Analysis
IncoTest — Hereford, England

Chemical Analysis

 

Industry-standard analytical techniques ensuring samples are analysed by the most economical method — matched to material type, sample form, and required accuracy.

Chemical Analysis

The Right Technique for Every Sample

 

IncoTest utilises industry-standard methods of chemical analysis. Providing a wide range of techniques ensures each sample is analysed by the most economical method — selected according to the type of material, the form of the sample, and the level of accuracy required.

Our laboratories are equipped for the chemical analysis of a broad variety of metal alloys, spanning Iron, Nickel, Cobalt, Titanium, Copper, and Aluminium based materials.

Materials Covered
Iron-Based Nickel-Based Cobalt-Based Titanium-Based Copper-Based Aluminium-Based
WD-XRF
ICP-OES
Spark OES
GDMS
Combustion C/S
IGF H/O/N
WD-XRF
Technique 01

Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

 

Routine analysis of the major alloying elements in ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. One of the most established and reliable techniques for solid-form compositional analysis.

Application
Ferrous Alloys Non-Ferrous Alloys Major Elements
ICP-OES
Technique 02

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

 

An alternative to XRF and conventional OES when sample size is limited or sample form is unsuitable. Analysis involves dissolution of the sample, making calibration straightforward and sample form non-critical.

Typical Sample Forms
Turnings Fine Wire Powder Solution
Calibration Advantage
Pure Metal Standards

The dissolution step makes it straightforward to prepare closely matching calibration standards from pure metals and compounds — particularly important where appropriate CRMs are unavailable.

Measurement Scope
Major & Minor Elements

Covers major and minor alloying elements in ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, plus close-range calibration for non-standard materials not covered by other techniques.

Independent Over-Check Capability

ICP-OES is particularly well-suited as an independent verification technique — confirming results from XRF or OES, especially for non-standard materials or where no appropriate CRM is available. Sample form is not critical, unlike physical testing methods such as XRF.

Spark OES
Technique 03

Spark Source Optical Emission Spectrometry

 

Minor alloying elements in ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

Primary Use
Minor Alloying Elements

Optimised for the determination of minor alloying elements present at lower concentrations in both ferrous and non-ferrous alloy systems.

Material Coverage
Ferrous & Non-Ferrous

Minor alloying elements in ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

GDMS
Technique 04

Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

 

A trace analysis technique that benefits from minimal sample preparation to minimise loss of volatiles or contamination, combined with the low limits of quantification offered by high-resolution mass spectrometry.

GDMS
Three Detectors

Our GDMS utilises three different detectors allowing it to quantify values from percentage to PPB over a mass range from Lithium to Uranium.

How GDMS Works
1
Sample Preparation — The sample is placed in a reduced pressure inert atmosphere. Minimal preparation is required, preserving volatile elements and avoiding contamination.
2
Sputtering — A high potential voltage is applied, causing the release of positively charged ions from the surface of the sample in a process known as sputtering.
3
Mass Spectrometry — Sputtered ions pass into the mass spectrometer, which separates them by their mass-to-charge ratio for precise identification and quantification.
4
Detection — Three different detectors allow quantification from percentage level down to PPB, covering a mass range from Lithium to Uranium.
Minimal Sample Preparation

GDMS benefits from minimal sample preparation to minimise loss of volatiles or contamination.

Combustion IR
Technique 05

Combustion Analysis

IR Detection for Carbon & Sulphur

 

Carbon and sulphur are determined by RF combustion in oxygen. The resulting combustion gases are measured by infra-red absorption and converted to elemental concentrations.

Elements Determined
Carbon (C) Sulphur (S)
Process
1
RF Combustion in Oxygen — The sample is combusted in a Radio Frequency furnace under an oxygen atmosphere at high temperature.
2
Gas Generation — Carbon combustion produces carbon dioxide (CO₂). Sulphur combustion produces sulphur dioxide (SO₂).
3
IR Absorption Measurement — CO₂ and SO₂ are measured independently by infra-red absorption cells and converted to elemental concentrations.
Carbon and Sulphur Determination

Carbon and Sulphur are determined by RF combustion in oxygen. The resulting carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are measured by infra-red absorption and converted to the elemental concentrations.

IGF
Technique 06

Inert Gas Fusion

Hydrogen, Oxygen & Nitrogen

 

Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen levels are determined by the Inert Gas Fusion method. The sample is melted under an inert gas stream and the gases evolved are measured by thermal conductivity or infra-red absorption.

Elements Determined
Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Nitrogen (N)
Fusion Method
Graphite Crucible Melting

The sample is melted in a graphite crucible under an inert gas stream. Released gases are swept from the crucible and passed to the detection system.

Detection Methods
TC and IR Absorption

Gases are measured by thermal conductivity detection or infra-red absorption, depending on the element. Each method is optimised for the relevant gas species.

Broad Calibration Coverage

Instrumentation is calibrated for ferrous, non-ferrous, and titanium alloys in a variety of forms including powders.

Alloy Systems Calibrated
Ferrous Non-Ferrous Titanium Powder Forms
Working with IncoTest

Contact Us for an Estimate on Your Testing Needs

IncoTest provides high quality, cost effective materials testing services from some of the best equipped laboratories in the world. Operating 24 hours a day, orders are processed as quickly as possible to meet customers' delivery requirements.