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HomeFurther investigations and development of vacuum ultraviolet emission spectrometry for the determination of low levels of C, N, O and S
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In this project, work to extend the use of optical emission spectrometry (OES) to include all determinations of low levels of C, N, O and S has continued from a previous ECSC project (EUR 20628 EN) with a similar aim. By the use of a single method, routines for production control analysis of steel would be substantially rationalised. As one way to approach the general goal, some investigations aimed at providing fundamental data relevant for the further development of the technique were carried out. These included a survey of C, N, O and S spark lines in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) wavelength range below 2000 Å. The most favourable analytical lines in terms of background equivalent concentration (BEC) and line interferences could hereby be identified. Furthermore, the analytical capability of a specially developed glow discharge lamp was evaluated. In general, lower BEC values and higher precisions were obtained in comparison with the conventional spark technique. Another point in this part of the project was an investigation of the spectrometer vacuum requirements. As a second approach, work to optimise and evaluate available spectrometric equipment was carried out. Variations of the spark source parameters were studied with some limited progress. Sampling with bevelled samplers was also investigated and shown to have a beneficial effect for mild steel types. Moreover, surface preparation by milling and grinding was studied and it was verified that milling was superior, in particular for low C. For milling, detailed specifications were given. Perhaps most important in this part of the project were the fairly comprehensive investigations of spectrometric analytical performance. From these, a small but significant positive trend for the results obtained in the course of the project could be inferred. In general, as a result of this work, a clear picture of procedures, limitations and performance of today's spectrometric technique has emerged. By the end of the project, and with use of the most recent equipment available, it was found that C, at all low levels, and S, with the exception of the extreme low, could be determined spectrometrically with performance equal to or better than the traditional combustion method. For N, spectrometric results were also in most cases found to be satisfactory although experiences from different production sites differs somewhat. For O, there were no positive indications obtained in the end.
- Published:
- Corporate author(s): Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (European Commission)
- Personal author(s): Hakkarainen, Aulis ; Lundholm, Martin ; Schmitz, Hans-Uwe
- Themes: Industrial research and development , Basic metals industry, steel industry
- Subject: applied sciences , research and development , research results , spectrometry , steel
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| ISSN 1018-5593 | ISBN 978-92-79-11703-9 | DOI 10.2777/5987 | Catalogue number KI-NA-23880-EN-S |
- Released on EU publications website:
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