METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE CHARGING OF CHARCOAL FILTERS

摘要

: For determining the charging of a charcoal filter with gases and vapors the acoustical and the electrical impedance of the charcoal layer are measured. The more the filter is charged the greater will be the density of the charcoal layer and therewith its acoustical conductivity. The charging of a charcoal layer with water vapor results in an increase of the acoustical as well as of the electrical conductivity. A charging with other gases or vapors however has no influence on the electrical conductivity. By comparing the acoustical impedance and the electrical impedance respectively of a partially charged charcoal layer with the impedance of a non-charged charcoal layer and by subsequent comparison of the impedance changes caused by such charging the influence of water vapor can be eliminated. A signal is generated corresponding to the charging of the charcoal filter with other vapors and gases which signal may be used for indicating the condition of the filter and for generating an alarm if the filter becomes exhausted.