Method of determining the gas content of metals and metal alloys and device for carrying out the method

摘要

In a method of determining the gas content of metals and metal alloys, the reduction melting is carried out using an electrochemical cell made of a solid electrolyte having an ion conductivity in relation to the gas to be determined. The reducing agent used is an electrical current which flows through the cell and whose steady-state value is measured before reduction melting starts. The sample of the material to be examined is then introduced, the change in the magnitude of the electrical current flowing through the cell is registered until it reaches the original steady-state value, and the gas content of the sample is assessed from the current curve. The appropriate device comprises a hermetically sealed working chamber containing a melting crucible (40), a lock (5) for introducing the samples (6) to be analysed into the crucible (40), a heater and a unit for registering the content of the gas in the sample to be analysed. The working chamber accommodates an electrochemical cell formed as a vessel (30) made of a solid electrolyte. <IMAGE>