Remote electrochemical sensor
First Claim
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1. A field environmental analysis apparatus for determining the presence of pollutants in a natural environmental matrix comprising:
- a sensor assembly housed within an environmentally sealed connector including multiple electrodes submerged in the natural environmental matrix, one of said electrodes sensitive to the presence of a pollutant;
a battery-powered analytical device;
a cable interconnecting said sensor assembly and said analytical device; and
said analytical device including means for applying a periodic voltage to the sensor assembly, means for receiving a response from said sensor assembly, and means for converting, in real time, the measured response to determine the presence of a pollutant.
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Abstract
An electrochemical sensor for remote detection, particularly useful for metal contaminants and organic or other compounds. The sensor circumvents technical difficulties that previously prevented in-situ remote operations. The microelectrode, connected to a long communications cable, allows convenient measurements of the element or compound at timed and frequent intervals and instrument/sample distances of ten feet to more than 100 feet. The sensor is useful for both downhole groundwater monitoring and in-situ water (e.g., shipboard seawater) analysis.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A field environmental analysis apparatus for determining the presence of pollutants in a natural environmental matrix comprising:
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a sensor assembly housed within an environmentally sealed connector including multiple electrodes submerged in the natural environmental matrix, one of said electrodes sensitive to the presence of a pollutant; a battery-powered analytical device; a cable interconnecting said sensor assembly and said analytical device; and said analytical device including means for applying a periodic voltage to the sensor assembly, means for receiving a response from said sensor assembly, and means for converting, in real time, the measured response to determine the presence of a pollutant. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for on-site in situ environmental analysis utilizing potentiometric stripping analysis to determine the presence of pollutants comprising the steps of:
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temporarily depositing a sensor assembly housed within an environmentally sealed connector including multiple electrodes, one of which is a pollution sensitive electrode, into a natural environmental matrix at a depth below the surface of the matrix; locating a portable, battery-powered environmental analytical device on the surface of the matrix; connecting the electrodes of the sensor assembly through a multiple conductor cable to the analytical device; periodically applying a low-voltage signal from the analytical device to the sensor assembly; measuring the response to said signal from the electrode assembly; and continuously converting, in real time, the measured response to determine the presence of a pollutant. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification