Positive Material Identification (PMI) Testing Procedure

(Equipment Use : WAS AG Metal Analyser

Model No : WAS PMI-MASTER PLUS, Serial No : 02I0013 )

Introduction
The WAS AG Metal Analyser is used to quantitatively determine the concentrations of metal
compositions in a metal sample.
The Metal Analyser consists of a cabinet with excitation section, spectrometer, electronics section and a
computer, equipped with a printer.
The spark is a superficial discharge that remelts the surface ad vaporises a part of the sample. Because
of the high energy in the spark, plasma is built and this plasma is emitting light. This light is dismantled
by an optical grating in the optic and measured by CCD’s (Charge Coupled Devices, photosensitive
IC’s). Out of the light-data collected from the CCD’s, the internal computer calculates the analyse.
Inspection of PMI Shall be performed by the qualified person.

Scope

This procedure describe the Material Identification method for

(1) Fe-Base Alloys ;
(2) Cu-Base Alloys ;
(3) Al-Base Alloys ;
(4) Ni-Base Alloys.

Apparatus
PMI-MASTER PLUS Metal Analyzer
Serial No. : 02I0013
Country of Origin : GERMANY
Maker : WAS Worldwide Analytical Systems AG
Type : PMI-Master Plus
Readout System : Jukeluke
Source : Arc / Spark
Main Voltage : 220V / 60Hz
Calibration : Fe-Base ; Cu-Base ; Al-Base and Ni-Base
Application : Fe-Base ; Cu-Base ; Al-Base and Ni-Base

Preparation
The surface of the materials for test should be clean, dry and free from any condition which may
affect results.
In order to avoid contamination during sample preparation, separate grinding disks are used for the
individual matrices.

Reference No : MTS/QS/PROCEDURE-PMI/0001 ; Date of Issue : 05 May 2006. 1

Total Pages : 3 Pages
 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Testing Procedure
(Equipment Use : WAS AG Metal Analyser
Model No : WAS PMI-MASTER PLUS, Serial No : 02I0013 )

Sample Marking
Material need to be PMI test shall be inspect for the identification. Samples are marked according to the
sample marking in the Project Specification FW Project Specification 3080-8440-00-SP0001 Rev. A2.

If the sample identification is not stated by the customer, the testing officer will mark the sample
according to MTS own reference number, to ensure there is no confusion in handling the sample
during the analysis.
.
Procedure
Before using the test machine for PMI, determine its calibration by using the standardized test blocks.
If measured values are out of the reference range, perform recalibration as per process.

(A-1) Starting the PMI-MASTER PLUS Metal Analyzer

1. Power supply connection: Use power point or battery

2. Argon gas connection: Set the pressure to 5-6 bar and connect to the right adapter at the instrument.
(Argon with 99.999% should be used)
3. Probe connection: Remove plug cover from main instrument and from sample probe. Connect to the
instrument carefully and gently.
(Note : There is ONLY one way the connector will fit. Do not push the connector using excessive
force. Set the connector straight on the receptacle, push gently and close the arrestor).
4. Switch on power button and source button. Wait until window booted up.
5. Double click at ‘WAS PMI’ icon to start using the PMI Spectrometer.
6. Click at ‘ANALYSIS’ and select the analytical program which has to be used.
(For example : for ferrous database (Low alloy Steel), the Load Program will be : FE_U_200)
7. Use UV sample probe and check the correct electrode used. By using spacer, adjust the gap between
electrode top and sample. The gap should be 2mm.
8. Go to mode and activate argon flush. Adjust the pressure to 5-6 bar. The pressure may up or down
after flushing. Flush the system for 1 minute at least.
9. Check sample using CRM. If results are accepted, proceed with Analysis of test sample.
(Note : If CRM value consistent but out of specification given by the certificate of analysis,
recalibrate / standardize the instrument.)
10. Filled in the sample ID by clicking ‘NEW’ icon. Analyze the sample at least 3 sparks.
11. Record the results.

Reference No : MTS/QS/PROCEDURE-PMI/0001 ; Date of Issue : 05 May 2006. 2

Total Pages : 3 Pages
 Positive Material Identification (PMI) Testing Procedure
(Equipment Use : WAS AG Metal Analyser
Model No : WAS PMI-MASTER PLUS, Serial No : 02I0013 )

(A-2) Recalibrate / Standardize the instrument.

1. Click at ‘RECAL’ icon and select full recalibration.

2. Spark the demanded sample at least 3 burns by changing the burn spot
(Note : If one burn differs too much, mark this burn and delete. The RSD must be below 5%.)
3. If ok, click next sample to spark until the entire demanded sample already spark and go back to
analysis.
4. Repeat step #1 – 3 to make sure the recalibration successful.

(A-3) Conducting Sample Analysis

1. In ‘ANALYSIS’ mode, select the alloy type which has to be used

(example : Fe_U_100 (Orientation) ; Fe_U_200 (Low alloy steel) ; Fe_U_300 (Stainless Steel)
2. The current analysis window opens.
3. Click ‘NEW’ icon and key in the sample ID for the current sample and OK.
4. Clean the surface of the sample, which need to spark by grinding the surface.
5. Check the electrode gap (2mm) and clean the electrode by using wire brush.
6. Place the sample probe as close as to the sample surface and push the trigger button.
(Excessive open-air will affected the value.)
7. Spark at least 3 sparks. (Do not spark twice at the same spot. Clean the electrode after every
single spark to avoid contamination. If one burn differs too much to the others, mark this
burn and delete.)
8. If three values are consistent, click ‘STORE’.
9. Repeat step #3 – 8 for new sample.

Safety First
1. Always switch the source off when you are working at the probe head or the electrode to avoid
electric shock.
2 Always switch off the source when you are not working with the instrument to avoid accidents.

Measurement Results
The PMI test results shall be recorded and summated to customer.
Acceptance standard for this chemical analysis shall be based on material specification or Project
Specification FW Project Specification 3080-8440-00-SP0001 Rev. A2.
Customer shall be notified on rejected items.

Reference No : MTS/QS/PROCEDURE-PMI/0001 ; Date of Issue : 05 May 2006. 3

Total Pages : 3 Pages