Help ID this sensor from CPAP machine

  • Thread starter Thread starter mishima
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Machine Sensor
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying sensors found in a CPAP humidifier, specifically their function and application within the device. Participants explore the nature of the sensors, their potential roles in measuring temperature or airflow, and their configuration within the air conduit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes finding two sensors in a CPAP humidifier's air conduit and seeks identification.
  • Another participant suggests that the sensors appear to be temperature sensors, referencing a document that discusses thermistors.
  • A different participant speculates that the dual sensors could be used to infer airflow, questioning the necessity of having two sensors.
  • One participant proposes that the sensors might function as a classic mass flow meter, with one sensor potentially measuring baseline temperature while the other is actively heated.
  • Another participant mentions that both sensors could be heated, with their positioning affecting heat transfer based on airflow direction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying hypotheses about the sensors' functions, with some suggesting they are temperature sensors and others proposing they serve as mass flow meters. No consensus is reached on their exact purpose.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on assumptions about the sensors' roles based on their configuration and placement within the device, but these assumptions remain unverified. The discussion does not resolve the specific characteristics or operational principles of the sensors.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in sensor technology, CPAP machine components, or airflow measurement techniques may find this discussion relevant.

mishima
Messages
576
Reaction score
43
I was taking apart a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) humidifier earlier and found 2 of these sensors spaced around 5 cm apart from each other. They were in an air conduit leading from a filter material on the outside of the device to the pump intake. The points of the sensors were more or less in the center of the conduit. Any ideas?

sensor.jpg
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Thanks for that perfect reference, and it makes sense. I was guessing it was related to air quality. I will put it on an instrumentation amp later.

Edit: actually just an ohmmeter would reveal its character
 
Yep, classic mass flow meter.
Sometimes one is used to find baseline temperature while the other is driven hard to heat, such as in an anemometer. Other times, both are heated, but their orientation in the air stream gives preferred heat transfer to one or the other depending upon flow direction.
 

Similar threads

Convert 1 phase to 3 phase by using an old washing machine
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Why does air smell different after using a CPAP machine?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Misc. Isolation box to measure light source inside (closer to visible light)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Undergrad How non-conscious can an Observer be and cause wave function collapse?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
9K
I need help, please, designing a pool sensor for breaking . . .
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Pulling a vacuum on a heat pump with a recovery machine
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
High School Help understanding the physics of airflow
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
What's the most likely cause for this carbon seal crack?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Chemically regenerating my auto's catalytic converter?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
How many 0.3 micron particles in 0.1L volume of room air?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K