Mysterious stains or discolorations, unidentified residues or deposits, or evidence of corrosion on the surface of a part—these are often difficult and costly problems to solve.
Element residue analysis experts are trained in techniques that can help you determine the nature of the beast and get to the bottom of unknown substances that can have a detrimental effect on your parts or products.
Many techniques to analyze and control residue
Element personnel use a combination of analysis techniques to characterize various types of residues. SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) analysis is used to determine the elemental composition of the residue, with XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) sometimes used to identify specific compounds present. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) is also sometimes used when residues appear to exhibit high levels of carbon or other low energy elements, or are too thin to accurately analyze with the SEM/EDS system.
When a more in-depth analysis is requested or required, a combination of stereomicroscopy, SEM analysis and metallurgical examination is used to characterize the residue as being on top of the surface (a deposit or stain) or being beneath the surface (a corrosion product or inclusion within material).
A Element residue analysis report
The primary objective of a residue analysis is to provide the Element customer with a report that characterizes the residue and provides useful information and conclusions with respect to probable sources. If the customer can identify the nature of the product, they can more easily determine the condition or scenario leading to the presence of the residue.
Element customers for residue analysis have represented the commercial, aerospace, medical, automotive, and other industries.