SEDL / STP / STP116-EB / STP39250S

A Modified Recording Flame Photometer

King, WH
Esso Laboratories, Standard Oil Development Co., Linden, N. J.

Priestley, W
Esso Laboratories, Standard Oil Development Co., Linden, N. J.

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1952

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Abstract

A Beckman flame photometer has been modified for use as a recording instrument and has been in service for over a year in this laboratory. The use of a recording technique has proved to be advantageous in flame photometer work since zero drift, sensitivity drift, and aspirator change difficulties are compensated by a recording technique. The flame spectrum of a sample may be scanned in a few minutes, thereby presenting a rapid qualitative analysis. Unexpected elements have shown up in recorded flame spectra which otherwise might have been overlooked.

The instrument described here uses a photomultiplier detector which permits operation at extremely low light intensity levels. Through this sensitive detector system, the minimum detectable amounts of many elements has been lowered.