Method and apparatus for adding mercury ions to a fluid sample

摘要

This invention relates to apparatus for adding mercury ions to a sample fluid within a flow-through sensor system comprising housing means in fluid connection with a main sample stream conduit via a semi- permeable part (2.11), a first electrode (2.8) located within the housing means preferably designed so that it would be in electrical contact with only the mercury when the mercury is located within the housing means, and a second electrode (2.12) located ideally within the main sample stream conduit, the apparatus being arranged such that when mercury is located within housing means and an electrical current is passed between the first and second electrodes, mercury ions are formed in the housing means which then are able to migrate from the housing means via the semi- permeable part into the main sample stream conduit. The housing means can comprise a container coated with or made from an inert shroud such as polytetrafluoroethylene, the inert shroud comprising a semi-permeable member, for example, a sintered end cap made from a hydrophobic, porous, close-pored durable plastic material.