Importance

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Abstract

An improved apparatus for the on site spectrometric analysis of metallic parts in an air gap is disclosed. The apparatus essentially comprises a probe to be positioned on the part, a mobile unit including a current-pulse generator for the probe to excite the part for analysis of its chemical composition in a direct reading optical emission spectrometer contained in the unit, and a flexible optical cable coupling the probe to the unit. The probe is designed for use on both flat and round parts, such as bars, billets, pipes, rods or wires as small as having a radius of one mm. The probe features an adjustable counter electrode, an inner sleeve serving as a contact electrode and an outer sleeve axially movable about the inner electrode and having a positioning V-groove. The probe further includes an electro-mechanical interlock to prevent accidental discharge thereof, and a self-cleaning mechanism for its sensor head. The current pulse generator, controlled by a computer, provides the probe with reliable sequential high voltage ignition pulses, each followed by a high energy discharge at remote distances and in three modes: a preburn made to clean the surface of the part and the surfaces of the electrodes, a precision carbon analysis mode to yield accurate carbon analyses in concentrations as low as 0.05% and with the same degree of accuracy, and an all key elements save carbon analysis mode to yield results with an accuracy of better than .+-.5%. Preferably, the mobile unit features a keyboard, a visual display and a printer to display and to record the analyzed data. Preferably, the apparatus is provided with a mobile power generator.

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First Claim