Advanced mass spectrometers for hydrogen-isotope analyses
Two advanced mass spectrometers for the accurate analysis of mixtures of the hydrogen isotopes were evaluated by Du Pont personnel at the Savannah River Laboratory. One 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 second is a smaller, simpler, stigmatic focusing instrument with exceptionally high ion intensities (>1 x 10/sup -9/ A at 600 resolution 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.
- Research Organization:
- Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, SC (USA). Savannah River Lab.; Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, SC (USA). Savannah River Plant
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-76SR00001
- OSTI ID:
- 6577427
- Report Number(s):
- DP-MS-81-115; CONF-820883-2; ON: DE83004930
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
400104* -- Spectral Procedures-- (-1987)
ACCURACY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COMPUTERS
DATA
DESIGN
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
INFORMATION
ISOTOPES
MASS SPECTROMETERS
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NUMERICAL DATA
SPECIFICITY
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROSCOPY