Electrochemical device and method for long-term measurement of hypohalites
US8329024B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/4168
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus measures the presence of total residual oxidant species in aqueous environments. More specifically, the apparatus is operable to measure hypohalites (e.g., hypochlorite and hypobromite) in water containing halide salts using electrochemistry. The apparatus can be a sensor having four electrodes—a reference electrode, a working electrode, and two auxiliary electrodes. The fourth electrode, i.e., the second auxiliary electrode, can be used to generate ionized water near and in contact with the working electrode. The ionized water can clean the working electrode to minimize effects due to scaling or biofilm formation. As such, the working electrode does not need the capability to clean itself. Thus, other elements, originally believed to be unsuitable for use in saline aqueous environments, can be used for the electrodes, for example, gold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.