Detection of gases or vapors in air involves using a sensor element having a gas sensitive layer and heated by using an electric heater

摘要

Process for detecting gases or vapors in air using a gas involves using a sensor element having a gas sensitive layer and is heatable using an electrical heater. The temperature of the sensor element (11) is controlled and the reference temperature is changed depending on the value or the time period of the sensor signal using a disturbance variable compensation periodically. An Independent claim is included for a sensor device for detecting gases or vapors. The sensor element (11) is arranged in a housing (40) which protects the sensor element (11) from air movements from the outside. The housing (40) has a diffusion layer (47) through which it is possible per diffusion to inverse a flow of gas and vapor from the outside to the inner housing (40).