US 10,989,688 B2 · Techniques for extending electrode serviceability and useful life in voltametric device

Abstract

This disclosure provides techniques for extending useful life of a reference electrode, as well as a novel voltametric system and measurement cell design and related chemistries. An automated, repeatable-use system features a reference electrode that directly immerses a metallic conductor into an analyte, with electrolytes (e.g., chlorides) used for measurement being separately added and removed for each measurement cycles; the metallic conductor can optionally be left exposed to clean dry air in between measurements. In one implementation, the system can be restricted to application with specific analytes (e.g., ground water) that are known in advance to be free of substances that could degrade reference electrode use or lifetime. Cleaning solutions can optionally be used that would not be practical with conventional (insulated) reference electrode designs. In another embodiment, a measurement cell can be configured to receive separated electrode modules, permitting independent cleaning/removal of the working electrode (or other electrodes).

Claims20

Dependent claims

A measurement method using a voltametric measurement device, the voltametric measurement device having a measurement chamber, a working electrode, an auxiliary electrode and a reference electrode, wherein the reference electrode comprises a conductor surface having at least one of silver or silver chloride, the measurement method comprising, for each of respective measurement cycles:

using a fluidic transfer mechanism to supply an analyte to the measurement chamber;
immersing each of the working electrode, the auxiliary electrode and the reference electrode within the measurement chamber into the analyte, such that the conductor surface is placed in direct contact with the analyte;
adding a source of chlorides to the analyte, to create a mixture;
performing voltametric measurement of the mixture to detect presence of a metal substance in the mixture;
and
following performance of voltametric measurement, removing the mixture, including the chlorides, from the presence of the conductor surface;
wherein the measurement method further comprises cleaning the conductor surface in between ones of the respective measurement cycles, using at least one of a fluoride-based substance or an add.

4 more elements

A voltametric measurement device, comprising:

a measurement chamber;
a fluidic transfer mechanism;
and
a working electrode, an auxiliary electrode and a reference electrode, wherein the reference electrode comprises a conductor surface having at least one of silver or silver chloride;
wherein for each of respective measurement cycles,
the fluidic transfer mechanism is to supply an analyte to the measurement chamber,
each of the working electrode, the auxiliary electrode and the reference electrode are to be immersed into the analyte within the measurement chamber, such that the conductor surface is placed in direct contact with the analyte,
the fluidic transfer mechanism is to add a source of chlorides to the analyte, to create a mixture,
the voltametric measurement device is to perform voltametric measurement of the mixture, to detect presence of a metal substance, and
following performance of voltametric measurement, the fluidic transfer mechanism is to automatically remove the mixture including the chlorides from the presence of the conductor surface;
and
wherein the fluidic transfer mechanism is to, on an automated basis, clean the conductor surface in between ones of the respective measurement cycles by immersing the conductor surface in at least one of a fluoride-based substance or an add.

9 more elements

A voltametric measurement device, comprising:

a measurement chamber;
a fluidic transfer mechanism;
and
a working electrode, an auxiliary electrode and a reference electrode, wherein the reference electrode comprises a conductor surface having at least one of silver or silver chloride;
means for, for each of respective measurement cycles,
causing the fluidic transfer mechanism to supply an analyte to the measurement chamber, in a manner such that each of the working electrode, the auxiliary electrode and the reference electrode are immersed into the analyte within the measurement chamber, and such that the conductor surface is placed in direct contact with the analyte,
causing the fluidic transfer mechanism to add a source of chlorides to the analyte, to create a mixture,
performing voltametric measurement of the mixture, to detect presence of a metal substance, and
following performance of voltametric measurement, causing the fluidic transfer mechanism to automatically remove the mixture including the chlorides from the presence of the conductor surface;
wherein the voltametric measurement device further comprises means for, on an automated basis, causing the fluid transfer mechanism to clean the conductor surface in between ones of the respective measurement cycles by immersing the conductor surface in at least one of a fluoride-based substance or an add.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Techniques for extending electrode serviceability and useful life in voltametric device

Life of this patent

Techniques for extending electrode serviceability and useful life in voltametric device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20