Figure 8.21
(a) Schematic diagram of a flame photometer.
(b) Structure of a flame.
or grating dispersion is necessary and the technique is known as flame atomic emission spectrometry.
Flame Characteristics
Flames used in analytical measurements are similar to those produced by Bunsen burners with the
added provision of a means of introducing the sample directly into the combustion zone. Support
(oxidant) and fuel gases are fed to a nebulizer along with the sample solution. The mixed gases and
sample aerosol then pass through the jets of the burner where ignition occurs.
For flame emission measurements, burners of the Meker type with a circular orifice covered by a grille
are used whereas in atomic absorption spectrometry, a slit burner is preferred. In both cases, the flame
consists of two principal zones or cones (Figure 8.21(b)). The inner cone or primary