Ultra-Fast Inclusion Analysis with Spark-OES - Thermo Scientific ARL iSpark, the All-in-One Steel Analyzer

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler

Ultra-Fast Inclusion Analysis with Spark-OES extends the Thermo Scientific ARL iSpark OES spectrometer for analyzing solid steel samples beyond routine elemental concentration. Spark-DAT inclusion analysis performs multiple inclusion-related determinations within the time of a standard OES run, supporting real-time on-line steel production control. The approach combines specialized software algorithms (OXSAS) to convert spark intensity signals into inclusion counts, peak coincidence identification, and size or content quantification, including qualitative and quantitative inclusion size analysis.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Benefits

Principles

Practical details

Sample preparation

Analysis time

Examples of inclusions analyzed

Counting inclusions

Qualitative inclusion size analysis

Quantitative inclusion size analysis

Ultra-Fast Inclusion Analysis with Spark-OES – Thermo Scientific ARL iSpark, the All-in-One Steel Analyzer Jean-Marc Böhlen Thermo Fisher Scientific, Ecublens, Switzerland Introduction The inclusion analysis methods extend the capability of the Thermo Scientific ARL iSpark OES spectrometer for the analysis of solid steel samples much beyond usual elemental concentration. It allows performing various types of inclusion related determinations in the time of a standard OES analysis. This offers unequalled perspectives for controlling the steel production on-line. Benefits The main benefits of using the Spark-DAT inclusion analysis methods of the ARL iSpark Metals Analyzer are the following: • Inclusion information is available during the production of steel. The inclusion analysis which is performed in combination with the classical spectrochemical analysis does not extend the time needed for the traditional OES analysis. • Drastic reduction of investment costs. The inclusion analysis is performed with the ARL iSpark Metals Analyzer, used also for production process control • Extremely short time for inclusion analysis. A two-runs combined analysis takes about 1min and is therefore possible for more than 30 samples per hour • No additional cost or time for operations . Sample and its preparation, maintenance and service operations are the same as for a standard OES instrument Principles Spark-DAT inclusion analysis methods are analytical methods based on specialized algorithms included in the analytical software OXSAS. With Spark-DAT the single intensity values that are generated by the single sparks are acquired separately on the channels of the inclusion elements. Fast algorithms are used to calculate the values corresponding to the information of interest. The intensity of a Spark-DAT signal depends on the composition of the sample at the position struck by the corresponding single spark. If the spark hits a sample area containing an Al based inclusion (e.g. Al2 O3 ), the outcome is an intensity peak, because the Al concentration is much higher than in the metal matrix ( FIGURE 1) . Figure 1. Principle of Spark-DAT illustrated for a steel sample containing Al2 O3 inclusions of different sizes. The intensity of the baseline signal is proportional to the number of Al atoms dissolved in the metallic matrix and the intensity of a peak depends on the amount of Al atoms contained in the inclusion(s) ablated by a single spark. Consequently, the number of peaks is related to the number of such inclusions and their intensity to such factors as the inclusion size and the concentration of Al in the inclusion. Practical details Sample preparation The standard OES sample preparation can be used for Spark-DAT inclusion analysis. However, with paper grinding, the paper should be chosen in order to avoid any influence on the analysis of the inclusions of interest (e.g. using SiC paper when Al2 O3 inclusions have to be analyzed) . For advanced, quantitative Spark-DAT applications, milling is advisable. Analysis time Combined inclusion and elemental concentration analysis are performed in slightly more than 20s for a single measurement, i.e. the time needed for the standard OES analysis. This makes inclusion analysis extremely attractive in the context of production, where costs significantly depend on analysis time. Examples of inclusions analyzed Various types of endogenous and exogenous inclusions may be observed in steel, e.g. oxides (Al2 O3 , MgO, CaO, MnO, TiO2 , SiO2…), spinels (Al2 O3-CaO, Al2 O3-MgO…), sulfides (CaS, MnS, AlS…) and many others. Counting inclusions The algorithm Peaks allows the evaluation of the number of inclusions by counting intensity peaks on the channels of elements present in inclusions. A peak is normally defined as an intensity signal I peak > m + 3·SD, where m is the mean intensity of the element dissolved in the matrix and SD its standard deviation. With P

FAQs

What does Spark-DAT inclusion analysis add to standard OES analysis?

It expands the capability of the ARL iSpark OES spectrometer to perform various inclusion-related determinations using spark-by-spark intensity data, not only routine elemental concentration.

How is inclusion information obtained during steel production?

Inclusion analysis is executed during ongoing production when combined with classical spectrochemical analysis, without extending the overall time needed for traditional OES analysis.

Which software algorithms are used for counting and interpreting inclusions?

The document describes algorithm Peaks for counting intensity peaks and algorithm Composition for counting peak coincidences across multiple element channels to identify inclusion types.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler