Apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of an electrolyte's dissolved oxygen content in low range oxygen analyzers.

摘要

A reservoir (16) of electrolyte is placed in communication with the electrolyte of an electrochemical or electrolytic cell (12) which is adapted for oxygen analysis. A cathode (18a) is placed in the electrochemical cell (12) and an anode (18b) is placed in the reservoir (16), with a potential of 1.5 VDC applied between them. At the cathode (18a) a mild electrolysis of water occurs and a film of highly reactive hydrogen is generated. Similarly, oxygen is generated at the anode (18a). The equilibrium partial pressure of the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte of the electrochemical or electrolytic cell (12) is reduced via its consumption in the reaction with the hydrogen to form water. Oxygen generated in the reservoir (16) is allowed to effervesce. Thus, an electrolyte devoid of dissolved oxygen can be maintained which allows an accurate analysis of the gaseous sample stream.