Patent ID: 9546978
Date: 2017-01-17
CPC Classifications: G01N

Claim:
1. A salt content analyzer that performs multiple sequential determinations of a salt content of an analyte in a test fluid comprising the analyte and an electro-polymerizable monomer without requiring intermediate cleaning or polishing of a working electrode between determinations, the salt content analyzer comprising: an analysis vessel; a working electrode assembly comprising the working electrode and an access control mechanism; a voltage source that applies an electrical potential to the working electrode; and a measurement apparatus that measures an electrical current passed between the working electrode and the counter electrode when the electrical potential is applied to the working electrode; wherein: the working electrode and the counter electrode form an electrochemical cell; the access control mechanism of the working electrode assembly comprises a movable barrier that exposes a measuring portion of the working electrode to the test fluid through an access gap and forms a fluid tight seal around a covered portion of the working electrode, the fluid tight seal preventing exposure of the covered portion to the test fluid; and after a single determination of the analyte in the test fluid, movement of the movable barrier exposes a fresh measuring portion of the working electrode for use in a subsequent determination without requiring intermediate cleaning or polishing of the working electrode.