Thermal distillation, analytical method

Reliable analytical methods are available for determination of many volatile nitrosamines at concentrations of 0.1 to 10 ppb in a variety of environmental and biological samples. Most methods employ distillation, extraction, an optional cleanup step, concentration, and final separation by gas chromatography (GC). Use of the highly specific Thermal Energy Analyzer (TEA) as a GC detector affords simplification of sample handling and cleanup without sacrifice of selectivity or sensitivity. Mass spectrometry (MS) is usually employed to confirm the identity of nitrosamines. Utilization of the mass spectrometer s capability to provide quantitative data affords additional confirmatory evidence and quantitative confirmation should be a required criterion of environmental sample analysis. Artifactual formation of nitrosamines continues to be a problem, especially at low levels (0.1 to 1 ppb), and precautions must be taken, such as addition of sulfamic acid or other nitrosation inhibitors. The efficacy of measures for prevention of artifactual nitrosamine formation should be evaluated in each type of sample examined. 

The relatively impure crude Ca obtained from both thermal reduction and electrolytic sources (97-98%) is distilled to give a 99% pure product. Volatile impurities such as the alkali metals are removed in a predistillation mode at 800°C subsequent distillation of the bulk metal at 825-850°C under vacuum removes most of the involatile impurities, such as Al, Cl, Fe and Si. The N content is often not reduced because of atmospheric contamination after distillation. Unfortunately, these commercial methods have no effect on Mg, which is the major impurity (up to 1 wt%). Typical analytical data for Ca samples prepared by electrolysis, thermal reduction (using Al) and distillation are collated in Table 1. 

Liquid oxygen analyses are customarily made for process control, product purity and to avoid hazards. Usually analytical information required for process control is not extensive. Use of modified Or sat apparatus for manual determination of the oxygen contents of various liquid samples is routine in most plants. Relatively simple thermal conductivity analyzer-controllers govern the flow of liquid air fractions under distillation where differential pressure control is not applicable. Pressure drop and inspection of liquid in a small glass flask are usually sufficient for mechanical filter cycle regulation but a continuous carbon dioxide analysis may be helpful as a check on the overall function. A method which is sufficiently precise for this use is discussed later. 

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