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SULFUR
Natural Abundance, Stable Isobars S32, 95.018%, Ar36 S33, 0.750% S34, 4.215% S36, 0.017% ntimony pentasulfide, ammonium polysulfide, carbon disulfide, and hydrogen sulfide have been used as charge material in the separation of sulfur isotopes. Carbon disulfide provides the best operating characteristics and is the preferred material. The usual charge consists of 500 g CS2 in a style SE stainless steel charge bottle which is located outside the calutron vacuum chamber. Carbon disulfide is procured from commercial sources and transferred with extreme care directly into charge bottles. The use of CS2 as a charge material presents a major health hazard since it is not only extremely toxic but also highly inflammable. It is as poisonous as hydrogen cyanide and produces a narcotic effect. The fact that carbon disulfide has a very obnoxious odor, even at very low concentrations, helps to minimize exposure. The volatility of carbon disulfide is only 1.8 times less than diethyl ether, its flash point is -25ºC, and at a temperature between 125 and 135ºC it ignites spontaneously in air. Carbon disulfide should be properly confined at all times to prevent the formation of an explosive mixture with air. All transfers of the liquid from container to charge bottle should be performed in a fume hood with good exhaust ventilation. Protective clothing, rubber gloves, safety goggles, and respirators should be used when handling carbon disulfide. Contamination on the skin should be immediately washed with soap and a copious amount of water. |
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