Patent ID: 9128010
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A piezoelectric microbalance sensor comprising: i. a piezoelectric material having a process side suitable for contacting a liquid stream and a non-process side, at least a portion of the process side engaging a process side electrode, and at least a portion of the non-process side engaging a non-process side electrode; ii. a heater capable of heating the piezoelectric material from the non-process side, thereby enabling temperature control of the piezoelectric material; iii. a counter-electrode having a first surface suitable for contacting the liquid stream and facing the process side of the piezoelectric material, and a second opposing surface, the counter-electrode positioned within the piezoelectric microbalance sensor so as to allow flow of at least a portion of the liquid stream between the process side of the piezoelectric material and the first surface of the counter-electrode, wherein the counter-electrode is constructed of an electrically-conducting, corrosion-resistant material; and iv. a pressure-compensating spacer operably contacting the second opposing surface of the counter-electrode, the pressure-compensating spacer capable of compressing and expanding in response to variations in pressure such as would be created by the liquid stream passing through the piezoelectric microbalance sensor.