Surface contamination on the sample can cause significant errors in the analytical data; therefore, care must be taken to ensure a clean, representative sample is analyzed. Solid
samples should be abraded with a clean file, rinsed in acetone and dried with warm air prior to analysis. Samples that cannot be abraded due to irregular shapes should be rinsed in a
suitable solvent such as acetone, and dried with warm air. Care
must be taken to remove all traces of the solvent. If a sample is porous, refrain from using solvents,
as it will be difficult to remove all traces of the solvent by drying. Refer to ASTM E1806 for additional sampling and sample preparation information.
Accessories
528-018 or 528-018HP Ceramic Crucibles (preheated)*; LECOCEL II (501-008) or
15minutes, or at 1000oCfor40minutes. The crucibles are removed from the furnace, allowed to cool for
1to2minutes, and are transferred to a desiccator for storage. If the crucibles are not used within four hours, they should be re-baked.
Calibration
There are several suitable calibration samples available from LECO. Likewise, NIST, JK, JSS, and BCS are certified bodies that have a variety of certified reference materials (SRM/CRM) available as well. It is important that both high- and low-carbon ranges are calibrated. Single or multipoint calibration curves
can be utilized. Refer to the operator's instruction manual for details.
sulfurcontent(0.05%),apurgetimeof10secondsandadelay time of
20secondsisrecommended.
CS600
Procedure
1. Prepare instrument for operation as outlined in the operator's instruction manual.
2. Determine blank.
a. Enter 1.0000 g weight into weight stack. b. Add ~1.5 g of accelerator to crucible.
c. Place the crucible on the furnace pedestal (or appropriate autoloader position if so equipped), and analyze.
d. Repeat steps 2a through 2c a minimum of five times.
e. Enter blank following procedure outlined in the operator's instruction manual.
3. Calibrate.
a. Weigh ~1.0 g calibration sample into crucible and enter weight into weight stack.
b. Add ~1.5 g of accelerator on top of sample.
c. Place the crucible on the furnace pedestal (or appropriate autoloader position if so equipped), and analyze.
d. Repeat steps 3a through 3c a minimum of five times for each calibration sample intended for calibration.
e. Calibrate using the procedure outlined in the operator's instruction manual.
4. Analyze Samples.
a. Weigh ~1.0 g sample into crucible and enter weight into weight stack.
b. Add ~1.5 g of accelerator on top of sample.
c. Place crucible on furnace pedestal (or appropriate autoloader position if so equipped), and analyze.
Note: Some "solid" samples, notably nickel and/or cobalt-base alloys, are difficult to combust and may require additional accelerator. Likewise, reducing the sample to small chunks, chips, or pieces will facilitate combustion. For additional information on Carbon and Sulfur Determination using an Induction Furnace IR detection instrument, request LECO's Application Tips CD (209-050-055).