On the detection of silicon in pig iron by LIBS. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dilecce, G.; De Pascale, O.; Bove, A.; Senesi, G.S.
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 132(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: LIBS -- Steel -- Silicon -- Iron -- Pig iron; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2020.106463
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Highlights: A Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy methodology is proposed for the measurement of Si content in pig iron. Robust instrumentation can be derived to implement the technique in an industrial environment. Si content of 0.4–0.6% for standard industrial requirements is easily detectable. Abstract: The on-site detection of Si in pig iron is a crucial issue for the assessment of the quality of steel in its industrial production process. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has the potentiality for such an application. In this work, it is proposed a LIBS methodology for the measurement of Si content, which is robust with respect to variable measurement conditions in an industrial environment, and capable of measuring readily Si percentages as low as 0.1%. The technique is based on a delayed detection that cleans the Si LIBS signal from overlapping Fe II lines, and on the proper choice of a reference Fe I emission feature that keeps track of the changing experimental conditions.