Silicon TCD for the methane and carbon monoxide detection

Abstract

Analytical model, design principles, technology and test results concerning a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) are presented. Prototype TCD units fabricated using the standard silicon IC VLSI and MEMS techniques are reported. The detectors are integrated with gas separation columns and micro-valve dosing systems. Initial tests were carried out in a gas mixture containing methane, carbon monoxide, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen.