Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES PMI) can identify nearly all elements within a sample such as Carbon, Phosphorus and Sulphur amongst others, by creating a spark between the sample and an electrode. The atoms within the sample, once sparked, will emit a range of colours which are interpreted as a spectral pattern. The OES analyser can then analyse this spectral pattern to determine the levels for each element within that sample and present the results in percentage format.
A certain amount of sample preparation in mandatory as this will provide the most accurate results. It is advised that the sample be cleaned/linished and have a flat, accessible surface of at least 10-12mm diameter. This will allow the aperture of the probe to be sealed against the sample surface and reduce and rogue readings.
PTS offers both on site and in house Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES PMI) testing with our portable spectrometer. With probe attachments capable of analysis of all the elements that can be detected using XRF plus Carbon, Phosphorus and Sulphur. Inspection can be carried out either in a workshop, on in service items at sites around the country or at our purpose built laboratory in the Midlands.