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Title: A STUDY OF THE DETERMINATION OF OXYGEN IN BERYLLIUM BY VACUUM FUSION

Journal Article · · Analyst
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/an9628700515· OSTI ID:4807994

The relatively high vapor pressure of beryllium metal at the temperature required for the vacuum fusion reduction of its oxide by carbon can lead to severe gettering and loss of part of the carbon monoxide evolved in the reaction. Low and variable results for oxygen will be obtained unless the design of the vacuum fusion apparatus and operating technique are carefully controlled. These design and operating factors were investigated in part by fftting a recording ionization gage to the furnace head of a micro platinum-bath vacuum fusion apparatus, thus monitoring the progress of vacuum fusion reactions and the rate of removal of gas from the furnace head. The gage was used under static and dynamic gas conditions to investigate the gettering action of beryllium evaporated during the vacuum fusion of a sample. Other factors investigated include: the pumping speed characteristic of the gas-transfer diffusion pump, the vacuum fusion temperature, the enclosure of samples in capsules, the use of a tin addition with the sample, sample size, and the method of sampling. The most important factors are the maintenance of high pumping speeds for high pressures at the crucible and the use of capsules to enclose all samples. (auth)

Research Organization:
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Springfields, Lancs, Eng.
NSA Number:
NSA-16-026911
OSTI ID:
4807994
Journal Information:
Analyst, Vol. Vol: 87; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English