Controlled Atmosphere Excitation in Non-Enclosed Spark Stands

Abstract

The use of atmospheres for sample excitation has assumed increasing importance in emission spectrochemical analysis. This emphasis has resulted in a study of electrode jet enclosures designed to adapt existing stands for spark excitation. Special configurations of enclosures are required to achieve satisfactory point-to-plane analysis. Data will be presented for high voltage spark and spark-initiated condensed arc discharges and for the conditions required to achieve the “energetic burn” that is essential for improved sensitivity and accuracy in the analysis of steel, lead, and other alloys.