A major requirement in the manufacture and use of metals is to ensure that the chemical analysis of the metal or alloy is in accordance with the specified requirements.
Two of the main techniques are optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. MSL have two Optical Emission Spectroscopy facilities (OES). One supplied by GNR Italy, and one by Oxford Instruments. Both machines are shown in the following photo.
Knowledge of the exact chemical analysis would be essential to the ability to carry out the following:
- To guarantee that the chemical analysis of a raw material or part meets the specified requirements.
- To provide information on the chemical analysis of a part or component in the event of a failure during manufacture or in service.
- To allow the calculation weldability CEV, CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15, and PCM.
- To allow the calculation of the corrosion resistance of stainless PREN = %Cr + 3.3 x (%Mo + 0.5%W) + 16 x %N
- To predict stainless microstructure Schaeffler diagram
- To calculate hardenability DI, Jominy Curves and Heat Treatment parameters
- To check for the risk of temper embrittlement using the Wantanabe Factor J and Bruscato Factor BF or X Factor
- To check residual elements in secondary aluminium grades “Tramp or Trace” and in other metals and alloys
- Check for deleterious elements in cast irons.
- To check whether a steel has been made to a “fine grained steel making practice”.
- To determine the nitrogen content to evaluate the risk of strain age embrittlement.
- To check the surface carbon level of carburised or de-carburised steel.