Apparatus for detecting gaseous constituents within the inner space of

Abstract

The gas detection apparatus comprises a holder for the temporary fixation of an associated package and which contains a contact surface. A hollow needle having a tip serves to penetrate a portion of the package which is freely exposed at the region of the contact surface. This hollow needle comprises at least two channels. An element serves for the essentially gas-tight connection of the hollow needle tip with the contact surface or the part of the package freely exposed therein. A component is connected by a connection line with one channel of the hollow needle. A suitable membrane-enclosed sensor, such as an amperometric sensor defining a sensor surface formed by a semi-permeable membrane, is preferably suspendingly arranged in the compartment. A preferably closable flushing or purging gas line communicates with the connection line and allows flushing the compartment, the connection line and the one channel. At least one liquid infeed line is flow-connected with the other channel of the hollow needle and allows for a preferably dosed introduction of displacement liquid into the internal space of the package to be pierced by the hollow needle. The compartment is provided with a liquid lock or trap device and contains a spatter protection layer or separation membrane which practically does not hinder the through-passage of gases and protects the sensor surface against deposition of liquids thereat.