Advanced mass spectrometers for hydrogen isotope analyses
- comp.
Two advanced prototype mass spectrometers for the accurate analysis of mixtures of the hydrogen isotopes were evaluated. One, a VG-Isotopes GAZAB, was developed for the Mass Spectrometer Technical Group, a group representing ten DOE contractors. The other, a MAT 250 HDT, was developed independently by Varian MAT (now Finnigan MAT) after extensive discussions with Du Pont personnel. The GAZAB is a large double-focusing instrument with a resolution of 2000 at mass 4 and an abundance sensitivity of > 100,000 for the HT-D/sub 2/ doublet. The MAT 250 HDT is a smaller, simpler, stigmatic focusing instrument with exceptionally high ion intensities (> 1 x 10/sup -9/ A at 600 and about 1 x 10/sup -10/ A at 1300 resolution) for high signal-to-noise ratios. Both instruments are computer controlled. Once a scan is started, peak switching, scanning, mass discrimination control, data collection and data reduction are done without operator intervention. Utility routines control hysteresis effects and instrument calibration. A containment facility, with dual inlet systems and a standard distribution system, permits testing with tritium mixtures. Helium flow standards and tritium activity meters provide independent verification of the mass spectrometer calibrations. A recovery system prevents the release of tritium to the environment. The performance of the mass spectrometers was essentially equal under simulated process control conditions. Precision and accuracy for the D/T ratio was < 0.5% (rel 2sigma limits). Performance factors were: sample equilibration < 300 ppM; linearity within +- 0.3%; and gas interference < 0.1%. Mass discrimination was controlled reliably by the computers. Therefore, single focusing instruments are suitable for routine control laboratory operations. Double-focusing instruments are only needed for special applications. SRL/SRP personnel worked closely with both manufacturers in this program.
- Research Organization:
- Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, SC (USA). Savannah River Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-76SR00001
- OSTI ID:
- 6486313
- Report Number(s):
- DP-1674; ON: DE85000716
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ACTIVITY METERS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONTAINERS
DEUTERIUM
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
MASS SPECTROMETERS
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
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ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
ODD-ODD NUCLEI
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SPECTROMETERS
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STABLE ISOTOPES
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