Real-World AnalysisReal-World Stories
Explore insights, applications, and stories from the field using handheld XRF, LIBS, VisNIR, and portable benchtop analyzers across scrap recycling, mining, geochemistry, forensics, and more.
Why CSi? Carbon made easy for XRF users
Z-901 CSi, a dedicated carbon + silicon analyzer for low cost of entry. Until recently, portable testing required users to wear big backpacks with a cord and a probe as well as bring a bulky OES instrument with a huge argon tank into ditches or up towers to analyze their alloys. Companies were forced to buy an $80,000 instrument, more often than not, simply to measure the critical element carbon.
Z-902 Carbon is the pipeline analyzer of choice for carbon
For one analyzer that does it all, specific to PHMSA and general pipeline requirements, pipeline operators now have SciAps Z-902 Carbon, a dedicated NDT/PMI analyzer for carbon content and a wide range of alloys and alloy bases.
Complying with PHMSA Mega Rule, Analyzing Residuals in Steels and L-grade Stainless
The next-generation handheld laser analyzer weighs < 4 lbs., battery included, that measures carbon content, silicon, and a range of metals in steels, stainless and other alloys in a few seconds. Specific to PHMSA and general pipeline requirements, the SciAps Z-902 Carbon provides carbon content, carbon equivalents (CE), and concentrations of alloying elements Si, Ti, V, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Nb, Mo and other elements.
Z-902 Carbon: The latest breakthrough from SciAps
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
CSi: Carbon and silicon in a handheld LIBS
The world’s first carbon-only handheld LIBS analyzer. SciAps CSi (measuring carbon + silicon) is a high-performance handheld instrument that measures carbon content in steels and L and H grade stainless. It's the economical companion for XRF users who need to add carbon data to their analysis.
PMI User's Guide: Pro Tips to Improve Your Performance
Paul Lawrence of PMI Concepts has been performing PMI work, and training and certifying inspectors, for over 10 years. Here, he offers some key tips to improve your performance and get the most out of your instrument.
PMI Support and Consulting - From an Industry Expert
SciAps is proud to be the exclusive sponsor for PMI support and consulting time with Paul Lawrence of PMI Concepts.
X-550 falls 35 feet - and still testing!
XRF analyzer falls from 35-foot tower and still works!
Carbon and PMI introduction video with Z-200C+ and X-550
LIBS demo on L-grade stainless steel & carbon steels
Tube-end alloy analysis with HH LIBS
When James Terrell of SciAps arrived at a customer location to train the team on how to use LIBS for testing Low Re material, no one was expecting that the day would produce a groundbreaking solution using SciAps Z-200 C+.
Quality NDT: Which handheld test is best?
Handheld XRF, spark OES, and handheld LIBS analyzers are all commonly used to determine fast, accurate, and reliable analysis. James Terrell of SciAps discusses each technology's differences and limitations, and provides a needs-based chart to help companies decide which analyzer is best for them.
First Gas uses SciAps LIBS for CE in pipeline repairs
Analyses of CRMs before and after the pipeline measurements shows excellent consistency with their respective data sheets. This indicates that the LIBS calibration is accurate and that the calibration is not drifting during the measurement period.
Positive Metals Identification (PMI) - XRF vs LIBS
Handheld instruments have become very popular due to their small form factor, portability and ability to rapidly identify materials non-destructively without dragging them back to the lab. The question is often asked, which technique is better?
L-grade stainless verification on small parts? No problem
The SciAps LIBS (laser) unit is especially designed for handling curved surfaces and small parts. The device uses a small exit aperture and a patented argon purge/bleed design so that a good purge is achieved but without requiring a seal to the material surface.
The World’s First Handheld for Key Element Carbon
The SciAps Z is the world’s only handheld analyzer that measures carbon across every use: finding total organic carbon (TOC) in soils, identifying preg-robbing potential in gold mining, and establishing carbon and carbon equivalents in alloys, particularly for L-grade stainless steel for pharma operations.
The Periodic Table – Measured with a Handheld
Measure virtually every element, in almost any material, with a handheld analyzer. That’s the power of the SciAps Z handheld LIBS system.