Determining Chromium, Iron, and Nickel in a Nickel-Based Alloy by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract

Nickel-based alloys have excellent corrosion resistance. They are also well-known for their mechanical properties, high temperature durability, and heat transfer performance. Because nickel-based alloys have these properties, they are widely used in creating nuclear safety level pressure equipment. It is the first-choice material for the heat exchanger tube plate and U-tube plate of the nuclear island steam generator, which has a profound impact on the safe operation of the reactor. Therefore, it is necessary to calibrate the main elements in nickel-based alloys. Accurate detection of the main elements in nickel-based alloys is important in ensuring the advancement of process research. A method for determining chromium, iron, and nickel in a nickel-based alloy by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is presented here. The detection range of chromium, iron, and nickel is 0.2–1.6 g/L, 0.2–2.3 g/L, and 0.5–3.3 g/L, respectively. After the three elements are corrected respectively, good correlation is obtained, R2 (chromium)= 0.999406, R2 (iron) = 0.999202, and R2 (nickel)= 0.999114. The relative standard deviations for chromium, iron, and nickel are 0.75%, 0.65%, and 0.65% respectively. The standard sample is tested to confirm the measured value is in agreement with the certified value.