X-ray spectral analysis is an important method of research and quality control in the production of precision alloys. It is based on the study of the spectra of characteristic X-ray radiation that occurs when atoms of the material are excited. IN alloy production provides accurate control of the chemical composition of the material at all stages of production, from incoming control of raw materials to the release of finished products.
The principle of operation of X-ray spectral analysis
The main idea of X-ray spectral analysis is to excite the atoms of a material with electrons, which leads to the emission of characteristic X-ray radiation. The energy must be sufficient to tear electrons out of the atomic shells. The characteristic emission spectrum consists of a set of spectral lines, each of which corresponds to a specific element. The principle of operation is based on measuring these lines to identify elements in the sample.
Application in the production of precision alloys
X-ray spectral analysis provides both qualitative and quantitative results. The former help determine the elemental composition of the test sample, the latter help determine the concentration of chemical elements in it.
The main components of X-ray spectral analysis devices
X-ray spectral analysis involves the use of specialized devices consisting of several main components:
- Excitation source — an electronic probe that is used to bombard with fast electrons and initiates the process of emitting X-rays by sample atoms.
- Spectrum analyzer — designed to separate X-ray spectra by wavelength and measure the intensity of each line. Analyzer crystals that separate X-rays by wavelength and a detector that records the intensity of radiation are usually used.
- Detector — records the intensities of characteristic X-rays and converts them into electrical signals, providing data for further analysis.
- Data processing system — includes software that processes the information obtained, conducts a quantitative or qualitative analysis of the elemental composition of the sample and provides final results.
In general, the process of operation of the device is as follows:
- Sample bombardment: The excitation source bombards the sample with electrons.
- X-ray radiation: the sample atoms emit characteristic X-rays.
- Separation and registration: The spectrum analyzer separates X-ray spectra, and the detector records their intensities.
- Data processing: The data processing system analyzes the information obtained to determine the chemical composition of the sample.
- Calibration: comparing the measured data with known concentrations of elements in calibration samples, which ensures the accuracy and reliability of the results.
The joint operation of the main components of the devices ensures high efficiency quality control materials at all stages of production, which is important for maintaining high standards and achieving uniformity in the properties of precision alloys.
Calibration method in X-ray spectral analysis of precision alloys
Calibration is the process of establishing a correspondence between measured data (the intensity of the sample's analytical lines) and the known chemical concentrations of elements in samples. This method is often used to control the composition of steels, alloys and mixtures.
The calibration method includes the following steps:
- Preparation of standard samples — multi-element samples with known concentrations of chemical elements (similar to those present in the precision alloys under study) are analyzed to obtain their X-ray spectra.
- Measuring the spectra of standard samples — used to obtain X-ray spectra containing characteristic peaks corresponding to various elements in the sample.
- Identification of peaks — the obtained spectra identify characteristic peaks, each of which corresponds to a specific element. Peaks can be separated by their energy, shape, or intensity.
- Energy scale correction — based on the measured characteristic peaks and known concentrations of elements in standard samples, the spectrometer's energy scale is corrected. This includes corrections for displacement, nonlinearity, or temperature drift that are necessary to accurately match the measured data to actual concentrations.
- Eliminate spectral overlays — sometimes spectral overlaps occur on the spectra when two or more peaks overlap. This makes it difficult to identify and accurately determine the concentrations of elements. Various methods are used to eliminate overlays, including the use of spectral databases and approximating the shape of the peaks.
The data obtained after calibration are used to determine the concentrations of elements in unknown samples, which ensures accurate control of the chemical composition of the alloy.
PZPS X-ray Spectral Laboratory
X-ray spectral laboratory at PZPS plays an important role in ensuring high quality and stable production precision alloys. The laboratory systematically controls the chemical composition of raw materials, intermediates and finished alloys using X-ray spectral analysis methods. This approach ensures not only that the plant's products meet quality standards, but also makes it possible to respond quickly to changes in production processes, ensuring the stability and reliability of alloys.
