Combustion Analysis & Trace Element Detection
Combustion analysis is a high-temperature testing process used to determine both the fire safety properties of a material and its precise chemical composition. By heating metal samples in controlled environments, we can measure how materials react to heat and quantify the presence of critical trace elements.
1. Fire Safety & Performance
We evaluate how metals behave in fire-prone environments to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Key metrics include:
- Ignition & Resistance: Assessing flame spread and heat release rates.
- Emission Analysis: Measuring smoke production and toxic gas release.
- Material Selection: Providing data-driven insights for engineering safer components.
2. LECO Elemental Analysis
Using Inert Gas Fusion and Infrared Detection, we quantify life-of-product elements that affect the structural integrity of alloys.
| Testing Type | Elements Detected | Materials Covered | Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon & Sulfur | Carbon (C), Sulfur (S) | Steels, Ti, Ni, Cu, Co alloys | Sample heated in oxygen; CO2 and SO2 measured via Infrared Detector. |
| Oxygen & Nitrogen | Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N) | Al, Ti, Ni, Cu, Co alloys | Inert gas fusion in Helium atmosphere; Nitrogen measured via Thermal Conductivity. |
| Hydrogen | Hydrogen (H) | Iron, Ti, Co, Ni alloys | Inert gas fusion in Argon atmosphere; Hydrogen measured via Thermal Conductivity. |
DEEP DIVE: HOW THE CHEMISTRY WORKS
CARBON-SULFUR ANALYSIS
Deep Dive: How the Chemistry Works
To reduce Intrinsic Load, we’ve simplified the complex gas-exchange processes into three clear steps:
- Extraction: A solid metal sample is placed in a high-purity crucible (ceramic or graphite) and heated rapidly.
- Reaction:
- In Carbon/Sulfur tests, oxygen reacts with the sample to create detectable gases.
- In Oxygen/Nitrogen/Hydrogen tests, an inert carrier gas (Helium or Argon) extracts the elements without further oxidation.
- Quantification: The instrument measures the change in the gas stream’s thermal conductivity or infrared absorption to calculate the exact weight percentage of the element in your sample.
Combustion Testing Standards
ASTM E1019
Standard Test Methods for Determination of Carbon, Sulfer, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel, Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt Alloys by Various Combustion and Fusion Techniques
ASTM E 1447
Standard Test Method for Determination of Hydrogen in Titanium and Titanium Alloys by Inert Gas Fusion Thermal Conductivity / Infrared Detection Method
ASTM E1409
Standard Test Method for Determination of Oxygen and Nitrogen in Titanium and Titanium Alloys by the Inert Gas Fusion Technique
Combustion Testing FAQs
Some combustion tests can be completed in a matter of minutes, where others take a few hours or days. The length of the test depends on the following factors, sample size, test type, data collection, and repetition. Contact an expert at IMR Test Labs to get further details on the test you
Common sample shapes include a disc, rectangle, cylinder, or chip and should be large enough to garner accurate measurements. Depending on the test, the sample may need to be prepared by machining, polishing, or cutting.
Combustion testing can be performed on many materials, including composites, building materials, textiles, plastics, and electrical components. IMR Test Labs specializes in the combustion testing of metals, including Iron, Aluminum, Low Alloy Steel, Stainless and Carbon steel, Titanium, Copper, Nickel, and Cobalt Alloys. Request a quote today.
Key Reasons for Combustion Analysis
Material Characterization
Material identification, compliance with industry standards, and quality control.
Fire Safety
Fire behavior, flammability, response to fire exposure, and heat release rates.
Environmental
Pollutant release, emissions, effect on air quality, environmental compliance.
Material Development
New polymer, composite, and advanced material development.
Industries that use Combustion Analysis
Aerospace
Metal components used in aircraft are tested to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with aviation regulations.
Automotive
Engine parts and exhaust systems are subject to high temperatures or exposure to flames and must be tested prior to use.
Manufacturing
Various items in many fields of manufacturing are metal and must be safe during production and handling.
Military
Performance and safety are critical in military and defense use-case scenarios, ships, equipment, and vehicles must be in compliance with safety standards and resistant to high temperatures and fire.
Oil and Gas
Equipment and pipelines used in the oil and gas industry are subject to testing to ensure fire resistance.
Construction
Building materials like steel beams are tested for fire safety and to ensure they meet the codes and regulations of the building.
RELEVANT ACCREDITATIONS
Click here for a complete list of accreditations and certifications for all IMR Test Labs locations.
