Glossary: Dead Volume Correction

The dead space correction in the volumetric method, which is the equivalent of the buoyancy effect correction in gravimetry. The dead volume corrections account for the difference between the total sample cell volume and the total cell volume minus the volume occupied by the sample. Determination of the dead volume can take the direct or indirect form. Using the direct method, the dead volume of the sample cell is determined using a gas assumed to be non-interacting, usually helium. The indirect approach uses a dead volume calculated by subtracting an independently determined sample volume from the measured volume of the empty sample cell.