Atomic emission spectrometric analysis is an advanced technique for identifying and quantifying a wide range of elements within a material, in various concentration ranges. This process involves the careful preparation of test samples, which are polished before being analyzed. An electric arc is generated on the surface of the sample by the spectrometer electrode, causing a light emission. Each element emits a unique spectrum of wavelengths, allowing the chemical composition of the material to be determined. To prevent absorption of the radiation into the air, argon is diffused into the scintillation chamber. Usually, the sample is subjected to multiple “firings,” that is, several electrical discharges at different points on its surface.

Positive Material Identification (PMI) analysis is a nondestructive methodology for identifying the chemical composition of material without compromising its integrity. This method is particularly useful for inspecting components already installed or in use, using portable instruments.

Chemical analysis can be performed with optical emission spectrometers (OES), applicable to both ferrous and nonferrous alloys. These checks are used both to identify a material and to verify compliance with regulatory standards and technical specifications.

Our analysis tools are capable of detecting the presence of elements in different materials, as follows:

• Stainless and low-alloy steels:
  • Carbon, Manganese, Silicon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chromium, Nickel, Molybdenum, Aluminum, Cobalt, Copper, Niobium, Titanium, Tungsten, Lead, Tin, Arsenic, Calcium, Tantalum, Boron, Nitrogen, Antimony, Vanadium, Zirconium
• Nickel alloys:
  • Carbon, Manganese, Silicon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chromium, Nickel, Molybdenum, Aluminum, Cobalt, Copper, Niobium, Titanium, Tungsten, Tin, Tantalum, Boron, Nitrogen, Antimony, Vanadium, Iron, Zirconium
• Aluminum Alloys:
  • Antimony, Arsenic, Beryllium, Chromium, Iron, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel, Lead, Copper, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Vanadium, Zinc, Zirconium

In addition, the SMT Laboratory has developed two internal methods(MI01 and MI02) validated by ACCREDIA to expand the accreditation range of Stainless and Low Alloy Steels, as the current standards do not cover the required value of some materials.

Our in-house laboratory procedures for vacuum atomic emission spectrometric analysis of carbon and low-alloy steels, stainless steels, nickel alloys, and aluminum alloys have been validated by Accredia.