Electrochemical cell structure

Abstract

An assembly for insertion in a bath of molten material to form therewith an electrochemical cell for determining the concentration of a constituent of the bath. The assembly is of the type including a body structure of refractory material from which protrudes a first electrically conductive element providing means for establishing an electrical connection with the bath and a reference electrode structure separated from the bath by means of a rigid electrolyte material. Reference electrode structures of this general type may be comprised of a closed end tube of electrolyte material or a tube of electrically non-conductive refractory material having a pellet of electrolyte material closing the immersion end thereof to separate the material of the bath from the means establishing a reference potential. In accordance with one form of applicant's invention the rigid electrolyte material is comprised of a component which is ionically conductive at the operating temperature of the cell which component may be supported within a passage of capillary dimensions between surfaces, or in interstices or on the surface of particles of supporting means having a melting point which is above the operating temperature of the cell. In most instances the ionically conductive component will tend to soften or melt at a temperature below the operating temperature of the cell but be retained in the space of capillary dimensions or in interstices or on the surface of particles of the supporting means which remains solid at cell operating temperature.