The dependence of ion-chamber current on the density of the filling gas has been investigated, experimentally and analytically, to explore the use of an ion chamber as a high-pressure gas densitometer. A flat-plate ion chamber with a self-contained beta-particle source (Sr90-Y90) was used in experiments with methane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide and for pressures up to 2000 psia and densities up to 9 lbm/ft3. Over an appreciable density range, the linearity of the current-density response was good with a static sensitivity of about 10−10 amp/(lbm/ft3) and a reproducibility of ±0.5 percent. Variables which could be used to increase the static sensitivity and the linear range were identified.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.