Spectroscopic analysis of microelements in steel with Quantovac

The limitation and problems of the determining microelements in iron and steel with Quantovac were studied. The system employed in this study comprises the spectroscope GVM-100, the luminescence device SG-400, the photometric device 241000, all of which are made by Shimazu, the computer IBM-370-115 and the communication terminal interface IBM-2740. Standard samples of 35 mm in diameter were made from rimmed steel, semi-killed steel, killed steel, electrolytic iron vacuum-melted in an induction furnace, and the same electrolytic iron containing microelements between 100 and 300 ppm. In conclusion, if the power source for low potential spark, the slits for measuring the intensity of spectra of each element and the photometry circuit are provided, the Quantovac available in market can determine such microelements as phosphorus, nickel, chrome, molybdenum, copper, vanadium, cobalt, titanium, tin, boron, niobium, lead, and zinc to the extent down to 10 ppm with satisfactory accuracy. In order to lower the lower limit, it is necessary to improve the method of sampling and excitation so as to increase the stability and sensitivity of luminescence. Some new emission method having less effect of microsegregation should be developed. A series of standard samples should be prepared. (Iwakiri, K.)