Reference electrode probe for use in aqueous environments of high

Abstract

Disclosed is a reference electrode probe for employment in monitoring electrochemical potentials. The inventive electrode probe comprises an elongate alumina tube having a closed distal end and a flanged open proximal end, there being at least one hole, and preferably two holes, penetrating through said tube at its closed distal end. An elongate silver electrode coated with silver chloride is housed atactilely within said alumina tube. Zirconia cloth is disposed in the closed distal end of said alumina tube and covers the hole in said alumina tube, and extended up to and may be spaced-apart from said silver electrode. A silver connector is housed atactilely within said alumina tube to its opening, and has a recess at its distal end into which said coated silver electrode is fitted and a threaded recess at its proximal end at the alumina tube opening. An insulated silver alloy rod having a distal end is threaded into the proximal recess of said silver connector. An annular elastomeric seal is in sealing relationship with the open proximal end of said alumina tube and is retaining in its annulus the distal end of said insulated silver alloy rod at its distal end. An elongate annular alumina insulator having a flanged distal end is abutted against the proximal end of said annular seal and retains said insulated silver alloy rod within its annulus. A retainer which retains said insulated silver alloy rod at the proximal end of said annular alumina insulator. Finally, a threaded two-piece annular fitting that retains said probe within its annulus contacts the flange of said alumina tube and the flange of said alumina insulator with a polymeric washer interposed between said flanges and said fitting. Tightening said fitting brings said annular seal into water-tight sealing relationship with the open proximal end of said alumina tube.