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An Ionization Detector for Permanent Gases

Abstract

THREE highly sensitive gas ionization methods for the detection of volatile substances have been reported : the hydrogen flame ionization detector1, the ‘argon’ detector2, and the electron affinity ionization detector3. These devices are practical and efficient in the measurement of low concentrations of organic vapours ; they suffer, however, the disadvantage of a slight or negligible response to most permanent gases. This communication describes a sensitive ionization- method of measuring the concentration of all permanent gases, except the noble gases, in an argon carrier-gas stream.

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References

  1. McWilliam, I. G., and Dewar, R. A., “Gas Chromatography”, edit. by Desty, D. H. (Butterworths, London, 1958).

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  2. Lovelock, J. E., J. Chromatography, 1, 35 (1958).

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  3. Lovelock, J. E., and Lipsky, S. R., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 82, 431 (1960).

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LOVELOCK, J. An Ionization Detector for Permanent Gases. Nature 187, 49–50 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/187049a0

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