APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING THE EFFECT OF AN ELECTROLYTE'S DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONTENT IN LOW RANGE OXYGEN ANALYZERS

摘要

A reservoir of electrolyte is placed in communication with the electrolyte of an electrochemical or electrolytic cell which is adapted for oxygen analysis. A cathode is placed in the electrochemical cell and an anode is placed in the reservoir, with a potential of 1.5 VDC applied between them. At the cathode a mild electrolysis of water occurs and a film of highly reactive hydrogen is generated. Similarly, oxygen is generated at the anode. The equilibrium partial pressure of the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte of the electrochemical or electrolytic cell is reduced via its consumption in the reaction with the hydrogen to form water. Oxygen generated in the reservoir is allowed to effervesce. Thus, an electrolyte devoid of dissolved oxygen can be maintained which allows an accurate analysis of the gaseous sample stream.