Abstract:
A solid electrolyte gas analyzer (40) includes a probe (42) for immersion in the gas of interest. The probe has a passageway (57) connecting the gas of interest to a heated solid electrolyte cell (60). A collection of beads (56A), each having an outer surface comprising a catalytic material such as platinum, is disposed in the passageway (57). The platinum surfaces of the beads (56A) act as a catalyst to protect the cell (60) from sulfur and other corrosive elements originating from the gas of interest. In a preferred embodiment the beads (56A) are disposed proximate the cell (60) and a heater (66) surrounds both the cell (60) and the beads (56A) to heat them to a predetermined temperature.