Description

The book Determination of Oxygen and Nitrogen in Steel by John Chipman and M.G. Fontana details advancements made to the vacuum-fusion method for measuring the gaseous elements, specifically oxygen and nitrogen, in steel. This technique, previously established by Jordan and Oberhoffer, uses high-frequency induction heating to simplify and expedite the process while enhancing accuracy, particularly for steels with low oxygen content. The study addresses limitations, such as the interference from metallic vapors like manganese and aluminum, which can cause inaccuracies. It also explores the completeness of oxide reduction, emphasizing the need for high temperatures and noting that certain aluminas may not reduce fully without precise conditions. Detailed descriptions of the apparatus, analytical procedure, and calibration processes highlight improvements that result in dependable estimates, with significant speed and methodological refinements. The book underscores highly reproducible and accurate readings for oxygen and nitrogen, showcasing the method's efficiency and reliability through extensive experiments.