| To get a clear understanding of ion analysis one must | | | | process gives the technician working with the metal, |
| first understand what ions are. Ions are atoms or | | | | especially in a foundry, an idea of what needs to be |
| molecules where the number of electrons and | | | | adjusted in the mixing. |
| protons are not equal in number and hence give it | | | | This system of analysis in liquids can be done by |
| either a negative or positive charge. A negatively | | | | using ion specific electrodes. Specific ions from the |
| charged ion is called an anion and a positively charged | | | | liquid are drawn into the detection area with the use |
| ion is called a cation. Ion analysis is considered to be a | | | | of an electrolyte solution. A thin semi-permeable |
| very sensitive test in the world of analytical | | | | membrane is used here that only allows ions to be |
| chemistry. | | | | detected and filters out the impurities and other |
| The sensitive detection of ions that are present in | | | | interfering substances. In order to get a qualitative |
| liquids and gases is known as ion analysis. However, | | | | and quantitative result a buffer solution is then |
| ion analysis is not restricted to liquids and gases alone | | | | applied. This method of ion analysis is very popular in |
| and can be used to determine the makeup of solids | | | | biological and research laboratories to determine |
| as well. In order to determine the surface molecular | | | | human and nature's biological metabolite functions. |
| make up of solids a probe is used. This probe | | | | This system is also used to monitor the body |
| effectively ionizes the surface molecules of the solid | | | | chemistry of individuals in hospitals. |
| and draws the resultant gases into an ion detector | | | | Ion exchange chromatography is a process where |
| like the mass spectrophotometer. This ion detection | | | | columns are used to separate substances in a matrix. |
| method is used to determine the atomic content of | | | | This method of ion analysis is used to separate |
| metals and to maintain metal purity in order to aid | | | | protein and for amino acids grouping. This system is |
| smelting in foundries. | | | | used extensively by scientists for determining |
| The process of ion detection in metals with the help | | | | biological changes in nature and for conducting |
| of a mass spectrophotometer begins with first | | | | metabolic function tests. Pharmaceutical companies |
| cleaning the surface of the metal with a lathe so that | | | | use this method to determine the composition and |
| it is free from all debris and the surface becomes | | | | function of drugs before releasing them for |
| smooth. This ingot or sample is then placed on the | | | | experimental trials. |
| ionizer and the probe is brought in contact with the | | | | Ion analysis is a sensitive and reliable method of |
| microns on the metal surface. This action causes a | | | | determining ion composition and is used extensively in |
| discharge of ionized gases which are then drawn into | | | | industries that are dependent on sensitive chemical |
| the mass spectrophotometer which then separates | | | | analysis which includes pharmaceuticals, foundries, |
| the ions into their individual elements on analysis. This | | | | biochemistry and research labs and hospitals. |