A contribution to the application of flame photometry on Ca, Sr, Ba and Li

Summary

Test solutions containing Li, Ca, Sr and Ba salts were sprayed into a flame photometer of simple design. The line-to-background ratio, the detection limit, interference effects, filter leakage and the form of the standard graphs were investigated. With each element readings were made with a series of interference filters of varying central wavelength and with an acetylene-air and propane-air flame, for comparison. From the results obtained conclusions can be drawn concerning the optimum measuring conditions to be used in routine analysis. Also an approach is made to the quantitative understanding of the form of the standard graphs with Ca, Sr and Ba, in the lower concentration range, based on the underlying ionization and dissociation processes. A characteristic saturation effect of the photomultiplier tube used is reported.