Electrode probe for use in aqueous environments of high temperature and

Abstract

The present invention is addressed to an electrode for evaluating electrochemical potentials which has a robust structure particularly suiting it for employment within the rigorous environment of the reactor core of a nuclear power facility. The electrode of the present invention is comprised of five major segments: a metal cap electrode, an elongate annular metal jacket, an alumina retainer (i.e. an insulator), an annular metal transition sleeve, and a positioning and signal transfer assembly. The metal cap electrode has a tip and annulus extending therefrom formed from sidewalls having an interior surface. The elongate annular metal jacket has an annular retainer securing mouth at one end and an outlet at its opposite end. The alumina retainer has a recessed cap securing portion nestably secured to a portion of said cap electrode interior sidewall surface, and an oppositely-disposed recessed jacket securing portion nestably secured to the interior of said annular jacket retainer securing mouth. The retainer further has an access channel penetrating therethrough from said cap to said jacket securing portion. The annular metal transition sleeve has one end placed at the jacket outlet, the opposite end at the positioning and signal transfer assembly. A first insulated electrical conductor in electrical connection with the cap electrode extends through the retainer access channel and through the annular metal jacket to the jacket outlet. Finally, the positioning and signal transfer assembly is associated with the transition sleeve outlet for providing fit-up for said sleeve and for conveying electrical signals from said conductor. The elongated annular metal transition sleeve is interposed between said jacket and said positioning and signal transfer assembly.