Direct Current Arc in Emission Spectrography II: Influence of Selected Buffer Compounds on the Properties of the Arc

Abstract

The results of a series of experiments are reported in which a number of selected buffer compounds were mixed with a synthetic sample containing elements of a wide range of volatilities. The mixtures were burned in a dc arc and measurements were taken of the anode temperature, arc temperature, and spectrum line intensities throughout the life time of the burn. From these results conclusions are drawn regarding the effect of the buffer cation and buffer anion on the arc and anode temperature, vaporization rates, and arc wandering. Some general rules for the selection of buffer compounds are suggested.