Chemical Analysis (OES)

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) is a widely used analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of metals and alloys. Here’s a simplified explanation:

  1. How it works: OES involves creating a spark or arc on the surface of a metal sample. This high-energy discharge vaporizes a tiny portion of the material, forming a plasma. The atoms in the plasma emit light at specific wavelengths unique to each element.
  2. Analysis process:
    • The emitted light is captured and separated into its spectral lines using an optical system.
    • A detector measures the intensity of these lines, which corresponds to the concentration of each element in the sample.
    • A computer processes this data to provide a detailed breakdown of the material’s composition.
  3. Applications: OES is ideal for analysing metals in industries like manufacturing, quality control, and recycling. It provides rapid, accurate results, making it suitable for tasks like verifying material specifications or detecting trace elements.

Positive Material Identification (PMI) (XRF)

Positive Material Identification (PMI) using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive technique for verifying the chemical composition of metals and alloys. Here’s a simplified explanation:

Applications: XRF is widely used in industries like manufacturing, and quality control. It’s portable, fast, and effective for on-site analysis, making it ideal for tasks like verifying material specifications, or ensuring compliance with safety standards.

How it works: XRF involves directing X-rays onto the surface of a material. These X-rays excite the atoms in the sample, causing them to emit secondary X-rays at characteristic wavelengths unique to each element.

Analysis process: The emitted X-rays are detected and analyzed to determine the material’s elemental composition. This data is compared to known standards to identify the material or alloy grade.