Our plant has completed the complete renovation of the X-ray spectral laboratory. A complete reconstruction of the existing premises was carried out, and new analytical equipment was purchased and installed. This was an important strategic step in the company's long-term development plan.
The X-ray spectral laboratory specializes in the analysis of materials using X-rays and is an integral part of the process of producing precision alloys. Its renewal not only helps to control the quality of current products, but also supports effective operation research center, expanding opportunities for future research in the development of new steels and alloys and technologies for their production.
For X-ray spectral analysis, we use an atomic emission spectrometer and an X-ray fluorescence analyzer. For each device, the laboratory has specialized software that ensures the accuracy and reliability of the analysis results. The use of such equipment is an important part of the technology for the production of precision alloys and makes it possible to determine the chemical composition of materials as efficiently as possible.
The principle of operation of the device for X-ray fluorescence analysis is based on the dependence of the intensity of X-ray fluorescence on the concentration of a certain chemical element in the sample. By irradiating the test sample with a powerful stream of X-rays, we obtain the characteristic fluorescent radiation of atoms in proportion to their concentration in the sample. This method is ideal for analyzing high concentrations of components such as nickel (the main component of alloys) 79NM, 50N, 50NP), iron and cobalt (49K2FA, 27KH, 40KHNM).
The atomic emission spectrometer is designed to analyze solid samples exposed to high temperatures. When the samples are heated to several thousand degrees, the atoms of the substance ionize, which makes it possible to determine the chemical elements that make up the alloys from the spectrum. We mainly use a spectrometer to determine the content of carbon and impurities. The limited content of the latter is critical for all precision alloys, as well as for carbon steel belts 60S2A, 70S2HA, U8A. In addition, the atomic emission spectrometer is convenient for accurate analysis of the composition of corrosion-resistant alloys, such as 12X18N9, 12X18H10T.
The short-term plan for the further development of the X-ray spectral laboratory includes the introduction of a gas analyzer to determine the concentration of nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen in steels and alloys. This is especially important because gases can lead to the formation of pores and cracks, significantly degrading the structure of the material. Knowing the gas content helps prevent premature degradation of the material, as well as improve quality products and extend its lifespan.
Read more about X-ray spectral analysis and the principles of operation of equipment for its implementation in our article”X-ray spectral analysis in the production of precision alloys: ensuring the quality and uniformity of material properties”.
