Determination of the partial pressure of a component of a hostile fluid

摘要

Apparatus and method for determining the partial pressure of a component of a fluid utilizing a probe which comprises an electrolyte with respect to the component or a constituent thereof, and to which probe the fluid is hostile. Respective interfaces of the electrolyte are disposed in contact one with the fluid and the other with a substantially non-detrimental fluid containing said component. An electric current applied between the interfaces is sufficient to transport the component through the electrolyte to said one interface and to thereby generate a local protective environment about that interface. One or more electrical parameters for the probe are continuously or periodically monitored and are utilized to derive an indication of partial pressure of the component in the hostile fluid.