Spark-Source Mass Spectrometry as an Analytical Technique for High Purity Iron

Techniques for the analysis of high purity iron by spark-source solids mass spectrometry are presented. A brief description of the mass spectrometer is given, and operations necessary for preparation and running of samples are discussed. The calculation procedure for reduction of mass spectral line intensity to parts per million by atoms concentration is described. Comparative data obtained by other methods and from other mass spectrometers show that with a few exceptions the mass spectrometric method is satisfactory for analysis of iron of presently achieved purity. The method is currently applied to all elements except hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, aluminum, and mercury. Silicon may be determined, but with reduced sensitivity.