Patterns and causes of deposition losses in a simple spray chamber

Abstract

The deposition patterns of aerosol lost in the spray chamber of a Baird A3400 atomic-absorption spectrometer have been studied using a lithium tracer and dissected chamber linings. Areas of high turbulence within the chamber have been identified using a simple smoke tracer technique, and their positions related to the deposition patterns. Factors influencing deposition patterns are briefly examined and the significance of the results is discussed.