Water-Proof Electrochemical Sensor

• US 20090127111A1
• Filed: 05/24/2006
• Published: 05/21/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Nuzzio, Donald B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,955,482 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 204/400
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/30 Electrodes, e.g. test electrodes; Half-cells G01N27/414 takes precedence

Abstract

A water-proof electrochemical sensor for in situ analysis and real-time monitoring of chemical and biological compounds in a liquid analyte, such as a water column, or a water column/sediment interface, or sediment. The water-proof electrochemical sensor assembly comprises an electrode body that is resistant to high temperatures and pressure and includes a semi-hard o-ring or collar. A resilient elastomeric boot, that has an internal groove which is adapted to form a tight pressure-fit with the collar is installable on the electrode body. One end of the boot has an opening adapted to form an interference fit with a pin contact for electrical connections with external equipment and the other end of the boot has an opening adapted to form an interference fit with the electrode body whereby a water-proof seal is formed.

Claims

1. A water-proof electrochemical sensor for in situ analysis of a liquid analyte comprising:

an electrode body for contacting the analyte having an upper contact end and lower sensing end;

a collar attached to said electrode body in the vicinity of the upper contact end;

at least one electrochemical sensor contained within said electrode body an extending from the lower sensing end for contacting the analyte;

a contact for electrically connecting said at least one electrochemical sensor to external electronics extending from the upper contact end; and

a resilient elastomeric generally cylindrical boot having an upper end and a lower end and an internal groove adapted to press-fit the collar, the upper end of the boot having an opening adapted to form an interference fit with the pin contact and the lower end of the boot having an opening adapted to form an interference fit with the electrode body whereby a water-proof seal is formed around the upper contact end of the electrode body.

2. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one electrochemical sensor comprises a wire needle.

3. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one electrochemical sensor comprises a sensor element having a diameter of approximately 0.125 ″

.

4. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one electrochemical sensor comprises a sensor element having a diameter of approximately 0.25″

.

5. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein there are provided a plurality of collars attached to said electrode body.

6. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 5, wherein said resilient elastomeric generally cylindrical boot is arranged to overlie said plurality of collars.

7. The water-proof electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein said resilient elastomeric generally cylindrical is configured to enclose said contact.