High-Frequency Infrared Carbon Sulfur Analyzer

What is the High-Frequency Infrared Carbon Sulfur Analyzer?

A high-frequency infrared carbon sulfur analyzer burns metal samples in an induction furnace and measures CO2 and SO2 by infrared cells. It is the standard instrument in steel, foundry, and alloy laboratories for routine control within 30–60 seconds per sample.

Overview

The high-frequency infrared carbon sulfur analyzer uses a 15–25 MHz induction generator of about 1.5–2.5 kW to heat a ceramic crucible containing 0.2–1 g of metal with tungsten and iron accelerators in a stream of oxygen. Combustion gases pass through a dust trap, a drying reagent, and two to four infrared cells covering different concentration ranges. A catalytic furnace converts CO to CO2 when needed and SO3 is reduced for accurate SO2 detection. Analysis time is usually 30–60 seconds. A pneumatic crucible lift and automatic furnace cleaning reduce operator effort. Results are stored with sample ID, weight, and blank correction, and calibration is performed with certified steel standards using linear or polynomial curves. Typical carbon ranges are 0.0001–6% and sulfur 0.0001–0.35%, with extended ranges available for ferroalloys.

How does it work?

A carbon sulfur analyzer places a weighed sample of 0.05–1 g in a ceramic crucible, adds tungsten or iron and tin accelerators, and heats it in a high-frequency induction furnace or a resistance tube furnace in flowing oxygen. The accelerators couple with the induction field, melting the sample at 1500–2000 °C and oxidizing carbon to CO2 and sulfur to SO2. Dust is removed by a filter, and the gas passes through infrared absorption cells tuned to about 4.26 µm for CO2 and 7.35 µm for SO2. Absorbance follows the Beer–Lambert relationship, and integrated peak area is converted to mass percent using calibration with certified steel or ore standards. High-carbon and low-carbon channels with different path lengths extend dynamic range from ppm levels to several percent.

What are the key features?

• Induction furnace heats metal samples to 1500–2000 °C within seconds.
• Multiple infrared cells cover ppm to percent ranges without dilution.
• Analysis time of 30–60 seconds supports high-volume production control.
• Automatic furnace cleaning and pneumatic lift simplify routine operation.
• Software stores blank, calibration, and sample data with export and audit functions.

What are the technical specifications?

A typical high-frequency infrared carbon sulfur analyzer configuration offers carbon range of 0.0001–6%, sulfur range of 0.0001–0.35%, sample mass of 0.05–1 g (typically 0.5 g), analysis time of 30–60 s, carbon precision (RSD) of ≤0.5% at 0.1% C and sulfur precision (RSD) of ≤1.0% at 0.01% S. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The High-Frequency Infrared Carbon Sulfur Analyzer is used in steel and cast iron production control, alloy and ferroalloy composition, metal powder and welding consumables testing and incoming raw material inspection. Across the wider Carbon Sulfur Analyzers class, laboratories also deploy it for steel and cast iron composition control, ferroalloy and metal powder testing and ore, cement, and mineral carbon-sulfur content.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ASTM E1019, ASTM E1941, ISO 15350, ISO 9556, GB/T 20123, GB/T 223.69 and IEC 61010-1. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Crucibles must be pre-ignited at about 1000–1100 °C for one to two hours to reduce carbon blanks, and stored in a desiccator. Oxygen of at least 99.5% purity and a regulated supply of 2–3 bar are standard, with compressed air or nitrogen for pneumatic functions. The dust filter, anhydrone or magnesium perchlorate scrubbers, and furnace chamber need cleaning after a defined number of analyses, typically 30–100 for high-dust steels. Calibrate with certified reference materials bracketing the working range and run drift checks every few hours. Extraction of exhaust gases is required because SO2 is released during combustion. Induction furnaces emit radio-frequency energy and should be installed according to manufacturer guidance and IEC 61010-1 safety requirements.

How do I select the right High-Frequency Infrared Carbon Sulfur Analyzer?

Select the high-frequency model for metals and alloys where fast, frequent analyses are needed. It is not suited to non-conductive ores or cement. In an RFQ, specify carbon and sulfur ranges, number of IR cells, sample types, autosampler need, and standards such as ASTM E1019 or GB/T 20123.

How does it compare with other Carbon Sulfur Analyzers variants?

Choose the furnace type first. High-frequency induction furnaces reach the temperatures needed for refractory metals, alloys, and ferroalloys, and give fast 30–60 second analyses. Resistance tube furnaces suit ores, cement, coal, and minerals, which do not couple with induction, and provide better stability for sulfur in non-metals. Next define the range: ppm-level carbon in ultra-low-carbon steel or titanium requires low-range cells, low blank, and careful crucible handling, while cast iron needs a high-range channel. Consider throughput through autosamplers and automatic cleaning, and check accessory needs such as crucible ovens, balances, and gas purifiers. Confirm that vendor documentation references ASTM E1019 or GB/T 20123, and ask for repeatability on certified reference materials representing your actual grades.