Xenon

[peterson@ridgefield.sdr.slb.com (Carl Peterson)]

Ed Leidholdt asked about Xenon sinking.

I have filled vats from the bottom up with sulfur hexafluoride, an
insulating gas, with a candle at the top of the tank, waiting for it to be
snuffed out by the rising gas level.  When the candle went out the tank was
full!

Sulfur hex has a molecular weight of ~146, xenon has a weight of ~131.  I
could fill a vat with Xenon just as easily.  Very expensive!!!!

Assuming the quantities involved are small you should be more concerned
with how often room air is replaced.  Turn over rate and the diffusion rate
of xenon vs gravity are what you are dealing with.

I was filling my vat from a T size bottle.

Good luck

Carl



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The standard disclaimers apply to the above!

Carl A. Peterson                          Schlumberger-Doll Research
  e-mail:Peterson@ridgefield.sdr.slb.com    Old Quarry Road
  Phone: (203)431-5272                      Ridgefield, CT  06877-4108
  Fax:   (203)438-3819
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