I have an 833A tube which I will use for a special project. I notice,
however, that it seems to have very small flakes deposited inside the
envelope. From what I surmise, they apparently jarred loose from the
"getter." Has anyone run across this phenomena before - and more
importantly, could I expect the tube to function OK with these deposits?

Roger, KL7Q

In article , says...

I have an 833A tube which I will use for a special project. I notice,
however, that it seems to have very small flakes deposited inside the
envelope. From what I surmise, they apparently jarred loose from the
"getter." Has anyone run across this phenomena before - and more
importantly, could I expect the tube to function OK with these deposits?

Roger, KL7Q

I have seen gettter material 'fall off' the glass before. I would
say be careful not to get any of it lodged into the grid structure,
and all I can say is 'light it up' and throw on some plate current.
As long as the getter is not white in color which indicates a cracked
envelope, and as long as it doesn't glow blue like a mercury vapor
rectifier, you should be A-O.K. I have run these tubes with what
looked like the whole center of the getter flash missing. No problems!