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Pumping of methane by St707 at low temperatures

Journal Article · · J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.573913· OSTI ID:5755970

A simple means of pumping small leak rates of methane is frequently required in long-term sealed-off devices such as evacuated solar absorbers. In this paper we examine, in this context, a chemisorption or catalytic pump the SAES getter St707. After suitable activation in an ultrahigh vacuum system a small sample of St707 (2.7 x 3 cm), with heater external to the vacuum system, was exposed to a methane leak as the sample temperature was raised in steps from room temperature to 400 /sup 0/C, the highest temperature used. Pumping was first detected at 100 /sup 0/C and at 400 /sup 0/C the pumping speed was 2 x 10/sup -3/ l s/sup -1/ cm/sup -2/ (pumping area assumed 8 cm/sup 2/), after 0.34 Torr l of methane had been pumped. Care was taken to distinguish these small pumping speeds from ionic pumping by the gages. The conclusion is that the St707 getter is suitable as a methane pump of low speed at low temperatures and pressures.

Research Organization:
Electrical Engineering Division, National Research Council, Ottawa, Canada K1A OR6
OSTI ID:
5755970
Journal Information:
J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States) Vol. 4:3; ISSN JVTAD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English