Apparatus for determination of zeta potentials from streaming potentials

¹ Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, and Department of Artificial Organs, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio

A system was developed to measure the streaming potential generated between the ends of a capillary by the flow of a fluid through the capillary. Zeta potential can be calculated from the streaming potential. Adequate sensitivity and reproducibility were achieved by making special electrodes: silver wires plated in KCl solution and embedded in agar, careful electrical shielding, and provision for reversal of flow through the capillary to minimize electrode errors. The apparatus was developed to measure streaming potentials generated by either Ringer's solution or blood in contact with capillaries made of different materials such as quartz, polyethylene, etc. An example of a determination using a quartz capillary is presented.

Submitted on February 25, 1963