LIBS Spectrometers: Everything You Need to Know

The LIBS Spectrometer LIS-01 uses the LIBS method.

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical technique for determining the chemical composition of materials using a high-focused laser. LIBS has been around for a long time and is largely used in laboratory equipment.

With recent technological advancements, the approach has been transformed into a portable handheld analyzer capable of analyzing elements in the field, including carbon, for material identification. LIBS is a critical technology in the oil and gas sector for Positive Material Identification (PMI) of pipelines, pressure vessels, valves, pumps, and final welds, as well as for grading unknown materials to reclaim traceability.

The qualities of steel, such as tensile strength, hardness, weldability, ductility, and corrosion resistance, can be altered by altering the amount of carbon in these goods. There are many LIBS-based spectrometers on the market, but they all use argon gas for chemical composition identification.

Only one new LIS-01 differs from the others in that it works without argon gas and detects lighter elements such as C, Si, Mn, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mg, Al, V, Cu, Zn, Sn, Mo, Ti, W, Nb, Pd, Ag, Cd, Pt, Au in 0.1 second inside. The LIBS Spectrometer LIS-01 is affordable and comes with a variety of features and technological specifications.

Features of The LIBS Spectrometer

Carbon analysis: Without the need of argon, the LIBS Spectrometer analyses carbon concentration in steels directly in the air.

High-speed analysis produces a result in under a second.

Accuracy: 0.01 nm resolution across the whole measurement range is unsurpassed. Dimensions and weight are comparable to that of a handheld metal spectrometer. It is dependable since it has an unlimited working life.

Built-in grade library: Based on the analysis results, the steel or alloy grade is presented on the screen.

Equivalent Value (CEV) is a method of calculating carbon equivalent values.

The analysis location is captured with the use of a high-resolution camera. Equipment failures caused by faulty or counterfeit metal building components or piping made from material that does not meet specifications often result in fatal accidents and injuries, as well as leaks, premature pipe replacements, property loss, and unplanned outages at refineries, chemical plants, and gas processing facilities.

Prior to welding, a LIBS study is required to calculate carbon equivalency and assess heat impacted zone hardenability.

The LIBS Spectrometer analysis process

The LIBS Spectrometer employs a high-focused laser that interacts with a substance's surface and creates a plasma in which the material is broken down into single components. The analyzer generates a laser pulse that is directed towards the sample surface. The surface is ablated, and the plasma enters.

The samples are atomized by the plasma, and as the excited atoms return to their ground state, they emit light.

The emitted light is sent to the spectrometer through fibre optics and a slit. The light is split into separate wavelengths/colors when it encounters with a diffraction grating. Single wavelengths/colors strike the detector, resulting in spectral data.

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