The ultra-specialist utilization of titanium components in marine environments and the human body, means that titanium alloys adhere to extremely precise specifications. Unfortunately, the downside of titanium is that it is challenging to analyze.
The spectrum which is emitted has many lines, and spectrometers can find it difficult resolving the individual peaks into meaningful data. For instance, 6Al 4V is the most common titanium alloy and it contains 4% vanadium and 6% aluminum. The combination of titanium with these elements leads to a huge amount of spectral lines.
The majority of mid-range spectrometers simply cannot deliver a precise, accurate reading for this material, and many grades of titanium are specified for the gases oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Traditional spectrometers also find it difficult to detect these.
Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science
Combustion Analysis for Titanium Alloys
The use of combustion analysis has been the historical answer for those recycling, producing, or trading in titanium alloys. If the standard test methods ASTM E1447 for hydrogen or ASTM E1409 for oxygen and nitrogen are used, then combustion analysis (or inert gas fusion thermal conductivity/infrared detection) supplies the low detection limits and analytical performance required.
This comes at a price, when compared with other spectroscopy techniques combustion analyzers are very expensive and taking measurements are relatively costly. Trained laboratory personnel must use the equipment and sample preparation takes time and expertise.
For those needing to verify semi- or finished products, or analyze medium to large volumes of samples from melts or scrap, the development of the new OE750 spark spectrometer by Hitachi High-Tech means a new, extremely cost-effective technique for titanium analysis is now within reach.
OE750 Performance for Measuring Titanium Alloys
A complete new optical system means that the OE750 can measure wavelengths with excellent resolution from 119 to 766 nm. It can measure nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen in titanium alloys, and has ultra-low detection limits for many other elements, including palladium, silicon, and ruthenium.
Detection Limits for OE750 for Titanium Alloys
Source: Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science
| |
Al |
N |
O |
H |
Si |
Pd |
Ru |
V |
Limit of
detection (ppm) |
5 |
15 |
100 |
5 |
10 |
30 |
10 |
10 |
Concentration
range (%) |
0.0005
- 9 |
0.0015
- 0.03 |
0.01
- 0.4 |
0.0005
- 0.015 |
0.001
- 1 |
0.003
- 0.2 |
0.001
- 0.2 |
0.001
- 18 |
So how does it compare in cost, given that the OE750 is a viable alternative to combustion analysis in terms of performance? Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science Ltd explains, using an example of 20,000 samples, how you can potentially save up to $ 167,000 (149,000 Euros) per year.
This enables the user to keep their combustion analyzer as the reference for the first samples of a batch and then deploy the OE750 as a workhorse for follow up measurements.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science.
For more information on this source, please visit Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science.