Checking For A Poisoned Reference Electrode - Emerson ROSEMOUNT 5081-A Instruction Manual

MODEL 5081-A
15.13 MEASURING REFERENCE vOLTAGE
Some processes contain substances that poison or shift the
potential of the reference electrode. Sulfide is a good example.
Prolonged exposure to sulfide converts the reference electrode
from a silver/silver chloride electrode to a silver/silver sulfide
electrode. the change in reference voltage is several hundred
millivolts. A good way to check for poisoning is to compare the
voltage of the reference electrode with a silver/silver chloride
electrode known to be good. the reference electrode from a
new sensor is best. See Figure 15-6. If the reference electrode
is good, the voltage difference should be no more than about
20 mV. A poisoned reference electrode usually requires
replacement
FIGURE 15-6. Checking for a Poisoned
Reference Electrode.
Refer to the sensor wiring diagram to identify the
reference leads. A laboratory silver/silver chloride
electrode can be used in place of the second sensor.
SECTION 16.0
TROUBLESHOOTING
115