NKK Wins Okochi Technology Prize for Laser-Based Steel Analysis System
NKK's new laser-based on-site analysis system at work on continuously cast slabs at the Keihin Works
A five-member NKK research team led by Director Itaru Watanabe, Dr.Eng. has been awarded the 1997 Okochi Memorial Prize for Technology for its development of a high-accuracy, high-speed steel analysis system based on laser spectrometry. The Okochi Memorial Foundation presents a range of prizes annually to individuals or groups of researchers and companies in recognition of significant scientific and technological achievements in industrial production. To date, NKK has received sixteen Okochi prizes in various areas, and for two consecutive years. NKK's new steel analysis system employs inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry in which laser light is beamed onto the steel surface for direct solid sampling. The particles obtained by laser ablation are subjected to an ICP spectrometrical analysis in order to determine the contents of the elements in the steel sample accurately. NKK's success in developing small analysis cells for laser sampling, applying a compact laser-diode pumped YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser and establishing optimum analysis conditions for hot metals led to the development of this on-line, on-site analysis system for solid steel. NKK's Keihin Works is already using the compact system for quick on-site analysis of continuously cast slabs, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing overall production costs. Because the system can also be applied to other metals and non-conductive materials such as ceramics, NKK is marketing the system to other steelmakers and manufacturing industries such as carmakers.
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