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I have this silly question about O2 analyzers:

Most oxygen sensors have a limited lifetime, usually between 12 and 15
months depending on use.  If I understand this right, the galvanic
reaction taking place in the electrolyte results in the slow
degradation of the electrodes, even when the analyzer is not being
used. As long as the cell is in contact with air, it degrades.

Would it be possible to greatly extend the life of the sensor by
storing it in a container filled with an inert gas. In most non-diving
applications, this would not be easy to do but since many of us carry
argon around anyway, why not take advantage of this.  Some gas tight
box (such as a Pellican box) fitted with a filling connector and a
cheap overpressure valve could be used to store the sensor (or a full
MiniOx).  By keeping the PPO2 in the electrolyte close to zero, the
galvanic reaction would stop and (theoretically) the life of the sensor
would be determined only by the extent of its use, and not by its time
in storage. Considering the high cost of the sensors, this would be
very cost effective.

Am I making any sense here?

Richard

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