Continuous mass spectrometric determination of concentration of particulate impurities in air by use of surface ionization
The average concentration of particulate impurities in air is determined by impinging the particles on a heated Re ribbon and analyzing the resulting ion current with a small magnetic sector mass spectrometer. Oxygen in the air raises the work function of Re to about 7.2 eV at 1000 K allowing analysis of elements with ionization potentials as high as 8 eV. In favorable cases, concentrations of 10/sup -13/ g/m/sup 3/ can be detected. By collecting the particles on the ribbon for short periods and then flashing the filament, increased sensitivity can sometimes be achieved. Natural air particles are analyzed for Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Sr, U, Pb, Cr, and Cu. Large amounts of organic compounds are detected, but the mixture is too complex to positively identify individual components.
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY
- OSTI ID:
- 7087069
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 11:6; ISSN ESTHA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACTINIDES
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
ALKALI METALS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
CESIUM
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHROMIUM
COLLOIDS
COPPER
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
CURRENTS
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
FILAMENTS
FLUIDS
HEAT
IMPURITIES
IONIZATION
IONS
LEAD
LITHIUM
MAGNETISM
MASS SPECTROMETERS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METALS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN
POLLUTION
POTASSIUM
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
QUANTITY RATIO
REFRACTORY METALS
RHENIUM
RUBIDIUM
SENSITIVITY
SODIUM
SOLS
SPECTROMETERS
STRONTIUM
SURFACES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
URANIUM