Flexible high-temperature pH probe

Patent · Tue Apr 22 00:00:00 EDT 2003

OSTI ID:921319

Bielawski, John C ^[1]; Outwater, John O ^[2]; Halbfinger, George P ^[3]

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1. Scotia, NY
2. Cambridge, MA
3. Schenectady, NY

A flexible pH probe device is provided for use in hot water and other high temperature environments up to about 590.degree. F. The pH probe includes a flexible, inert tubular probe member, an oxygen anion conducting, solid state electrolyte plug located at the distal end of the tubular member, oxide powder disposed at the distal end of the tubular member; a metal wire extending along the tubular member and having a distal end in contact with the oxide powder so as to form therewith an internal reference electrode; and a compression fitting forming a pressure boundary seal around a portion of the tubular member remote from the distal end thereof. Preferably, the tubular member is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and the solid state electrolyte plug is made of stabilized zirconia. The flexibility of the probe member enables placement of the electrode into the area of interest, including around corners, into confined areas and the like.

• Research Organization: KAPL Inc
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC12-76SN00052
• Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): 6,551,478
• Application Number: 09/828,209
• OSTI ID: 921319
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English