Abstract

A method is presented for the analysis of high purity mercury. In comparison with methods for determining impurities in other matrices, this method is unique, both for its simplicity and for its low limits of detection. The sample is converted to HgO and burned in a dc arc. The sample spectra are recorded on a photographic plate and impurities are determined by visual reference to spectra of standards photographed on the same plate. Detection limits are low enough to make the method useful for acceptance or rejection of 99.9999% purity mercury. This method is also useful for evaluating the purification of solutions of other metals by mercury pool electrolysis.

Spectrographic Study of the Afterglow of Mercury*

Edward E. Stepp and Richard A. Anderson
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 55(1) 31-33 (1965)

The Lundegardh Flame Method of Spectrographic Analysis*†

Victor R. Ells
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 31(8) 534-542 (1941)

A Method of Spectrographic Analysis of Impurities in Materials for Oxide Coating of Thermionic Cathodes*

T. J. Organ and S. L. Parsons
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 38(2) 191-195 (1948)

Modifications of Spectrographic Methods for Analysis of Aluminum and Its Alloys

R. W. Callon and J. E. Burgener
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 34(9) 543-549 (1944)

On the Purity of Mercury-198 Produced by Neutron Irradiation of Gold-197

J. R. McNally
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 47(11) 1032-1033 (1957)