Device for measuring combustible-gas concentration in an exhaust gas

Abstract

A device and method for measuring combustible-gas concentration and a device and method for measuring hydrocarbon-gas concentration, which exhibit low dependence on oxygen concentration variations as well as low temperature dependence. Paste is applied to the inner surface of a closed-bottom cylindrical solid electrolyte element, thereby forming a layer serving as a reference electrode. Plating with platinum is performed, so as to form a layer serving as a first detection electrode, on the outer surface of the solid electrolyte element only at a portion extending from an end portion of the solid electrolyte element to the vicinity of the interface between a heating resistor and a heating-resistor lead portion, which are formed within a heater element contained in the cylindrical solid electrolyte element. Paste which contains gold powder and 10 parts of indium oxide is applied onto the platinum-plating layer so as to form a layer serving as a second detection electrode, followed by firing. Subsequently, a diffusion layer containing spinel is formed by thermal spraying on the surface of a detection electrode. The heater element is disposed in the solid electrolyte element such that an end portion abuts an inner bottom portion of the solid electrolyte element. Lead wires for measuring internal resistance, which extend from the reference electrodes, and a lead wire extending from the detection electrode are connected to a temperature controller.