The shipbuilding and ship repair industry is experiencing a technological renaissance, with innovations aimed at enhancing precision, efficiency, and sustainability. Among these advancements, material verification using Optical Emission Spectrometers (OES) have emerged as one of the important technologies to use in modern shipbuilding and laboratories.

 This blog explores the features of OES, steps involved in testing and how Grandweld Shipyards leverages this technology to boost its operational efficiency.

What is Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)?

Optical emission spectroscopy (OES, also termed optical emission spectrometry) is a method for the chemical analysis of metallic materials. It is used during material testing to identify individual alloy elements in a sample. Using emission spectroscopy (OES), individual alloy elements are identified, analysed and compared with the limits listed in the usual standards.

Grandweld Shipyards: Leveraging OES for Superior Efficiency

Grandweld Shipyards has integrated OES technology into its operations to enhance quality control and operational efficiency especially in raw material or sample identification.

Seamless Quality Control with Mobile Smart OES Spectrometer

Grandweld efficiently manages the verification and identification of materials through PMI (Positive Material Identification) OES Spectrometer at the time of receipt.  Having the facility in-house has significantly improved our process efficiency, ensuring that we use the highest quality materials for every project. This reflects Grandweld’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

With the OES Spectrometer, Grandweld achieves:

  • Fast identification and verification of metallic samples received.
  • Proper material grade identification.
  • On-site chemical analysis of materials received at the yard.
  • Minimization of material failures after installation.
  • Reduction of warranty risks due to material failure.
Procedure for Material Testing and Report Generation Using Optical Emission Spectrometers (OES)

The process of material testing using Optical Emission Spectrometers (OES) involves several critical steps. First, sample preparation is carried out to ensure the material is ready for testing. Next, the prepared sample is placed in the appropriate position within the spectrometer. The device then generates a spark, which excites the atoms in the sample, causing them to emit light at characteristic wavelengths. This light is detected and analyzed by the spectrometer. The resulting data is processed to identify and quantify the elements present in the sample. Finally, a report is generated, detailing the composition and properties of the material based on the analyzed data.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Optical Emission Spectrometers (OES) at Grandweld Shipyards exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can drive efficiency and quality in the shipbuilding and repair industry.

By leveraging OES, Grandweld ensures superior material quality and sustainability while optimizing maintenance and repair processes. As the maritime industry evolves, such technological integrations will be crucial for meeting future challenges and maintaining a competitive edge.