Picogram Detection of Sulfur Hexafluoride by High Pressure Charge Exchange Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Since air quality in industrial atmospheres is important for personal comfort and safety, tracer experiments using sulfur hexa-fluoride (SF₆) are commonly used to monitor air distributions and flow patterns.

This method involves the determination of SF₆ by high pressure charge exchange mass spectrometry at levels as low as 3 × 10^?12 grams. It employs specific ion detection in combination with gas chromatography to insure a high degree of specificity.