Analysis of hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen in metals

carrier gas hot extraction (Also inert gas melt extraction called) is an analytical method for the determination of gases such as oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H) in metallic and non-metallic samples. The method is often used in materials science, metallurgy and in the quality control of metals and alloys.

How carrier gas hot extraction works:

1. Sample preparation:
   • A small sample (in the form of chips, powder or solid specimens) is weighed and placed in the sample holder of the device.
2. Melting in a high-temperature furnace:
   • The sample is placed in a high temperature oven at temperatures up to 3.000 ° C melted. The gaseous components of the sample are released.
3. Extraction with carrier gas:
   • An inert gas, often Helium or Argon, serves as a carrier gas and transports the released gases from the furnace into the detection system. The carrier gas also prevents the released gases from reacting with the ambient air.
4. Gas detection and quantification:
   • The released gases are detected with highly sensitive detectors such as infrared sensors (for oxygen) or thermoconductivity detectors (for nitrogen and hydrogen). The amount of gases released correlates with their concentration in the sample.

Advantages of carrier gas hot extraction:

• High precision and sensitivity: Particularly suitable for very low concentrations in the ppm or ppb range.
• Quick analysis: Rapid execution of measurements, which is advantageous in process control.
• Wide range of applications: Suitable for metals (e.g. steel, aluminum, titanium), alloys, ceramics and powder materials.