Some Studies on the Use of Direct Reading Spectrometer for Control of Steelmaking Process

Abstract

The Production of steel is of course desirable a quick and an accurate analysis of various kind of steels and slags, and we tried to realize this demand with the developement of Direct Reader (Baird Atomic Inc., U.S.A.). But when a direct reading spectrometer has to be applicated for all of these samples there were much troubles to study, and in this report we had the investigations for these troubles.
It was necessary for spectrochemical analysis of iron or steel that the source unit is given the share of spark or arc with the kind of and the concentration of analytical element. But as the matrix effects of samples were possible to be neglected by the adjustment of discharge condition, we could use same technique on the analysis of all kind of samples with the production of low alloy steel, and get the analytical results avilable within normal error of chemical method.
Rapid analysis of slag was possible with a briquetting technique; analysed with spark discharge the sample which pressed the mixture with carbon powder. Working curves of the element in slag were showed with a single curve except those of Fe, forming the different curve caused to the kind of iron-oxide on the period of sampling.
Now we tried to use this spectrometer for the production of steel 24h a day, 7 days a week. Therefore the strict checks on operating and instrument were essential, but it became clear that these controls were easy with the application of standard sample at regular interval and with the check of internal standard intensity coincided with analysis.