Industry-Shaping Technology
DTE’s chemical analysis technology is based on proprietary and patented liquid-phase laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LP-LIBS™).
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy uses a high-energy laser pulse focused on the sample surface to generate a high-temperature plasma.
The hot plasma emits a spectrum of discrete spectral lines. The pattern of spectral lines provides a “fingerprint” of each element present in the sample. By analyzing these spectral signatures, the chemical components of the sample can be identified and quantified.
DTE’s LP-LIBS™ technology delivers elemental analysis directly from liquid metal in less than 60 seconds from sampling. It typically provides a level of repeatability and agreement with laboratory results to within 1-3% of the measured concentration and detection limits as low as parts per million.
Analyzing the molten metal directly saves time, improves worker safety, and sets a new benchmark for process control in metal manufacturing and recycling.
A new benchmark
for on-line analysis
Unlike traditional chemical analysis methods, DTE’s technology is ideally suited for continuous chemical analysis. It provides high-resolution time-series data during alloying and scrap melting, as well as for monitoring volatile elements and melt kinetics.
DTE’s technology provides an accurate representation of the bulk melt composition even at high elemental concentrations, which prevents the segregation of elements that can occur during casting of solid samples. With automated analysis, the number of data points can be greatly increased, enabling faster and better decision-making and real-time process control.
Precision and accuracy
Precision (repeatability) and accuracy (trueness) are important parameters for any chemical analysis technique. The values of these parameters are dependent on the element being measured, its concentration, the overall metal or alloy composition, and the method of calibration. DTE’s analyzers are factory-calibrated to cover specific elements and alloy groups. The factory calibration is performed against a trusted reference method that is, in turn, standardized against certified reference materials (CRMs). The stability of DTE’s analyzers over time can be subsequently monitored using solid CRMs. Our chemical analysis experts can provide detailed information about the precision and accuracy of DTE’s analyzers for primary metal and common alloys.
Comparison with spark-OES
DTE’s LIBS technology and conventional spark-OES technology are both relative analysis methods that must be calibrated against known standards. Spark-OES analysis shows a measurement-to-measurement variance that can be related to the instrument itself as well as to the properties of the solid sample being measured. For most elements of interest, DTE’s LIBS technology shows comparable measurement variance to spark-OES but for the inherently homogeneous molten metal, the LIBS analysis can provide better results at higher elemental concentrations.
As DTE's chemical analysis is performed with laser excitation, there is no electrode erosion or contamination–a major improvement over conventional spark-OES analysis. Less damage reduces the need for re-calibration. Consequently, DTE's solutions can operate in a harsh industrial environment for months without standardization.
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