The role of high-tech local analytical methods in the development of new technologies and maintenance of existing metallurgical industries

As the scientific research practice of the Gipronickel Institute in the field of studying products of the metallurgical industry shows, the most informative methods of solid matter analysis are scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis. These methods are local and allow us to obtain comprehensive information not only about the composition and structure of the material as a whole, but also about its individual components with a size of less than 1 micron. The detection limit of the elemental analysis depends on the type of detector used. When using the most common energy dispersion detector in analytical practice, the limit is about 0.1% (wt.). Unfortunately, this level of sensitivity may not be sufficient (for example, analysis of waste slags and refined products). The Institute’s analytical base is based on the most highly informative equipment. The analysis of trace amounts is carried out on a complex equipped with a detector with a wavelength dispersion of X-ray photons with an exceptionally low detection limit — up to thousandths of a mass percentage. The additional equipment of the electron microscope with an ionic column makes it possible to study the fine morphology of structures that collapse when using traditional mechanical sample preparation. The article shows the indispensable role of local research methods based on specific examples of the work carried out by the Gipronickel Institute to reduce the loss of non-ferrous metals with waste slag, to develop new refining technologies, to select refractories for lining autogenic furnaces and to develop technology for dearsenization of roasting dusts.The authors express their gratitude and honor the memory of the Doctor of Technical Sciences Lyubov Nikolaevna Ertseva, a unique specialist and mentor.