Oxygen-Nitrogen Analyzer for Steel

What is the Oxygen-Nitrogen Analyzer for Steel?

An oxygen-nitrogen analyzer for steel uses an impulse furnace and infrared and thermal conductivity detection to measure total O and N in steels and iron alloys. It supports routine melt shop control of oxide inclusions and nitrogen content.

Overview

The oxygen-nitrogen analyzer for steel is an impulse furnace system that heats a graphite crucible to 2500–3000 °C under helium. A sample of 0.3–1 g melts and releases oxygen as CO, which is measured by an infrared cell, and nitrogen as N2, measured by a thermal conductivity cell after purification. Typical ranges are oxygen 0.1 ppm to 0.5% and nitrogen 0.1 ppm to 3%. An analysis takes 60–120 seconds including outgassing. Stable carrier flow, electrode cooling, and dust handling are essential for reproducible results. Steel pins cut from lollipop or dip samples are common, and sample preparation includes surface grinding or chemical cleaning to eliminate oxide scale. The instrument can be paired with an optional hydrogen channel. Laboratories use it to evaluate deoxidation practice, nitride formation, and total oxygen as a measure of inclusion content.

How does it work?

An oxygen nitrogen hydrogen analyzer places a sample of 0.1–1 g in a high-purity graphite crucible clamped between two electrodes in a sealed furnace flushed with helium or argon. A high current heats the crucible to 2000–3000 °C, melting the sample and releasing its gases. Oxygen reacts with graphite to form CO, nitrogen leaves as N2, and hydrogen as H2. CO and, after oxidation, CO2 are detected by non-dispersive infrared cells, while N2 and H2 are measured by a thermal conductivity cell after the gas stream passes rare earth copper oxide and absorbent traps. Hydrogen may be separated by a molecular sieve column. Results are calibrated against certified reference materials such as steel, titanium, and nickel alloys. Since gases are extracted from the bulk, the analysis gives total content, not surface contamination.

What are the key features?

• Impulse furnace reaches 2500–3000 °C for complete gas release from steel.
• Infrared cell for oxygen and thermal conductivity cell for nitrogen give independent channels.
• Analysis time of 60–120 seconds supports melt shop decisions.
• Electrode cooling and automatic dust cleaning stabilize long sequences.
• Calibration with certified steel standards in a multi-point curve.

What are the technical specifications?

A typical oxygen-nitrogen analyzer for steel configuration offers oxygen range of 0.1 ppm–0.5%, nitrogen range of 0.1 ppm–3%, sample mass of 0.3–1 g, furnace temperature of 2500–3000 °C, oxygen precision (RSD) of ≤1.5% at 50 ppm and nitrogen precision (RSD) of ≤1.5% at 50 ppm. 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 Oxygen-Nitrogen Analyzer for Steel is used in steel melt shop gas control, inclusion assessment by total oxygen, bearing and tool steel qualification and welding consumable testing. Across the wider Oxygen Nitrogen Hydrogen Analyzers class, laboratories also deploy it for steel cleanliness and gas content control, titanium and zirconium alloy qualification and hydrogen embrittlement investigation.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ASTM E1409, ASTM E1447, ASTM E1019, ISO 10720, GB/T 11261, GB/T 20124 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.

Hydrogen and oxygen results depend strongly on sample handling. Steel hydrogen specimens must be quenched in cold water and stored in liquid nitrogen or dry ice to prevent diffusion, and analyzed promptly. Oxygen and nitrogen samples are cleaned, dried, and handled with tongs. Use helium of at least 99.995% purity, regulated pneumatic gas, and cooling water at 15–25 °C. Crucible outgassing is performed before each run and furnace electrodes and dust filters need cleaning after a defined number of analyses, usually 30–100. Calibrate frequently with certified standards and check blanks daily. Installation requires fume extraction and adequate power, since the impulse furnace draws high current. Validate methods against ASTM E1409, ASTM E1447, and ISO 4295-type procedures.

How do I select the right Oxygen-Nitrogen Analyzer for Steel?

Choose this variant for steels where oxygen and nitrogen are the main targets and hydrogen is tested separately. If hydrogen is also needed in the same sample, specify an O/N/H version. In an RFQ, define ranges, sample shapes, crucible supply, and standards such as ISO 10720 or GB/T 11261.

How does it compare with other Oxygen Nitrogen Hydrogen Analyzers variants?

Decide which gases matter and in which matrices. Oxygen and nitrogen in steel and titanium require a standard impulse furnace, while hydrogen in steel at 0.5–10 ppm often calls for a dedicated hydrogen channel or a separate hydrogen analyzer with a thermal conductivity cell. For ceramics and refractory powders that release gas slowly, higher furnace power up to 5–8 kW and longer integration are needed. Specify expected ranges, because ppm-level oxygen needs low-range infrared cells and careful blank control. Consider sample geometry: pins and rods need a cutting station, whereas powders require tin or nickel capsules. Autosamplers with 20–50 positions and automatic crucible handling increase throughput. Check the availability of certified reference materials for your alloys and ask for detection limits, typically 0.05 ppm to 1 ppm, verified on matching materials.