The use of a β"-alumina electrolyte as sodium vapor sensor for the determination of NaOH in a glass tank

Author

Jose Manuel Almanza Robles

Abstract

"A ß" alumina electrolyte was used as a Na vapor sensor at 1500°C for application in the determination of NaOH in a glass tank. The cell did not require a reference electrode. The difference in Na content between both sides of the electrolyte gives the potential difference. Several experiments were carried out in a glass tank simulator at 1500°C while batch was added to the furnace. Also some experiments were done under controlled conditions (520 - 625 ppm NaOH and 1500°C) in a small tube furnace. Some stability experiments were done at 1400 and 1500 °C and 250 and 1040 ppm of NaOH for both temperatures at several times. The sensor responded to sudden changes in sodium every time that batch was added to the glass furnace. Decay in the mV signal was observed in those experiments. Experiments under controlled conditions also showed decay in the signal for NaOH concentrations in the range of 520 - 625 ppm of NaOH. XRD analysis and SEM and CL micrographs from samples used in the stability experiments as well as samples from the glass furnace and tube furnace, showed changes in the microstructure. Alpha alumina was not formed in samples exposed at NaOH concentrations below 100 ppm and 2 hours of exposure at 1500 °C. The ß" phase transformed to ß" and α-alumina during the exposure. The change in phase changes the Na₂O activity in the electrolyte and therefore the signal decreases. Sensors can be used to show relative changes in sodium if the Na concentration is known. The use of an electrolyte containing a mixture of α + ß is proposed and justified"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Moore, Robert E., 1930-2003

Committee Member(s)

Hilmas, Greg
Robertson, D. G. C.
Kohser, Ronald A.
Hagni, Richard D.
Velez, Mariano

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Ceramic Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2003

Pagination

xvii, 225 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 208-224).

Rights

© 2003 Jose Manuel Almanza Roble, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Glass furnacesGlass manufactureSodium vaporSodium hydroxide

Thesis Number

T 8276

Print OCLC #

53991171

Electronic OCLC #

1079364638

Recommended Citation

Almanza Robles, Jose Manuel, "The use of a β"-alumina electrolyte as sodium vapor sensor for the determination of NaOH in a glass tank" (2003). Doctoral Dissertations. 1484.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/doctoral_dissertations/1484