Routine Analysis of Metals Using a Spark Source Mass Spectrograph with Electrical Detection

Abstract

An analytical method has been developed using a spark-source mass spectrograph for rapid, routine analysis. Using an electrical detection system and reproducible sample positioning, precisions of ±3% are attained under routine conditions with an accuracy of ±7% for several elements in the NBS 460 series of iron standards. Repetitive analyses of Ag in Cu demonstrate the method can analyze trace elements in metals with accuracies approaching ±2%. Details of the electrode positioning procedure and the analytical accuracy and precision of the technique are presented.