MORE INSIGHTS on the Technique

SPARK-OES are optimized for use in metal production, metal processing and metal recycling. Unlike conventional handheld instruments, SPARK-OES enables the precise analysis of elements with low atomic numbers such as C, P, S, B, Li, Be, Ca, Si, Mg, Al and the determination of nitrogen in duplex within a few seconds. Spark-OES can be a perfect solution due to its ease, reliability and adaptability to use in every working environment

Determination of Lithium in Aluminum based alloys by Spark OES

The lightest metal, lithium (Li) is frequently found in aluminum-based alloys. Incorporation of lithium decreases weight without affecting strength. Aluminum-Lithium finds use in aerospace and high-performance applications due to its high strength, low density, high stiffness, superior damage tolerance, excellent corrosion resistance, superior fatigue cracking resistance and weldability. The common lithium-aluminum alloys are 2099 and 8090 series. 8090 series comprised of 2.2% to 2.7% lithium, which are widely used in aerospace manufacturing. It is efficient enough to be an alternative to 2014 and 2024 aluminum alloys. 2099 is an aluminum lithium alloy, with low-density material with high stiffness. With superior damage tolerance and excellent corrosion resistance, the alloy offers excellent weldability. Several techniques are available to determine the exact concentration of alloys like ED-XRF, XRF, Spark OES etc. Among these Spark OES can be employed for the detection of Lithium like lighter elements in minute quantities (ppm level) where ED XRF failed to detect.

Determination of Beryllium in Copper based alloys by Spark OES

Beryllium Copper alloy is also known as Beryllium Bronze or Spring Copper, in which copper is alloyed with 0.5-3% Beryllium. It is generally used in cryogenic equipment due to its consistent strength, even at low temperatures. They can be classified as high strength copper beryllium and high conductivity copper beryllium. The category high strength copper beryllium has the highest strength of any copper alloy, and its tensile strength can exceed 200,000 psi. Beryllium Copper alloy efficiently transmits heat and electricity so it is commonly used for electronic connectors, computer components, and telecommunications products. Additionally, the alloy is non-sparking as well as it possesses nonmagnetic characteristics. This alloy can be either softened or hardened as needed by applying different heat treatment processes with extremely high corrosion resistance. Wires, electronic springs and connectors, oil and gas equipment components, automotive powertrain components, as well as undersea and marine telecom components are the major products manufactured from Beryllium Copper alloy. In spite of these advantages of Beryllium; it is among the chemical elements most toxic to humans. It should be mandatorily identified any beryllium content in a copper piece undergoing grinding in workshops, so that precautions can be taken to prevent exposure via skin or lungs. Beryllium is yet another element that’s impossible to measure effectively with handheld XRF spectrometers but can be effectively detected by Spark-OES.

Determination of Carbon in Steel via Spark OES

Carbon greatly influences the mechanical properties of carbon steel, including its mechanical strength, hardness, and ductility. Both stainless steel and carbon steel feature same basic composition, but carbon steel can be defined by its carbon content. The maximum carbon content in carbon steel is 2%. It can be categorised as low (carbon content less than 0.25%), medium (carbon content of 0.25-0.6%) and high carbon steel (carbon content from 0.6-1.25%). Steel alloys are weldable without special measures when they contain up to about 0.2% carbon, after that point, weldability decreases as carbon content increases. Type 316 stainless steels are widely used in the construction of petrochemical plants which contain chromium and 0.07% carbon. While 316L stainless steels contain “low carbon” contain a maximum of 0.03% carbon. Small difference even in ppm level of carbon is enough to give these alloys clearly different intergranular corrosion behaviors. Unlike handheld XRF instruments, Spark OES can easily differentiate these alloys on the spot.