a housing 2 having an upper sliding part 3 which may be slid upwardly to reveal a compartment for batteries.
  • the sliding part 3 may be removed to reveal mains terminals in a mains-powered version of the alarm device.
  • the alarm device 1 also comprises a test/hush button 3 to allow a user to input instructions to the device 1.
  • a test/hush button 3 to allow a user to input instructions to the device 1.
  • a horn (not shown in Fig. 1) behind a ventilated part of the casing, and LEDs as follows:
  • a control circuit 10 is housed within the housing 2 and it comprises a PIC microcontroller I connected to the LEDs 4, 5, and 6, and to the test/hush button 3.
  • the controller 11 is also connected to a sound emitter 12 which provides user alerts when carbon monoxide is detected.
  • Primary batteries 13 provide rail voltage for the circuit 10.
  • a carbon monoxide sensor 14 is used for sensing carbon monoxide.
  • the circuit 10 also comprises a detector circuit 15 having two op-amps and eight pins 1-18.
  • the sensor 14 is of the type which operates on the fuel cell principle in which there is oxidation of the CO to form carbon dioxide.
  • the ions travel through the electrolyte to the counter electrode where they are consumed by reacting with oxygen from the surrounding air.
  • the electrons are taken via the contact pins into the external circuit where they are amplified, measured and returned to the counter electrode to complete the circuit and fuel the reaction.
  • the current generated is directly proportional to the concentration of CO at the working electrode. This current is converted by the circuit 10 to a voltage.
  • the current is typically 40nA per CO ppm.
  • the electrode connected to Pin 2 of the circuit 15 goes negative.
  • the output of the left-hand op-amp, at Pin 1 provides a positive voltage which causes a current to flow in a resistor R5. This maintains Pin 2 at a virtual 0V i.e. the same voltage as on Pin 3, the other input of the op-amp.
  • Two transistors Q4 and Q5 act s a current source for the rail and charge a capacitor C3.
  • the potential of C3 appears at pin 5 of the circuit 15 and the potential of Pin 6 of the circuit 15 is set by the microcontroller 11.
  • the microcontroller sets a timing register and starts charging C3 with the current source (based on Q4 and 5).
  • the voltage on Pin 1 of the circuit 15, which represents the gas concentration, is applied to pin 6 of the right hand side op amp through R3 and R7.
  • the microcontroller 11 senses it through its Pin 4. The time taken to charge C3 to this voltage represents the gas concentration.
  • the battery voltage is measured in a similar fashion (this is needed so that a low-battery beep signal can be given at the appropriate time).
  • Pins 6 and 7 of the microcontroller 11 apply essentially the battery voltage across R6 and R7. A portion of this voltage (from potential divider R6 and R7) is applied to pin 6 of the right hand side op-amp of the detector circuit 15.
  • the temperature is measured by letting a thermistor TH1 charge C3 and measuring the time to charge to a known voltage. This voltage is derived from the battery voltage and so will change as the battery depletes from 4.5V to 3.0 Volts. This is allowed for by charging C3 through R17. The time taken to charge when the supply is 4.50 volts is stored in memory at the calibration stage in the factory. The microcontroller can therefore allow for changes in the battery voltage.
  • the transistors Q1 and Q2 are provided for modulating the sound emitter 12 under control of the microcontroller 11.
  • the gas concentration is measured every 40 seconds and is indicated on Pin 1 (of the left hand op-amp).
  • the microcontroller increments a register. If gas is detected over 20 minutes the unit sounds the horn 12 and flashes the red LED 5 with on flash every 2 seconds. A flag is set in a register so the unit "remembers" that it has seen over 100ppm CO for 20 minutes.
  • the microcontroller 11 increments a register, and if the gas is present for three minutes the microcontroller 11 sounds the horn 12 and the red LED 5 flashes twice per second. A flag is set in a register so the microcontroller remembers that it has seen over 300ppm CO for three minutes. This over-rides the 100ppm CO flag.
  • the microcontroller 11 automatically performs a test of the sound emitter 12 and also checks if either the 100ppm CO flag or the 300ppm CO flag is set. If no flag is set the horn sounds and the green LED flashes. If the 100ppm CO flag is set the red LED 5 flashes (instead of the green) at every 2 seconds. If the 300ppm CO is set the red LED flashes twice per second. This indicates if the unit has sensed CO and, if so, approximately at what level.
  • the memory feature of the alarm device is very important as it gives peace of mind to the user, and it will be appreciated that this is achieved without the need for complex circuitry with digital data displays etc. It also improves user-friendliness as the user is much more likely to get into the habit of regularly checking the historical sensing while he or she was absent. This aspect also helps in identification of the source of CO because it is not essential that the user be present when the gas is detected.
  • the unit may be periodically tested in the field. Such testing is difficult with prior art units because previously a test sample of CO needs to be kept in the unit for up to 30 minutes for testing with 150 ppm CO or up to 6 minutes with 350ppm CO. To do this, it is typically necessary to remove the unit from where it is mounted and keep it in a sealed container with the CO test sample for the required time.
  • the microcontroller 11 speeding up the gas sensing routine to once every 4 seconds and continuing for about 2 minutes. If it senses CO during this period it will immediately (within 4 seconds) flash the red light at the appropriate rate corresponding to the level sensed and sound the horn just three times. After sensing the gas (or after 2 minutes whichever is shorter) it returns to normal standby. This allows the device to be rapidly tested (for example in less than 30 seconds, after allowing the gas to enter the unit). For example, a cigarette or incense stick could be held below it or a simple plastic cover could be held over it and CO injected into the cover.
  • the microcontroller 11 is used for storing calibration parameter values such as the CO sensitivity level and the low battery level.
  • calibration parameter values such as the CO sensitivity level and the low battery level.
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read only memory
  • a small number of units may be mis-calibrated due to, for example, poor test pin contacts.
  • scrappage of the unit is avoided by storing the initial values in a RETLW XX instruction at a specified location, where XX is the calibration value (8 bits). When the program needs this value it jumps to this location, executes the RETLW XX instruction, and returns with the XX value in the W (working) register.
  • a number of sequential memory locations are left vacant and the first is used for the first calibration. If it needs to be re-programmed, the first location is over-written (to all 0's). This changes the RETLW instruction to a NOP instruction.
  • a NOP instruction is one which does nothing, it just causes the program to move to the next instruction.
  • the next location is then programmed with a RETLWXY instruction, where XY is the new calibration value. When the basic program needs this value it jumps to the first location. This now contains a NOP instruction, so the program just goes to the next location containing the RETLWXY instruction. It executes the RETLW XY instruction returning to the main program with XY in the W register.
  • the device 1 can thus be re-calibrated as many times as there are spare memory locations.
  • the calibration values which are stored in these memory locations are developed using calibration equipment which consists of an airtight box with two doors on the front of it. There are eight test heads inside the box, each of which calibrates one device. Each test head contains a PCB with calibration circuitry. The test head PCB is connected to the device through pneumatic test pins which engage when the unit is placed in the fixture. There is also a mass flow controller attached to the box. This is a device which meters a know mass of 10%CO/90%N 2 mixture into the box for calibrating the units. This is below the explosive limit for CO and therefore the enclosure does not need switches and other fittings rated for explosive environments. Also, the environment is controlled to 20°C +/- 2°C and 50% +/- 5% RH.
  • the calibration circuitry consists of a PIC microcontroller connected to the device through buffer circuitry.
  • the microcontroller writes a calibration mode code to the device. This causes the device to write the CO level it measured to its memory. When this has been done, the microcontroller then calculates the average of several CO readings and writes the average reading to the calibration value location of the devices memory.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Fluid Adsorption Or Reactions (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung, die ein belüftetes Gehäuse (2) umfasst, das einen Schaltkreis (10) enthält, der Folgendes umfasst: einen Sensor für toxisches Gas (14), einen Prozessor (11), der mit dem Sensor (14) verbunden ist, und eine Ausgabevorrichtung (12, 4, 5, 6), um ein Warnsignal für einen Benutzer bereitzustellen,
    wobei der Prozessor Folgendes umfasst: einen Speicher, ein Mittel zum Speichern von Gaskonzentrationsstammdaten in dem Speicher und ein Mittel, um gemäß den gespeicherten Stammdaten nachfolgend ein Warnsignal zu erzeugen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die Vorrichtung des Weiteren eine Benützereingabeschnittstelle (3) umfasst, die mit dem Prozessor verbunden ist, und der Prozessor (11) ein Mittel zum Erzeugen eines Alarmprotokolls auf der Grundlage von Stammdaten als Reaktion auf eine Benutzereingabe umfasst.
  2. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Prozessor (11) ein Mittel umfasst, um periodisch einen Lichtsender (5) mit einem von einer Vielzahl von diskreten Frequenzpegeln zu aktivieren, die jeweils einem Gaskonzentrationsschwellenwert zugeordnet sind.
  3. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Prozessorspeicher ein Register ist und der Prozessor ein Mittel zum Schreiben eines Kennzeichens in das Register umfasst, um die Gaskonzentration anzuzeigen.
  4. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei ein Kennzeichen für einen vorangehenden Spitzenkonzentrationswert seit der Rücksetzung durch ein Kennzeichen überschrieben wird, das einen neuen Spitzenwert seit der Rücksetzung anzeigt.
  5. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Benutzereingabeschnittstelle einen Knopf (3) umfasst und der Prozessor (11) ein Mittel umfasst, um das Drücken des Knopfes anfänglich als Eingabe zur Erzeugung eines Alarmprotokolls auf der Grundlage von Stammdaten und nach einer voreingestellten Zeitspanne des Drückens des Knopfes als Eingabe zum Rücksetzen des Speichers zu erkennen.
  6. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Prozessor ein Mittel umfasst, um ebenfalls einen automatischen Test als Reaktion auf ein Drücken des Knopfes durch einen Benutzer durchzuführen.
  7. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Prozessor (11) ein Mittel umfasst, um eine Sensorausgabe bei einer höheren Frequenz als für einen Normalmodus abzutasten, wenn eine Benutzertestanweisung erfasst wird.
  8. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Testabtastrate mindestens einmal pro vier Sekunden beträgt.
  9. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, wobei der Prozessor (11) ein Mittel umfasst, um automatisch in den Normalmodus zurückzukehren, nachdem eine voreingestellte Zeitspanne verstrichen ist.
  10. Gaserfassungsalarmvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Prozessor einen Mikrokontroller (11) mit nicht flüchtigen Speicherungskalibrierungswerten an sequentiellen Speicherstellen aufweist, die nach der Herstellung addressiert werden können, und der Speicher adressierbare Reservespeicherstellen zur Speicherung von Kalibrierungswerten umfasst, die von einer erneuten Kalibrierung stammen.
EP00650013A 1999-03-05 2000-03-02 Gasnachweisalarmvorrichtung Expired - Lifetime EP1037183B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IE990186 1999-03-05
IE990186 1999-03-05
IE990368 1999-05-06
IE990368 1999-05-06

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1037183A2 EP1037183A2 (de) 2000-09-20
EP1037183A3 EP1037183A3 (de) 2003-04-09
EP1037183B1 true EP1037183B1 (de) 2005-04-13

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EP00650013A Expired - Lifetime EP1037183B1 (de) 1999-03-05 2000-03-02 Gasnachweisalarmvorrichtung

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EP (1) EP1037183B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE293270T1 (de)
DE (1) DE60019362D1 (de)
IE (2) IE20000165A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102930694A (zh) * 2012-11-16 2013-02-13 东华大学 一种防煤气中毒系统

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0117833D0 (en) * 2001-07-21 2001-09-12 Waheed Munawar Gas detector
DE10255736B4 (de) * 2002-11-29 2009-03-19 Micronas Gmbh Brennstoffzelle und Verfahren zur Herstellung
DE102004011554A1 (de) 2004-03-08 2005-09-29 Micronas Gmbh Brennstoffzellenanordnung
EP2058649B1 (de) 2007-11-06 2011-06-29 Micronas GmbH Sensor-Brennstoffzelle
CN104252768A (zh) * 2013-06-25 2014-12-31 成都旋极历通信息技术有限公司 用于飞机存储室的有害气体报警器

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5526280A (en) * 1994-04-28 1996-06-11 Atwood Industries, Inc. Method and system for gas detection
JPH08110252A (ja) * 1994-10-13 1996-04-30 Fuji Electric Co Ltd カルマン渦流量計

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102930694A (zh) * 2012-11-16 2013-02-13 东华大学 一种防煤气中毒系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IE20000165A1 (en) 2000-11-15
EP1037183A3 (de) 2003-04-09
DE60019362D1 (de) 2005-05-19
EP1037183A2 (de) 2000-09-20
ATE293270T1 (de) 2005-04-15
IES20000164A2 (en) 2000-11-01

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