Electrochemical sensor and method of using same
AssigneeEcolab USA Inc.
InventorRodney H. Banks
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for analyzing a fluid sample can include providing a sensor comprising a non-conductive housing and having a first face and an electrode array mounted in the first face. The method can include disposing the first face of the housing into a fluid sample to be analyzed, selecting a mode of operation, and initiating sensor operation. Modes of operation can include electrochemical operation and conductivity analysis, and can be selected via positioning a switch. The method can include receiving information from the sensor regarding at least one parameter of the fluid. Such parameters can include a concentration of a target constituent in the fluid sample, combined concentrations of different species within the fluid sample, and/or information indicative of the conductivity of the fluid sample.
Claims17
A method for analyzing a fluid sample via a sensor that includes:
- a non-conductive housing having a first face;
- an operational amplifier;
- an electrode array mounted in the first face of the non-conductive housing and comprising a first electrode, a fourth electrode, a second electrode disposed between the first electrode and the fourth electrode, and a third electrode disposed between the second electrode and the fourth electrode, the third electrode being coupled to an input of the operational amplifier;
- and
- a switch coupled to an output of the operational amplifier;
- disposing the first face of the non-conductive housing into a fluid sample to be analyzed;
- selecting a mode of operation of the sensor;
- positioning the switch in either a first position, in which the switch couples the output of the operational amplifier to the fourth electrode, or a second position in which the switch couples the output of the operational amplifier to the third electrode, based on the selected mode of operation;
- initiating sensor operation;
- and
- receiving information from the sensor regarding at least one parameter of the fluid sample.
A method for analyzing a fluid sample comprising:
- receiving a selection of a mode of operation of a sensor, the sensor comprising an operational amplifier, a first electrode, a fourth electrode, a second electrode disposed between the first electrode and the fourth electrode, and a third electrode disposed between the second electrode and the fourth electrode and being coupled to an input of the operational amplifier, and a switch;
- and
- based on the received selection, positioning the switch in either a first position, in which the switch couples an output of the operational amplifier to a fourth electrode, or a second position, in which the switch couples the output of the operational amplifier to the third electrode;
- and wherein
- the switch is positioned in the first position in the event of a first mode of operation being selected;
- and
- the switch is positioned in the second position in the event of a second mode of operation being selected, the second mode of operation being different than the first mode of operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.