Method and apparatus for zero calibration of oxygen-sensing polarographic devices

摘要

The calibration of a polarographic oxygen sensor (20) at zero oxygen concentration is accomplished by providing an oxygen-free liquid environment at the sensor active surface. This is accomplished electrolytically by depleting a thin film of electrolyte (24) of oxygen to zero concentration with an oxygen-reducing cathode (6), and complementary anode (4), connected via a battery (10) and switch (12). The sensor (20) is placed into close proximity with the electrodes (4,6) and the oxygen in the electrolyte (24) reduced while its concentration is measured by the sensor (20). A low steady-state signal for the sensor provides the zero oxygen concentration calibration point.