Conductivity and temperature sensing probe

Abstract

Abstract A probe-like casing is provided interiorly with a chamber having a small orifice permitting ocean water to flow into the chamber reservoir. Conductivity is sensed by separate pairs of electrodes mounted interiorly and exteriorly of the chamber. One of these pairs, the driving electrodes, apply a constant amplitude square wave electrical current across the opening while the other pair of electrodes, the sensing electrodes, measure voltage variations across the opening produced by variations in the electrical conductivity of the ocean water in the opening. Suitable means are mounted in the casing to exert a positive suction force capable of continuously drawing the ocean water at a controlled flow rate through the opening. The probe falls freely through the ocean to constantly draw in ocean water. The voltage variations sensed by the sensing electrodes are directly related to variations in the electrical resistance of the water drawn into the hole. Since variations in electrical resistance are due both to variations in temperature and electrolyte concentration, a thermistor is mounted near the orifice or opening into the chamber so as to constantly sense temperature variations present in the same volume of water that is producing the electrical resistance variations. These simultaneous measurements determine the variation in electrolyte concentration.

Inventors

• 👤 M Gregg
• 👤 C Cox

Bibliographic Details