Understanding the concentration of hydrogen in steel is crucial for innovating and developing new grades of steel to meet the rising demands of advanced applications.
The Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) method, also known as Thermal Desorption Spectrometry (TDS) or Thermal Desorption Analysis (TDA), is a foundational approach for quantifying hydrogen content in steel and other materials. This technique requires placing the material sample in an Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) environment and systematically heating it through varied temperature ramp rates. During this process, desorption spectra are collected utilizing a quadrupole mass spectrometer, enabling precise hydrogen content analysis.
In sectors like oil extraction, where steel is employed in deep reservoir drilling, the challenges are immense. As drilling reaches deeper into the earth, the need for materials that can withstand higher temperatures and pressures becomes paramount. However, simply enhancing the steel’s strength for sub-sea applications isn’t sufficient due to the increased risk of hydrogen embrittlement, a condition that can severely compromise the material’s integrity. The TDSLab Series plays a critical role in determining the amount and strength of hydrogen bonding within steel samples, aiding in the creation of steel that balances toughness, ductility, and strength for extreme conditions.
The TDSLab Series by Hiden Analytical features a comprehensive experimental setup with a multiport UHV sample chamber and a heated sample stage capable of reaching up to 1000 °C, complete with integrated PID controls. An innovative option includes a cooled sample stage for inserting liquid nitrogen-cooled samples directly into the system, starting temperature ramps from as low as -60 °C. Equipped with a high-precision triple filter analyser, the TDSLab Series offers unparalleled sensitivity for time/temperature-resolved analysis of desorbed species, making it perfect for hydrogen isotope studies among other applications.
This cutting-edge equipment is pivotal in a myriad of research and development sectors, including thin films, photovoltaics, semiconductors, material characterization, and even hydrogen characterization in fusion reactor components. It excels in the analysis of hydrogen in metals and is instrumental in studying the outgassing properties of materials designed for use in extreme environments.
Developed and supplied by Hiden Analytical, a leader in advanced quadrupole mass spectrometer technology, the TDSLab Series offers an unrivalled solution for sophisticated electronics manufacturing and the exploration of new energy storage materials. For more information about the TDSLab Series or any other Hiden Analytical instruments, please feel free to reach out to us directly by visiting our website, sending us an email or giving us a call on +44 (0) 1925 445 225.
