BRUKER ELEMENTAL GmbH noted that current standards for commercial steel products always emphasize high (and increasing) measures of cleanliness and homogeneity, and that the critical factor for achieving that is low oxygen.
The classic way to determine non-metallic inclusions is to use metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). These are slow and cost-intensive methods, whereas optical emission spectroscopy with pulse discrimination analysis (OES-PDA) determines steel cleanliness and oxygen contents quickly and efficiently. During melting, these quality indicators are available and allow process control in real-time. Faster finished-product inspection is another advantage.
Q8 Magellan is a spark emission spectrometer that sets new technical standards and offers high reliability and flexibility, and easy handling. Its analytical capability is demonstrated by an unlimited combination of measurement parameters. It is the only vacuum spectrometer featuring channel-photomultipliers, digital plasma generator, unlimited single-spark- and time-resolution, and a heavy-duty, low-maintenance spark stand with co-axial argon flow.
Q8 Magellan is suitable for routine operation in laboratories and production environments.
Newly developed electronics, detectors, optical components and information technology ensure that Q8 Magellan differs from other spectrometers commercially available. The components have been selected for maximum quality performance.
In addition, for these applications Bruker Elemental has developed Metal Cleanliness Inspection (MCI) software to work with the Q8 Magellan spark spectrometer. MCI software evaluates the sparks (caused by non-metallic inclusions) statistically to determine:
- Total oxygen content
- Oxide and sulfide inclusions
- Grain size distribution of different oxide and sulfide types (e.g. alumina, Ca-aluminate, Mg-spinel)
- Degree of cleanliness in relation to reference methods (e.g. EN 10247, ASTM E45.)
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