Corona neutralization

This chapter should be read in conjunction with Chapter 6, Coronas, Plasmas, and Arcs. A plasma is defined as a gaseous phase containing neutral molecules, ions, and electrons. The numbers of ions and electrons are usually almost equal. In a plasma torch, the plasma is normally formed in a monatomic gas such as argon flowing between two concentric quartz tubes (Figure 14.1). 

To increase the number of ions, a plasma or corona discharge is produced in the mist issuing from the capillary. The electrical discharge induces more ionization in the neutrals accompanying the few thermospray ions. This enhancement increases the ionization of sample molecules and makes the technique much more sensitive to distinguish it from simple thermospray, it is called plasmaspray. 

An alternating-current electrode svstern referred to in the indiisti v as a wiper is often installed in the nonconductor product-collection section behind each drum. The function of the wiper is to use an ac corona to neutralize the charge on the nonconductor particles pinned... 

There are some variants that have emerged in the wake of DESI. By replacing the electrospray emitter by a metal needle and allowing solvent vapor into the coaxial gas flow desorption APCI (DAPCI) can be performed [106], Other versions are atmospheric-pressure solids analysis probe (ASAP) where a heated gas jet desorbs the analyte, which is subsequently ionized by a corona discharge [107], and electrospray-assisted laser desorption/ionization (ELDI) where a laser ablates the analyte and charged droplets from an electrospray postionizes the desorbed neutrals [108],... 

Wilkes, J.G. Freeman, J.P. Heinze, T.M. Lay, J.O., Jr. Vestal, M.L. AC Corona-Discharge Aerosol-Neutralization Device Adapted to Liquid Chromatogra-phy/Particle Beam/Mass Spectrometry. Rapid Common. Mass Spectrom. 1995, 9, 138-142. 

Ozone decay was measured in an office, a home, and several metal test facilities. Measurements were carried out with a Mast ozone meter and an MEC chemiluminescence ozone detector. The latter was calibrated with a stable ozone source and the epa neutral buffered potasaum iodide procedure. (It was noted over a wide range of concentrations that the mec meter measurements were consistently higher than those of the Mast meter by a factor of 1.3. That this is essentially identical with the findings of the DeMore committee is interesting.) Ozone generated by a positive corona ionizer was introduced into the test facilities. Ozone decay in a metal-walled room was found to be first-order, with the rate constant... 

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