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A silicon-glass-based microfabricated wide range thermal distribution gas flow meter

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A silicon-glass-based microfabricated wide range thermal distribution gas flow meter
Authors: Xue, N.1,2 ningxue@utdallas.edu, Yan, W.P.2
Source: Sensors & Actuators A: Physical. Jan2012, Vol. 173 Issue 1, p145-151. 7p.
Subjects: Gas flow, Flow meters, Miniature electronic equipment, Gas dynamics, Thin films, Silica
Abstract: Abstract: Recently, there has been high demand on miniaturizations of bio-instruments and wide range gas flux measurement in the field of chemistry and mechanics. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a silicon-glass-based thermal distribution gas flow meter (20mm×10mm×1.6mm) with a wide detection range. To facilitate the fabrication and maintain the stability of the sensor, a platinum (Pt) thin film was adopted as the heater and thermometers. Both the thermal property and temperature sensitivity of Pt thin film were characterized. SiO2 passivation layers were deposited on top of the Pt film to prevent thermal and electrical shift of sensitive elements. Three pairs of thermometers were constructed beside the heater. Sensitivity and gas flux range of the gas flow meter can be increased by alternate use of these three sensor pairs. We also introduced a specific hardware control circuit system for real-time gas flux monitoring through the connection with a computer interface. The proposed gas flow sensor device was capable of measuring gas flux within the range of 0.8–2800ml/min, thus demonstrating the potential for a wide range of applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Abstract: Recently, there has been high demand on miniaturizations of bio-instruments and wide range gas flux measurement in the field of chemistry and mechanics. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a silicon-glass-based thermal distribution gas flow meter (20mm×10mm×1.6mm) with a wide detection range. To facilitate the fabrication and maintain the stability of the sensor, a platinum (Pt) thin film was adopted as the heater and thermometers. Both the thermal property and temperature sensitivity of Pt thin film were characterized. SiO2 passivation layers were deposited on top of the Pt film to prevent thermal and electrical shift of sensitive elements. Three pairs of thermometers were constructed beside the heater. Sensitivity and gas flux range of the gas flow meter can be increased by alternate use of these three sensor pairs. We also introduced a specific hardware control circuit system for real-time gas flux monitoring through the connection with a computer interface. The proposed gas flow sensor device was capable of measuring gas flux within the range of 0.8–2800ml/min, thus demonstrating the potential for a wide range of applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
ISSN:09244247
DOI:10.1016/j.sna.2011.11.022