Wah Chang Analytical Laboratory Services

The analytical laboratory at Wah Chang has been in existence since 1957 when quality control of the manufacture of zirconium metal was initiated. The laboratory has more than 50 chemists, analysts, and technicians. Our experience includes the analysis of metals, oxides, ores, and the alloys of zirconium, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, vanadium, and titanium.

The analytical laboratory has experience in method development for differing matrices. We are experienced in various environmental analyses and routinely perform analyses according to various EPA methods.

Our laboratory participates with national organizations in round-robin testing and standard reference materials development. Wah Chang Analytical has NADCAP (National Aerospace Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) certification and is an ISO 9002-certified company.

Interstitial Gases

Interstitial gas analyses include oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon and sulfur. Many of these elements are determined using Laboratory Equipment Corporation (LECO) analyzers. The analyses are usually done on metal samples, but other compounds and substances can be analyzed. Our laboratory utilizes the following equipment:

• Leco TC-436 oxygen and nitrogen analyzers s
• Leco RH-404 hydrogen analyzers
• Leco CS-444 carbon/sulfur analyzer and Leco IR-12 dual range carbon analyzer
• Leco Gasometric carbon analyzer for high-carbon analysis
• Kjeldahl distillation apparatus for nitrogen analysis

While we are able to analyze interstitial gases on most metal samples, our expertise is in analyzing for C, H, O, N, and S in Nb, Hf, Ta, Ti, V, and Zr.

Plasma Emission Spectroscopy

Wah Chang operates three Direct-Current Plasma (DCP) and three Inductively-Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectrometers on a daily basis. These high-performance instruments are ideal for both research and process samples. Plasma emission spectroscopy allows for the analysis of more than 70 elements. The computerized systems are capable of both single and multi-element analyses at trace and alloy concentration levels.

Inductively-Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS)

This instrument is capable of performing both elemental and isotopic analyses rapidly and, in many cases, with detection limits 1 to 3 orders of magnitude below other available techniques. A list of applications includes:

• Trace impurities in high-purity water and acids (typically in the sub-ppb range)
• Lanthanide, actinide and platinum group elements in a wide range of materials

Wah Chang was one of the first commercial laboratories in the United States to utilize the capabilities of ICP-MS and over the last ten years has developed a high degree of expertise in a large number of applications.

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

We have two modern Atomic Absorption units capable of air-acetylene, nitrous oxide-acetylene and flameless (graphite furnace) operation which can include Zeeman background correction.

Types of Samples
Metals, ores, slags, and aqueous solutions are among the many types of samples we can analyze using atomic absorption techniques.

Environmental samples such as drinking water, waste water, and solid wastes can be analyzed to very low detection limits using graphite furnace atomization.

.

Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

Gamma ray spectrometry is the best technique for identifying and quantifying radionuclides. This is due to the characteristic energies of gamma rays, which are sharply defined and are produced by the majority of radionuclides. Wah Chang's ultra-pure germanium detector (UPGE) coupled with a computerized data- acquisition and processing system provide a powerful base for automated radionuclide identification and environmental monitoring applications.

• Determination of radium in water (detection limit of 10 picocuries/liter based on a 4-liter sample)
• Determination of radionuclides in environmental samples

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) provides highly magnified images of surface morphology. Due to the extremely high depth of focus, the images of photomicrographs produce more of a three-dimensional effect than is possible with light or transmission electron microscopes. Magnifications in the range of 10x to 100,000x are possible. Sample sizes range from microscopic to 3/4-inch thick.

Qualitative and complete semi-quantitative analyses are available utilizing an energy-dispersive X-ray micro-analysis system.

Applications of SEM include all fields concerned with the study of structural characteristics of material. For example:

• Metal fractures
• Particle size and size distribution from photomicrographs
• Observation of the physical microstructure and surface characteristics of crystals, polymers, ceramics, coatings, and the identification of inclusions
• Image analysis

Particle Size Analysis

Wah Chang has a liquid phase photo-sedigraph that can give particle size distributions from 0.1 to 200 microns. The analytical lab can also perform wet or dry sieve analysis of particles sized from 10 microns to 10 mesh.

• Horiba CAPA-700 Particle Size Distribution Analyzer
• Quanta Chrome BET Surface Area Analyzer
• Fisher Sub-Sieve Sizer
• Complete set of sieves and shaker

X-Ray Diffraction

Water Analysis

Methods or instruments Wah Chang uses for water analysis include Kjeldahl nitrogen, total organic carbon (TOC), oil and grease, specific ion electrode (SIE), ion chromatography (IC), atomic absorption (AA), wet chemical procedures, and plasma emission spectroscopy

.

Analytical Laboratory Services

For more information about Wah Chang Analytical Services, please fill out the analytical services form. Requests for quotes for analytical work can be made in the freeform message area. Include the type of sample to be analyzed, what type of analyses you would like to have performed, and an estimate of the number of samples, if known. It is also helpful if you state the detection limit(s) you need as it has a bearing on the analytical technique(s) used for analysis. Expedited service is also available for some analytical work and is quoted on a per-job basis.

.