A process for determining the potassium content in spaces containing potassium

摘要

PICT:0340231/III/1 The potassium content in spaces containing potassium compounds is determined by measuring the degree of ionization produced in a tubular ionization vessel 15, 16, by gamma rays emitted by the potassium. A wire 18 passes through the insulating caps 16 of the metal tube 15 to which a potential of 1000 to 2000 volts is applied by a battery 19 whereby an intense ionization by collision is produced when the ionizing rays fall upon the tube, owing to the rapid movement, induced by the strong field, of the electrons freed by the rays. In the circuit is a high resistance 20 connected to the grid of an electrode valve 21, in the anode circuit of which is a relay 22 by which the impulses reaching the grid of the valve are recorded on a strip or added up by counting mechanism in known manner. The number of current impulses in a given time provides a measure of the quantity of potassium present.