US 5,296,123 AGranted

In-tank electrochemical sensor

AssigneeHughes Aircraft Company

InventorsVilambi N. R. K. Reddy, Frank A. Ludwig, Bruce M. Eliash, Nguyet H. Phan

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Abstract

An electrochemical sensor adapted for use in the electrochemical analysis of liquids. The sensor includes a cell assembly having a liquid flow control chamber, sensing chamber and liquid exit chamber. Liquids to be measured are pumped into the liquid flow control chamber where any turbulence in the liquid is dampened. The non-turbulent liquid is passed from the liquid flow control chamber to the sensing chamber. The sensing chamber includes a working electrode and a counter-electrode. The non-turbulent liquid is passed from the sensing chamber to the liquid exit chamber where it is contacted with a reference electrode. The liquid then exits the sensor. The sensor is well-suited for use in the electrochemical analysis of plating bath solutions where sub-milliampere type AC and DC voltammetric measurements are required in order to generate electrochemical spectra which are indicative of constituents present in the solution.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An electrochemical sensor adapted for use in the electrochemical analysis of liquids, said electrochemical cell comprising:

a cell assembly comprising a liquid flow control chamber, a sensing chamber and a liquid exit chamber wherein said liquid flow control chamber comprises an inlet and an outlet and said liquid exit chamber comprises an inlet and an outlet;
first connection means for connecting said liquid flow control chamber outlet to said sensing chamber inlet to provide for flow of liquid from said liquid flow control chamber into said sensing chamber;
second connection means for connecting said sensing chamber outlet to said liquid exit chamber inlet to provide for flow of liquid from said sensing chamber into said liquid exit chamber;
a working electrode located within said sensing chamber;
a counter-electrode located within said sensing chamber;
a reference electrode located within said liquid exit chamber or within said sensing chamber;
pump means for transporting said liquid through said cell assembly from said liquid flow control chamber inlet to said liquid exit chamber outlet;
and
flow damper means for controlling the flow of said liquid through said liquid flow control chamber so that the liquid entering said sensing chamber is free of turbulence.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.