Two-stage gas measurement system
A quick-response, real-time gaseous measurement system allows for the continuous sampling of a low pressure gaseous environment. A sample of test gas from the low pressure gaseous environment is continuously extracted and pumped to a structural tee joint which is open to the atmosphere at one end to maintain the test gas at a constant pressure. The structural tee joint communicates at the other end with a heater for maintaining the test gas at a constant temperature. From the heater, the test gas is sent to a sensor which develops a voltage that is proportional to the partial pressure of the gaseous component to be measured in the test gas, a constant flow rate of test gas being provided through the heater and sensor. Since test gas pressure, temperature, and flow rate are being held constant, changes in sensor voltage are attributable only to changes in the concentration of the measured gas component.