LOW OXYGEN ACTIVITIES IN STEEL MELTS - POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITS OF THE SOLID ELECTROLYTE MEASURING TECHNIQUE

The present study points out that low oxygen activities in steel melts at about 0. 0001 to 0. 01 can also be accurately determined by means of solid electrolyte cells. Error sources in the application of solid electrolyte cells are particularly discussed. EMF mismeasurements and misinterpretations may be induced by partial electronic conductivity and oxygen ion transport in the electrolyte, formation of reaction layers on the electrolyte surface, reduction of the oxide electrolyte and its oxide impurities.