Comparative study of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy measurement using two slurry circulation systems

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Slurry analysis presents challenges for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) due to sedimentation and variable sample distances.
• Precise elemental analysis of industrial slurries is critical for process control and waste management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate experimental conditions for precise slurry measurements using LIBS.
• To develop and compare methods for overcoming LIBS challenges in slurry analysis.

Main Methods:

• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to a special waste slurry containing water, ferric oxide, alumina, and trace oxides.
• Two distinct slurry circulation systems were designed and implemented to maintain sample homogeneity and a consistent lens-to-sample distance.
• LIBS measurements from both circulation systems were compared to assess their effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Successful LIBS analysis of iron and aluminum in a challenging water-based slurry was achieved.
• Both developed slurry circulation systems effectively mitigated sedimentation and maintained a stable lens-to-sample distance.
• The experimental configuration was found to be critical for achieving accurate online slurry analysis.

Conclusions:

• LIBS is a viable technique for the online elemental analysis of slurries, provided appropriate experimental setups are employed.
• The developed circulation systems offer practical solutions for enhancing the precision and reliability of LIBS slurry measurements.
• Optimizing experimental configurations is paramount for successful industrial applications of LIBS in slurry analysis.