Process for the sorption of residual gas by means by a non-evaporated barium getter alloy

A process for sorption of residual gas in a vessel by a non-evaporated barium getter comprising the steps of:

• i) comminuting an alloy of Ba.sub.z +(Ba.sub.1-x A.sub.x).sub.n B.sub.m to a particle size of less than 5 mm under a vacuum or inert gas to produce a particulate alloy;
• and
• ii) placing the particulate alloy in the vessel;
• and
• iii) sealing the vessel thereby providing a sealed vessel;
• and
• iv) providing a partially evacuated atmosphere within the sealed vessel;
• and
• v) exposing the particulate alloy to the residual gas in the vessel at room temperature and absorbing the residual gas without vaporizing the particulate alloy;
• wherein:
• "A" is a metal selected from the group consisting of elements of Group IIa of the periodic table of elements, excluding barium,
• "B" is a metal selected from the group consisting of elements of Group Ib, IIb, IIIa, IVa, and Va of the periodic table of elements,
• "n"=1, 2, 3, or 4,
• "m"=1, 2 or 5,
• "x" has a value equal to or greater than zero and equal to or less than 0.5;
• and
• "z" has a value such that the total barium is not greater than 95% by weight.

A process for sorption of residual gas in a vessel by a non-evaporated getter comprising the steps of:

• i) comminuting an alloy of Ba.sub.1.125 Ca.sub.1.125 with (Ba.sub.0.5 Ca.sub.0.5).sub.4 Al.sub.5 to a particle size of less than 5 mm under a vacuum or inert gas to produce a particulate alloy;
• and
• ii) placing the particulate alloy in the vessel;
• and
• iii) sealing the vessel thereby providing a sealed vessel;
• and
• iv) providing a partially evacuated atmosphere within the sealed vessel;
• and
• v) exposing the particulate alloy to the residual gas in the vessel at room temperature whereupon residual gas in the vessel is sorbed without vaporizing the particulate alloy.

A process for sorption of residual gas at temperatures less than 150.degree. C. in a closed vessel by contacting the residual gas with a particulate alloy of Ba.sub.z +(Ba.sub.1-x A.sub.x).sub.n B.sub.m wherein:

• the particulate alloy has a particle size less than 5 mm, and
• sorption of residual gas without vaporizing the particulate alloy;
• and
• "A" is a metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, and strontium;
• and
• "B" is a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, aluminum, tin and lead;
• and
• "n"=1, 2, 3, or 4,
• "m"=1, 2 or 5,
• "x" has a value equal to or greater than zero and equal to or less than 0.5;
• and
• "z" has a value such that the total barium is not greater than 95% by weight.