The Foxboro Company

Robert J Gardner

John R Martin

A nonporous composite electrode, particularly suitable for use in electromagnetic flowmeters, includes a non-metallic, electrically conductive element consisting of a fused mass of polymeric material, such as perfluoroalkoxy (pfa) fluoropolymer, and carbon fibers. The electrode is fabricated by stacking alternating layers of polymeric film and carbon fiber paper, subjecting the assembly to sufficient heat and pressure to intermix the two components and bond them into a coherent mass, and fusing the resultant composite material onto a mounting pin. Using a polymeric material compatible with the polymeric liner of an electromagnetic flowtube allows the finished electrode to be fused into the liner, again by application of heat and pressure, so as to achieve a seamless interface. This configuration virtually eliminates process fluid leaks around the electrode, while the electrode structure itself exhibits exceptional high temperature stability and corrosion resistance.

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Norton, MA, United States of America

Robert J Gardner