Sensor with rotatable sensor element and pressure equalization mechanism

A sensor structure, comprising:

• a sensor housing;
• a inline flow chamber configured to allow a process medium to flow therethrough;
• a storage compartment configured to retain a storage medium therein;
• a sensing element retained at least partially within the sensor housing, the sensing element comprising a sensing surface, and rotatable relative to the sensor housing to selectively place the sensing element in fluid communication with one of the inline flow chamber and the storage compartment;
• and
• a sealing element circumscribing the storage compartment and configured to engage a facing surface of the sensing element to provide a seal inhibiting fluid flow out of the storage compartment.

A sensor structure, comprising:

• a sensor housing;
• a inline flow chamber configured to allow a process medium to flow therethrough;
• a storage compartment configured to retain a storage medium therein;
• a sensing element retained at least partially within the sensor housing, the sensing element comprising a sensing surface, and rotatable relative to the sensor housing to selectively place the sensing element in fluid communication with one of the inline flow chamber and the storage compartment;
• an actuation mechanism configured to rotate the sensing element relative to the sensor housing to selectively place the sensing element in fluid communication with one of the inline flow chamber and the storage compartment;
• and
• a sealing element circumscribing the storage compartment and configured to engage a facing surface of the sensing element to provide a seal inhibiting fluid flow out of the storage compartment

A sensor structure, comprising:

• a sensor housing;
• a inline flow chamber configured to allow a process medium to flow therethrough;
• a storage compartment configured to retain a storage medium therein;
• a sensing element retained at least partially within the sensor housing, the sensing element comprising a sensing surface, and rotatable relative to the sensor housing to selectively place the sensing element in fluid communication with one of the inline flow chamber and the storage compartment;
• a movement detection mechanism configured to detect movement of the sensing element relative to the storage compartment;
• and
• a sealing element circumscribing the storage compartment and configured to engage a facing surface of the sensing element to provide a seal inhibiting fluid flow out of the storage compartment