A new generation of 99.999% enriched 28Si single crystals for the determination of Avogadro's constant

A metrological challenge is currently underway to replace the present definition of the kilogram. One prerequisite for this is that the Avogadro constant, NA, which defines the number of atoms in a mole, needs to be determined with a relative uncertainty of better than 2  ×  10−8. The method applied in this case is based on the x-ray crystal density experiment using silicon crystals. The first attempt, in which silicon of natural isotopic composition was used, failed. The solution chosen subsequently was the usage of silicon highly enriched in 28Si from Russia. First, this paper reviews previous efforts from the very first beginnings to an international collaboration with the goal of producing a 28Si single crystal with a mass of 5 kg, an enrichment greater than 0.9999 and of sufficient chemical purity. Then the paper describes the activities of a follow-up project, conducted by PTB, to produce a new generation of highly enriched silicon in order to demonstrate the quasi-industrial and reliable production of more than 12 kg of the 28Si material with enrichments of five nines. The intention of this project is also to show the availability of 28Si single crystals as a guarantee for the future realisation of the redefined kilogram

Improved measurement results for the Avogadro constant using a 28Si-enriched crystal

New results are reported from an ongoing international research effort to accurately determine the Avogadro constant by counting the atoms in an isotopically enriched silicon crystal. The surfaces of two 28Si-enriched spheres were decontaminated and reworked in order to produce an outer surface without metal contamination and improved sphericity. New measurements were then made on these two reconditioned spheres using improved methods and apparatuses. When combined with other recently refined parameter measurements, the Avogadro constant derived from these new results has a value of $N_A = 6.022 140 76(12) \times 10^{23}$ mol$^{-1}$. The X-ray crystal density method has thus achieved the target relative standard uncertainty of $2.0 \times 10^{-8}$ necessary for the realization of the definition of the new kilogram.Comment: postprint, 22 page, 3 figures, 14 table

Safety characteristics of flammable gases and liquids – Review

The safety characteristics of flammable gases and liquids are required when identifying potentially explosive mixtures and taking appropriate actions concerning explosion protection. Examples are given in this review of the safe handling and evaluation of hazards during the processing, storage, transport, and disposal of flammable liquids and gases. The CHEMSAFE database is presented as a reliable source of safety characteristic data, and ist new open-access version is introduced. CHEMSAFE currently contains assessed properties for about 3000 flammable liquids, gases and mixtures. The lack of a broad experimental foundation in the extensive field of non-atmospheric conditions shows the need for further investigation and standardization. This review summarizes experimental evidence and estimation methods for safety characteristic data under non-atmospheric conditions pointing out current limitations. Suggestions for pre-normative research on safety data under nonatmospheric conditions are given

Safety characteristics of hybrid mixtures for explosion protection

In this joint project, standardized measurement methods for hybrid mixtures are developed, which serve to determine safety characteristics for explosion protection. A hybrid mixture is a multi-phase System consisting of fuel gas or vapor, as well as air and flammable dust. This combination can occur for instance in drying processes or during heterogenous reaction processes

Entwicklung von normungsfähigen Bestimmungsverfahren für sicherheitstechnische Kenngrößen des Explosionsschutzes von hybriden Stoffgemischen

In diesem Verbundvorhaben werden standardisierte Messverfahren für hybride Gemische erarbeitet, die der Bestimmung sicherheitstechnischer Kenngrößen des Explosionsschutzes dienen. Unter einem hybriden Gemisch wird dabei ein mehrphasiges System aus Brenngas oder brennbarem Dampf, sowie Luft und brennbarem Staub verstanden. Die Veröffentlichung der Ergebnisse erfolgt in einem Abschlussbericht und als DIN-Spezifikation (DIN SPEC). Diese DIN SPEC versetzt Prüfinstitute und Industrie in die Lage, Explosionsgefahren beim Betrieb technischer Anlagen mit hybriden Gemischen einzuschätzen und damit Prozesse sowohl sicherer als auch effizienter zu steuern. Dieses Projekt wird im Rahmen des WIPANOProgramms (Wissens- und Technologietransfer durch Patente und Normen) vom BMWi gefördert

Development of decahydronaphthalene reference material for low flash point measurements

Certified reference materials are an essential tool for calibration of testing equipment, validation of analytical methods and ensuring quality of test results. Due to lack of national low temperature reference materials, Decahydronaphthalene reference material for flash point measurements according to ISO 13736has been developed by the National Metrology Institute of Egypt (NIS). This article describes production steps of the reference material. Certification of the material was carried out by interlaboratory comparisons, where between bottles homogeneity and stability studies were conducted in explosion protection department at PTB, Germany. The interlaboratory results were statistically analyzed, and robust mean was calculated as assigned value. The certified value and expanded measurement uncertainty (k = 2) was found 55.7 °C ± 1.2 °C, respectively