ANALYTE RECOGNITION SYSTEM

摘要

An analyte recognition system uses an array (16) of ion-selective electrode (ISE) sensors (18, 20, 22, 24), each sensitive to a different ion in a downstream flow path (32) therethrough to a coupling (30) which provides a ground or bias electrode. Another flow path (34) is upstream through an ISE reference sensor (26) and the coupling (30). The coupling (30) has a flow path to an outlet (40) going to a drain (35) for both the upstream and downstream flow paths. The reference sensor (26) is a conduit for a reference fluid, and measurements from electrode sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) are made with respect to the reference sensor (26). Contamination and permanent poisoning of certain of the electrode sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) in the downstream path may occurif reversal of the flow were to take place, or if reference fluid flowing in the upstream path were to flow into the downstream path. Reversal of flow is prevented by a one-way valve (75) in the coupling (30) in the downstream path.