Assessment of the uncertainty budget for the amperometric measurement of dissolved oxygen

Abstract

This work aimed at identifying the main sources of uncertainty for the measurement of dissolved oxygen concentration in aqueous solutions. The experimental apparatus consists of an amperometric cell based on the Clark-type sensor. The corresponding uncertainty budget was assessed, this being a fundamental step for the validation of a measurement method. The principle of the measurement, as well as the procedure for the set-up and the characterisation of the cell, are described. The measurement equation was defined as a combination of Faraday's and Fick's laws, and a method was worked out for the empirical determination of the diffusivity parameter. In this connection, the solutions of oxygen were standardised by way of the Winkler's titration, as suggested by the ISO Guide 5813 and 5814. With this approach we aimed at contributing to the development of a potential primary method of measurement. A discussion of all the contributions to the overall uncertainty is reported, allowing operators to locate the largest ones and plan specific improvements.