Measuring metallurgical composition of melt in furnace

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Metallurgists commonly measure the chemical composition of molten alloys using techniques such as Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). While ICP-MS is highly sophisticated, it is not typically employed in steel mills due to cost and complexity. Instead, LIBS has gained traction among steelmakers for its efficiency in monitoring melt compositions in real-time. The procedure involves taking samples from the furnace, which may be quenched for analysis, although immediate analysis is often preferred.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of metallurgical processes and alloy composition
  • Familiarity with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
  • Knowledge of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
  • Basic principles of sample preparation and analysis in metallurgy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles and applications of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
  • Explore the capabilities and limitations of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
  • Investigate sample preparation techniques for metallurgical analysis
  • Learn about alternative methods for measuring melt composition, such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for metallurgists, materials scientists, and quality control engineers involved in alloy production and composition analysis.

metalplastic
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
When mixing special grades of alloys, or even in commercial production of common alloys, furnaces are often used where metals or additives are added and mixed, then samples taken at the core and characterized, then adjustments are made by adding additives until the desired composition is achieved.

What is the common way and procedure that metallurgists use to measure the chemical composition of the mixture during production?

Do they cool down the sample immediately by say quenching and run it through an ICP-mass spec (I don't think steel mills are this sophisticated)? How is it normally done?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Anyone?

Alternatives like XPS? etc? Anyone know how it is normally done?
 
Several steelmakers use LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) to monitor melt compositions.
 

Similar threads

Could New Materials Propel China's Industry to Bill Gates-Level Success?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
10K
Jet Fuel, JP-5, JP-8 & DFM: Properties, Chemical Composition & Toxicokinetics
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
65K