Abstract: An amperometric cell modified for high pressure operation is described. The cell is a flow-through type cell defining a flow path and has at least one active testing electrode, at least one reference electrode and at least one counter electrode operatively disposed and electrically insulated from one another within the cell flow path. In a preferred embodiment the flow cell is encapsulated within a high impact, chemically resistant, chemically insulating material, and has a pair of high pressure resistance fittings communicating with the flow path and extending in part beyond the encapsulation. The cell has particular utility for use with a liquid chromatography separation and when placed in line upstream of sample injection, will remove selected electroactive components in the carrier fluid and thereby reduce background level of contaminents reaching the column and eluting from the column.

Abstract: A reagent composition particularly adapted for use in treating organic samples suspected of containing chemically-bound heavy metals preparatory to electrically detecting and measuring the heavy metal content of the samples. The composition includes an electrolyte vehicle which is essentially free of the heavy metal being detected and measured, a measured quantity of at least one metal ion-containing reagent dissolved therein, said metal ion (1) being adapted to displace the heavy metal from its organic chemical bonding and (2) remaining in electrolytic solution at the electrolytic deposition potentials of the heavy metals being detected and measured, a dispersing agent, and a hydrogen ion source for adjusting the pH of said composition to pH about 1.

Abstract: An electrochemical processing system is provided. The system comprises an electrochemical cell having a first compartment adapted to contain a first solution, a first counter electrode and a first reference electrode in contact with the first solution, a second compartment adapted to contain a second solution, a second counter electrode and a second reference electrode in contact with the second solution, and a porous bi-polar barrier electrode separating the first and second compartments. The barrier electrode voltage is fixed at ground. By fixing the potential on the first compartment side of the porous barrier electrode at a first potential verses the first reference electrode while the potential on the second compartment side of the porous barrier electrode is maintained at a second (different) potential verses the second reference electrode, the porous barrier electrode can be used as a gate for specific electroactive species.

Abstract: An electrochemical measuring system which effects, measures and sorts charge transfer reactions of selected substances in a sample solution is provided. The system includes a novel electrode which is adapted to measure simultaneously on at least two electrodes at least two electrolytic potentials with reference to a reference potential. In a preferred form the electrode comprises a hollow, cylindrical body formed of an electrically insulating material. The electrode is open at least at one end and has a generally smooth cylindrical inner surface. A plurality of electrically discrete active electrode segments are mounted on the inner surface of the electrode with their active surfaces substantially flush with the generally smooth cylindrical inner surface.

Abstract: An electrochemical measuring system which effects, measures and sorts charge transfer reactions of selected substances in a sample solution is provided. The system includes a novel electrode which is adapted to measure simultaneously on at least two electrodes at least two electolytic potentials with reference to a reference potential. In a preferred form the electrode comprises a hollow, cylindrical body formed of an electrically insulating material. The electrode is open at least at one end and has a generally smooth cylindrical inner surface. A plurality of electrically discrete active electrode segments are mounted on the inner surface of the electrode with their active surfaces substantially flush with the generally smooth cylindrical inner surface.

Abstract: An electrochemical processing system is provided. The system comprises an electrochemical cell having a first compartment adapted to contain a first solution, a first counter electrode and a first reference electrode in contact with the first solution, a second compartment adapted to contain a second solution, a second counter electrode and a second reference electrode in contact with the second solution, and a porous bi-polar barrier electrode separating the first and second compartments. The barrier electrode voltage is fixed at ground. By fixing the potential on the first compartment side of the porous barrier electrode at a first potential verses the first reference electrode while the potential on the second compartment side of the porous barrier electrode is maintained at a second (different) potential verses the second reference electrode, the porous barrier electrode can be used as a gate for specific electroactive species.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for voltammetry such as anodic stripping voltammetry including a special electrode mounted to be fitted into a sample holder, stirring means operable through the electrode and an electrolytic potential source, optionally pulsed, capable of scanning the operating potential range which may for example, be a range between about -1 volt and 0 volt. Output recording means can be either an analog chart output or digitalized output. The system may be employed for a wide variety of test purposes generally relating to identifying and measuring heavy metals, one of which is detecting and measuring trace mineral components or trace elements in samples of human blood. When employed with blood samples the sample may first be prepared in the usual manner including digesting the sample but the presently preferred procedure contemplates that the metals being tested are first displaced from blood complexing with suitable ion such as Cr.sup.3+ or Ca.sup.