Techniques of Spectrochemical Analysis

Abstract

We can visualize the basic processes of spectrochemical analysis being applied in the sorting bay of the stores where incoming steel scrap arrives in a steelworks. The operator has a direct-vision spectrometer on the edge of a bench with a source of d.c. at 110 V, led to a fixed copper rod aligned with the slit of the spectrometer. He takes a sample of steel, clamps the earth lead on to it, strikes an arc, and looks into the eyepiece, not forgetting the American author who said “with the use of 220 volts twice the precautions are necessary against shocks”. Looking at several parts of the spectrum, guided by calibration marks on a sliding eyepiece, he can estimate the manganese, nickel, chromium, copper, vanadium, and titanium well enough to recognize the common alloys; and, in particular, to eliminate the chromium irons and stainless steel which otherwise raise the chromium content of the melts. With a few months' experience he can do this; and similar sorting procedures for aluminium alloys are said to be in use in the U.S.S.R.