Generation of metal-carbonyl standards for the calibration of spectroscopic systems

US6468446B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• American Air Liquide, Inc. · US
• L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude · FR

Inventors

• Tracey Jacksier · Lisle, US
• Reha Tepe · Hickory Hills, US
• David Vassallo · Oatlands, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 8, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 22, 2002
• Expiry date: Sep 8, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N21/278
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for preparing gaseous compositions comprising a metal carbonyl, preferably at ppm concentration, are disclosed. The methods comprise placing metal, preferably in the form of filings, of the metal carbonyl to be produced into a first test vessel at a first temperature, and then pressurizing the first test vessel with a gas comprising carbon monoxide from a carbon monoxide source vessel. The contents of the first vessel are then heated to a second temperature and at a rate sufficient to initiate metal carbonyl formation, thereby forming a gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl. The reaction is then quenched by transferring some of the gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl from the first test vessel to a second test vessel which is at a third temperature, the third temperature being lower than the second temperature. Finally, the gas composition is diluted in the second test vessel with an inert gas (preferably argon) from an inert gas source container.