Mobile spectrometric apparatus

US4641968A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Baird, Inc. · US

Inventor

• Mark E. Grandy · Port Huron, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 1984
• Grant date: Feb 10, 1987
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2004

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N21/67
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An improved apparatus for the on site spectrometric analysis of metallic parts in an air gap is disclosed. The apparatus essentially comprises a probe to be positioned on the part, a mobile unit including a current-pulse generator for the probe to excite the part for analysis of its chemical composition in a direct reading optical emission spectrometer contained in the unit, and a flexible optical cable coupling the probe to the unit. The probe is designed for use on both flat and round parts, such as bars, billets, pipes, rods or wires as small as having a radius of one mm. The probe features an adjustable counter electrode, an inner sleeve serving as a contact electrode and an outer sleeve axially movable about the inner electrode and having a positioning V-groove. The probe further includes an electro-mechanical interlock to prevent accidental discharge thereof, and a self-cleaning mechanism for its sensor head. The current pulse generator, controlled by a computer, provides the probe with reliable sequential high voltage ignition pulses, each followed by a high energy discharge at remote distances and in three modes: a preburn made to clean the surface of the part and the surfa…