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The oxygen-shielded air-acetylene flame in emission analysis
K E Curtis1, R G Stevenson, R Stephens
1Trace Analysis Research Centre Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S. Canada.
Talanta
|July 1, 1974
Summary
Flame-emission analysis using an oxygen-shielded air-acetylene flame offers improved sensitivity for certain elements like copper and thallium. This method provides a low background and high temperature, enabling sensitive elemental detection with basic optical equipment.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Flame-emission spectrometry is a common technique for elemental analysis.
- Optimizing flame conditions is crucial for enhancing analytical sensitivity and reducing interferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the analytical performance of an oxygen-shielded air-acetylene flame for elemental analysis.
- To compare the emission sensitivity of this shielded flame with a conventional nitrous oxide-acetylene flame.
Main Methods:
- Flame-emission studies were conducted on 18 elements.
- Measurements were performed in the inner zone of an oxygen-shielded air-acetylene flame.
- Results were compared to those obtained with a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame.
Main Results:
- The shielded flame demonstrated higher emission sensitivity for copper (Cu) and thallium (Tl).
- Comparable sensitivity was observed for several other elements.
- Poorer sensitivity was noted for elements forming stable refractory oxides.
Conclusions:
- The inner zone of the oxygen-shielded air-acetylene flame offers a low emission background and high temperature.
- These characteristics enable good analytical sensitivity, even with relatively low-resolution optical instruments.
- The shielded flame is a promising alternative for specific elemental analyses.
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