The determination of elements in welding fume by X‐ray spectrometry and UniQuant

Abstract

Welding is a hazardous process with an associated risk of health effects related to the fume arising from the core metal, flux components and welding surface. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is commonly used to determine elemental concentrations as part of occupational hygiene investigations using conventional calibrations. A method is proposed to determine elements in welding fume using XRF and a fundamental parameter software package known as UniQuant  . This was found to remove the need for special dust standards being prepared as the calibration used was based on a series of standards supplied with UniQuant that would cover all sample types. A conventional calibration and UniQuant calibration were set up and elements found in welding fume were determined from tin to titanium. Samples obtained from the Health and Safety Laboratory Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) programme were also analysed by both methods for nickel, iron, manganese and chromium. For the normal calibration, average recovery results for the WASP samples were between 92 and 103% of the target value with relative standard deviations of 3-7%. For the UniQuant calibration, average recovery results for the WASP samples were between 97 and 112% of the target value with relative standard deviations of 3-10%. These results are well within analytical performance expectations for the type of welding fume matrix analysed. The method was applied to real welding fume samples collected from workplaces.

Atomic spectrometry update. Environmental analysis

“…Hurst et al 51 developed a procedure for the XRF determination of metal-containing particles collected on filters, from welding processes, using a WDXRF system and employing UniQuantÔ, a fundamental parameter software package removing the need to prepare special calibrant filters. Average recoveries for Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni in 16 test welding fume filters samples from the UK Health and Safety Laboratory's WASP proficiency testing scheme were 97-112% of the reference values obtained by ICP-AES.…”

Atomic spectrometry update—X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

“…Readers of this section will recognise the wide use of XRF in industrial applications. An interesting application was presented by Hurst et al, 366 who evaluated the performance of the fundamental software package UniQuantÒ versus a normal calibration for the determination of elements in welding fumes. Samples obtained from the HSL Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) programme were analysed by both methods for Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni.…”

Atomic spectrometry update. Industrial analysis: metals, chemicals and advanced materials

“…29 Over 1500 pieces of jewellery were purchased in California and analysed using a two step process (XRF analysis followed by laboratory verification). 30 Proficiency test samples were analysed using a conventionally calibrated XRF method and then again with a calibration using the Uniquant fundamental parameter software package. Hurst et al determined Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni in welding fumes using XRF as a means of detection.…”

“…Hurst et al determined Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni in welding fumes using XRF as a means of detection. 30 Proficiency test samples were analysed using a conventionally calibrated XRF method and then again with a calibration using the Uniquant fundamental parameter software package. On average, the conventional XRF method was accurate to 92-103% of target values with precision values of 3-7% RSD.…”