February 18, 2021
Z-902 Carbon: The latest breakthrough from SciAps
Similar to SciAps all-new XRF (X-ray) platform, the new LIBS (laser) series features sleek ergonomic design, a 0.5 lb. weight reduction down to about 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kg), improved heat dissipation, and completely updated software and processing electronics. The series includes Z-902 Carbon, a dedicated NDT/PMI analyzer for carbon content and a wide range of alloys and alloy bases. SciAps Z-902 Carbon features 2 spectrometers (instead of one in the Z-901) to extend the spectral range down to 190 nm with high resolution, specifically to measure carbon content in steels, stainless and other alloys. It's also factory calibrated for a suite of 15-20 elements in 7 common alloy bases: aluminum, steel, stainless, nickel, cobalt, titanium and copper bases. Additional bases or calibrations may be added by the factory or the user. The Z-902 Carbon comes with two applications: The Alloy and Carbon apps. If you don't need to test for carbon, use the Alloy app. If you choose the Carbon app, you will test alloys as well. The SciAps LIBS analyzer is widely accepted by most major refineries, power plants, fabricators, and pipeline owner/operators or their NDT contractors as an alternative to spark OES testing or off-site laboratory results. There are hundreds of SciAps LIBS units in the field for pipeline analysis. Included with the analyzer is a recommended testing procedure that incorporates sample preparation and certified reference materials for quality assurance validation. The instrument features include an internal camera for precise targeting of analysis locations, especially welds; a macro camera for photo-documentation of samples, reading bar codes and QR codes; a patented “sample sensor” that allows Class 1 operation (subject to LSO approval); intuitive Android operating system and app-based software; high-resolution, rear-facing display for easy results viewing; rugged metal body for maximum durability; a tapered, narrow snout for welds or difficult-to-access test locations; full-featured report generation and cloud data management; and user-replaceable argon that provides hundreds of tests at pennies per test.
Why laser, not X-ray?
One of the biggest reasons people need a LIBS analyzer is because X-ray doesn’t measure carbon. Your only choices for carbon analysis are the bulky OES technology or a handheld LIBS. Although size is a determining factor in choosing handheld LIBS, the Z-902 Carbon has other advantages over the OES; namely, users don’t have to wait for a purge, and, even with 5 tests, it is still faster than OES.
Which one is better, XRF or LIBS?
The answer is simple. If you don’t need to measure carbon, use the X-ray. It’s easier. But X-ray does not measure carbon, so if you have to measure carbon, you have to use a LIBS. And sometimes, there may be issues with using X-ray, such as regulations. In that case, the Z-902 Carbon is the perfect solution.
Z-902 Carbon vs Z-901 CSi
For people who already have an X-ray gun but ONLY need to add carbon and silicon analysis, use the Z-901 CSi. It’s smaller and it saves money, and provides the missing link for many XRF users. For all others, the Z-902 Carbon analyzes 15 more elements in a given alloy base.
Pipeline operators
For one analyzer that does it all, specific to PHMSA and general pipeline requirements, pipeline operators now have SciAps Z-902 Carbon. The newest handheld LIBS analyzer from SciAps provides carbon content, carbon equivalents, and concentrations of alloying elements Si, Ti, V, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Nb, Mo and others. The dedicated Pipeline App addresses carbon and CE work especially for American Petroleum Institute (API) specification 5L.
Complementing the new LIBS analyzers is the new SciAps XRF series featuring the X-550, the smallest, lightest weight and highest performing handheld XRF ever created.
SciAps and PMI Concepts have come together to help our customers get best possible PMI results.
Are you getting puzzling results from your XRF or LIBS analyzer on alloy materials and don’t know why? Inconsistent chemistries, carbon equivalents or residuals out of spec without a good explanation? Questions about analyzer operation and sample prep for handheld X-ray or LIBS? Check out our PMI User's Guide: Pro Tips to Improve Your Performance.
Get it all in One Box
Now SciAps offers attractive PMI packages combining our breakthrough LIBS carbon analyzer and our X-ray gun. With these packages, you can identify every alloy you’ll ever need for your program or clients. Optimal performance for virtually every alloy and element, for less money than a comparable spark OES system. And with SciAps Cloud, there's no faster way to get from field to final report.
