Apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of an electrolyte's dissolved oxygen content in low range oxygen analyzers

Abstract: A reservoir (16) of electrolyte is placed in communi­ cation with the electrolyte of an electrochemical or elec­ trolytic cell (12) which is adapted for oxygen analysis. A cathode (18a) is placed in the electrochemical cell (12) and an anode (18b) is placed in the reservoir (16), with a potential of 1.5 VDC applied between them. At the cathode (18a) a mild electrolysis of water occurs and a film of highly reactive hydrogen is generated. Similarly, oxygen is generated at the anode (18a). The equilibrium partial pressure of the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte of the electrochemical or electrolytic cell (12) is reduced via its consumption in the reaction with the hydrogen to form water. Oxygen generated in the reservoir (16) is allowed to effervesce. Thus, an electrolyte devoid of dissolved oxygen can be maintained which allows an accurate analysis of the gaseous sample stream.

Description: The present invention relates to a method and to an electrolytic cell for electrolytically measuring a component in a fluid stream as indicated in the preamble of the claims 1 and 11 respectively. In performing the method according to the present invention the fluid stream carrying the component to be measured is led through an electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell, in its simplest terms, consists of an anode (the oxidizing electrode), a cathode (the reducing electrode) and an electrolyte. In order for the electrolytic cell to electrochemically function, the electrolyte must be compatible with the mechanisms of oxidation and reduction at the electrodes. As well, it must provide a conductive path for the transport of ionic species between the electrodes. The electrochemical cell concept is broadly applied in industrial and scientific operations. Electrolytic cells are used in electroplating, water purification, and the production of high purity gases and metals while galvanic cells (batteries and fuel cells) provide a convenient means of energy storage and generation. Also, due to their very high level of sensitivity, electrochemical cells are used for measurement in a variety of analytical procedures and many laboratory and process control instruments depend on the electrochemical cell as the sensing element for their function. In the design of any electrochemical cell the choice of electrolyte is of importance. Considerable study has been given to identify the compositions and concentrations of electrolytes which will produce the best results in a wide variety of cell systems and applications. In the utilization of electrochemical cells as sensing elements in analytical instruments, the requirement to maintain a consistent electrolyte composition is commonly required in order to ensure the accuracy of measurement. For example, in the determination of oxygen in fluids by electrochemical methods, this has been found to be the case. Further, in low temperature caustic electrolyte systems, the sample stream introduced into the electrolytic cell commonly contains components other than the one to be analyzed. These other components, for example, carbon dioxide, contained as a component in a stream for oxygen analysis result in a neutralization reaction forming neutralization products. This reduces the transfer of ions through the electrolyte causing drift of measurement in analysis. The problems of the neutralization products being formed in the electrolyte were overcome by the invention disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,929,587. That invention allowed for oxygen level determinations in the presence of acid gases. The problems involved with neutralization products being formed in the electrolyte are dealt with in US-A-3 929 587. There an apparatus and method for maintaining a stable electrolyte in oxygen analysis are disclosed which include the features cited in the preambles of the claims 1 and 11 respectively. The known apparatus includes a reference electrode which is designed to create a pH gradient between the cell and a reservoir. The reference electrode is disposed in the cell and cooperates with another electrode located in the reservoir to pull acid gas negative ions up into the reservoir for their collection and disposal. No consuming reaction of acid gas neutralization components occurs at the reference electrode. In GB-A-2 140 563 there is disclosed a method and apparatus for zero calibration of oxygen-sensing polarographic devices. The apparatus employs an oxygen-reducing cathode and a complementary anode to electrolytically depleting a thin film of an electrolyte of oxygen to zero concentration. The purpose is to create an oxygen-free liquid volume which may be used to calibrate zero on another dissolved oxygen sensor. The method and apparatus according to US-A-3 929 587 allow oxygen level determinations in the presence of acid gases but do not consider an oxygen content in the electrolyte of the electrolytic cell. The method and apparatus according to GB-A-2 140 563 are destined and designed for calibration purposes only but not for performing measurements. For some applications, it is desirable to be able to measure accurately and over long periods of time, levels of oxygen in the ppb range. Electrolytes inherently contain dissolved oxygen. This is not a problem when measuring in the ppm range. However, when measuring in the low ppb range, say between 1-10 ppb, the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte contributes significantly to the measurement of oxygen from the gas sample. It is an object of the present invention to offer a possibility of improving the electrolytical measurement of a fluid stream component which is also inherently present within the electrolyte used for measuring purposes. According to the present invention the said object is achieved by a method defined in the claim 1 and by an electrolytical cell defined in the claim 11 respectively. Advantageous further developments of the invention are indicated in the respective subclaims. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the removal of dissolved oxygen from an electrolyte. This dissolved oxygen when removed allows for an accurate reading of oxygen concentration in the gas sample. The cell includes sensing electrodes for the component in the fluid stream to be analyzed. The sensing electrode (which functions as a cathode) is generally any semi-permeable electrode catalytically specific to oxygen. A non-specific cathode may be used as long as the reduction of oxygen at the cathode is proportional to the oxygen entering the electrolytic cell. A barrier cathode, such as a platinum wire mesh, is interposed between the sensing cathode and the electrolyte in the cell cavity. An electrode, an anode, such as a suspended platinum rod, is located in the electrolyte reservoir. An electrolytic path is established between the first and second electrodes through the common electrolyte. The cathode and anode are connected to a power source. A potential of less than 1.7 VDC (for 1M KOH), preferably 1.5 VDC, is applied between them. The voltage applied is slightly less than the voltage required to fully electrolyze water into the products of gaseous diatomic hydrogen and oxygen. At 1.5 VDC, hydrogen and oxygen are not produced in their fully gaseous states, but are generated in a highly reactive and unstable "nascent" state. The "nascent" hydrogen which is produced at the cathode residing in the electrochemical cell reacts with the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte to form water. The oxygen formed at the anode effervesces from the reservoir. The oxygen in the stream to be measured is placed in contact with the sensor on the side opposite that which the cathode creating the hydrogen is placed. Thus, fluid flow communication is still provided between the stream carrying the oxygen to be measured and the electrolyte, but the interposition of the cathode with its coating of active hydrogen eliminates any dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte from contacting the sensing electrode whereby it could interfere with the sensing mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) Referring to Figure 1, a block functional diagram of the electrolytic system 10, of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and includes an electrolytic cell 12 having sensing electrodes 14a and 14b disposed therein. A reservoir 16 is in fluid flow communication with the cell 12 and includes an electrode 18b. An electrode 18a is disposed in cell 12. The load for the electrodes 14a and 14b is provided by a DC circuit and power conditioner 20. The electrolyte and the cell 12 with the electrodes 14a and 14b completes the electrolytic circuit. The power conditioner also provides the potential for electrodes 18a and 18b and the electrolyte common to the cell 12 and reservoir 16 by a separate DC circuit. Although not shown, the power conditioner will include the appropriate resistors, amplifiers, etc. in order to control specifically the potential applied to each set of electrodes. A meter 22 communicates with electrodes 14a and 14b via the power conditioner 20 to provide a direct reading corresponding to the electrolytic oxidation and reduction of the component to be analyzed. Referring to Figure 2, the cell 12 and reservoir 16 are shown in greater detail. The gaseous stream containing the component to be analyzed flows from a source 24 through an inlet 28 and into an inlet plate 30. The inlet plate 30 also includes outlet 32. The inlet plate 30 includes a cavity-like recess 34 through which the gaseous stream flows. An apertured diffusion plate 38 meters the diffusion of the reducible gas in the sample stream flowing through the inlet plate 30. A current collector 40 is sandwiched between the diffusion plate 38 and an electrode retainer plate 42 having an aperture therein. The electrode 14a is received in the aperture. A permeable separator 44 is interposed between the electrode 14a and the platinum screen electrode 18a. An electrolyte plate 46 having flow passages therein abuts the electrode 18a on one side and on the other side receives an O ring 50. A housing 52 generally comprises the lower electrolytic cell 12 and the upper reservoir 16. Conduits 60a and 60b are formed in the cell 12 and are received in the bottom of the reservoir 16. A sleeve 64 in the reservoir is placed over the conduit 60a to isolate electrode 18a from 18b, and through which the wire for the electrode 18a passes. The electrode 18b is also secured in any suitable manner within the reservoir 16. The electrolyte in the cell 12 and the reservoir 16 are in fluid flow communication with one another only via the conduit 60b. On the other side of the housing 12 are an O-ring 66, an electrolyte plate 68, having flow passages therein, a stainless steel screen 70, a permeable separator 72, such as an asbestos separator, the electrode 14b, an electrode retainer plate 74, a current collector 76, a gas diffuser plate 78 and a downstream gas cavity end plate 80 including a gas vent 82. The end plate 82 does not communicate with a source of supply gas or the like but rather it simply includes the gas vent 82. The electrode 14b may be of a different structure and composition than the electrode 14a. The diffusion plate 78 may have apertures therein configured differently from that of 38 in that the diffusion rate of the gas through this diffusion plate is not as critical as the diffusion rate through the upstream diffuser plate. In the operation of the invention, an electrolyte (such as a solution of 1M potassium hydroxide - 1M potassium carbonate) is introduced into the reservoir and electrolytic cavity. The conduit 60b provides fluid flow communication therebetween. The current collectors 40 and 76, specifically, the extending tabs on the current collectors, are connected to the power conditioner 20 through appropriate connectors (not shown). The polarities are as indicated in the drawings. This establishes a first electrolytic path between the sensing electrodes 14a and 14b. The electrodes 18a and 18b are connected to the power conditioner 20 through appropriate connectors (not shown). Again, the polarities are as indicated in the drawings. This establishes a second electrolytic path between the electrodes 18a and 18b and through the common electrolyte. Referring to the second electrolytic path, resistance to current flow that results in this particular cell configuration is equivalent to approximately 10 ohms. A potential of approximately 1.5 volts is applied across the electrode 18a, which is a platinum screen that functions as a cathode (negative terminal) and the electrode 18b which is a platinum wire that functions as an anode (positive terminal). The potential at the electrodes is controlled by the power conditioner. The current produced by this electrolytic circuit is equivalent to the equilibrium rate of 0 2 availability at the cathode. A gaseous stream flows from the source 24 into the inlet 28 at a rate of about 2 scfh. A flow rate of between 1.0 to 3.0 scfh is preferred. The gas may be at a temperature of between -18 to 66°C (0 to 150° F) and a pressure of less than 15.7 psia [1 psi = 6,89·10 3 Pa]. For illustrative purposes, the invention will be described in reference to a gaseous composition of three ppb oxygen, the remainder nitrogen. The sensor 14a, which functions as a cathode, may be any semi-permeable electrode catalytically specific to oxygen. A non-specific cathode may be used as long as the reduction of oxygen at the cathode is proportional to the oxygen entering the electrolytic cell. With three ppb oxygen partial pressure across the diffusion barrier 38, 1x10 -6 cc per hour of oxygen flows to the cathode sensor 14a. The rate of oxygen exposed to the sensor 14a will result in a current flow of approximately 5 nano-amps in the cell. The power conditioner 20 communicating with the collecting screens 40 and 76 has an applied potential of 1.3 VDC. The sensor electrode 14b, which functions as an anode, is illustrated as the same type of semi-permeable electrode catalytically specific to oxygen, such as a carbon-Teflon electrode. However, a solid metal electrode, such as platinum, gold, etc., may be used. In this embodiment, the oxygen is reduced at the electrode 14a. The applied potential provides the driving force for the transport of the anions or hydroxyl ions. The hydroxyl ions complete the first electrolytic path between the sensors 14a and 14b. Inherent in the electrolyte is dissolved oxygen. Measuring oxygen in the ppb range, the dissolved oxygen can contribute significantly and provide a reading error. That is, unless the dissolved oxygen contribution is eliminated, the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte will also be reduced at the electrode 14a thereby providing an erroneous reading. The electrode 18a, the barrier electrode, is interposed between the electrolyte and one side of the sensing electrode 14a. The gas to be measured contacts the electrode (wetted by the electrolyte) on the other side of the cathode 14a. The voltage applied between 18a and 18b is approximately 1.5 VDC. Water in the region adjacent to the electrode 18a is reduced resulting in a film of hydrogen ions on the surface. Any dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte which would ordinarily diffuse through and contact the electrode 14a reacts with the hydrogen at the barrier electrode 18a to form water. The oxygen produced at the anode 18b effervesces from the reservoir. The invention relates to any application to remove interferring components, such as O 2 or H 2 , in an electrolyte which would interfere with the measurement of the desired component from the gas phase. The unwanted component in the electrolyte is prevented from contacting the sensing electrode. It maintains the electrolyte in the condition that enhances the function of a specific electrochemical reduction of O 2 from the gas sample.

Claims: A method for electrolytically measuring a component in a fluid stream led through an electrolytic cell (12) including a liquid electrolyte, comprising the steps of providing a first electrolytic path in said electrolyte between a pair of sensor electrodes (14a, 14b) connected to a first DC voltage, the electrolysis current flowing between said sensor electrodes forming a measure for the component to be measured and providing a second electrolytic path in said electrolyte between a pair of auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) connected to a second DC voltage, characterised by the further steps of placing one of said auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) immediately adjacent to that sensor electrode (14a) which is to sense said component to be measured to form a barrier electrode (18a) against said electrolyte so as to complete said second electrolytic path which as to its function is independent from said first electrolytic path and generating an electrolysis current between said auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) electrolytically inhibiting any amount of the component to be measured inherently contained in said electrolyte from being flown to said sensor electrode (14a) so as to prevent such unwanted amounts of said component from interfering with the sensing reaction. The method of claim 1, characterised by the further steps of providing a reservoir (16) of electrolyte in fluid flow communication with the electrolyte in said electrolytic cell (12) and disposing the second auxiliary electrode (18b) in the electrolyte in said reservoir (16). The method of claim 1 or 2, characterised by the steps of flowing a gaseous stream comprising oxygen in contacting engagement with one side of said sensor electrode (14a), measuring the amount of oxygen in said gaseous stream electrochemically and ionizing the region on the other side of said sensor electrode (14a) and adjacent to said barrier electrode (18a) so as to form a film of hydrogen on said barrier electrode (18a) while generating oxygen at the second auxiliary electrode (18b), said hydrogen reacting with oxgen dissolved in said electrolyte to form water. The method of claim 3, characterised in that said oxygen generated at said said second auxiliary electrode (18b) is made to effervesce from said reservoir (16). The method of claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the electric current between said barrier electrode (18a) and said second auxiliary electrode (18b) is equivalent to the equilibrium rate of O 2 available at said barrier electrode (18a). The method of claim 3, characterised in that said gas flow rate is held between 1.0 and 3.0 scfh. The method of claim 3, characterised in that said gas is held at a temperature between -17.8 and 65.6°C (0 and 150°F). The method of claim 3, characterised in that said gas is held at a pressure of less than 1118 hPa (15.7 psia). The method of claim 1, charcterised in that the voltage across said second electrolytic path is adjusted to lees than 1.7 VDC. The method of claim 1, characterised in that at least one of said sensor electrodes (14a, 14b) is made to be specific for said component to be measured. An electrolytic cell (12) for electrolytically measuring a component, comprising a liquid electrolyte, a first electrolytic path in said electrolyte between a pair of sensor electrodes (14a, 14b) connected to a first DC voltage, the electrolysis current flowing between said sensor electrodes forming a measure for the component to be measured and a second electrolytic path in said electrolyte between a pair of auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) connected to a second DC voltage, characterised in that one of said auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) is disposed immediately adjacent to one side of that sensor electrode (14a) which is to sense said component to be measured so as to form a barrier electrode (18a) against said electrolyte to complete said second electrolytic path the funciton of which is independent from the function of said first electrolytic path and that means (20) are provided to generate an electrolysis current between said auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) electrolytically inhibiting any amount of the component to be measured inherently contained in said electrolyte from being flown to said sensor electrode (14a) so as to prevent such unwanted amounts of said component from interfering with the sensing reaction. The cell of claim 11, characterised in that at least one of said sensor electrodes (14a, 14b) is specific for said component to be measured. The cell of claim 11 or 12, charactersised in that further electrolyte is provided in a reservoir (16) in fluid flow communication and that the second auxiliary electrode (18b) is disposed in the electrolyte in said reservoir (16). The cell of claim 13, characterised in that said second auxiliary electrode (18b) in said reservoir (16) is an anode. The cell of claim 11, characterised in that said barrier electrode (18a) is a platinum screen. The cell of claim 14, characterised in that said second auxiliary electrode (18b) is a platinum wire. The cell of claim 11, characterised in that said electrolyte is caustic. The cell of claim 12, characterised in that the sensor electrode (14a) which is specific to the component to be measured is catalytically specific to oxygen analysis. The cell of claim 18, characterised in that said means for generating said electrolysis current between said auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) comprises means (20) to apply a voltage of about 1.5 volts DC between said auxiliary electrodes (18a, 18b) and means (30, 38, 42) to introduce fluid carrying oxygen to be analysed onto one side of said catalytically specific sensor electrode (14a) on the other side of which said barrier electrode (18a) is disposed between said sensor electrode (14a) and the electrolyte. The cell of claim 18 or 19, characterised in that said catalytically specific sensor electrode (14a) is semi-permeable. The cell of claim 18 or 19, characterised in that said catalytically specific sensor electrode (14a) is a cathode. The cell of claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the non-specific sensor electrode (14b) is selected from the materials in the group consisting of carbon-TFE, platinum and gold.

Inventors: GALLAGHER JOHN P, GALLAGHER, JOHN P., GALLAGHER, JOHN P. (DECEASED)
Applicants: DELTA F CORP, DELTA F CORPORATION
Application year: 1990
Main classification: G01N27
IPC codes: G01N27