Automatic Bi trace analysis integrated in the manufacturing process of turbine blades

Summary In the manufacture of aero-engine components, auxiliary materials are used which impair mechanical properties if they are not completely removed afterwards. Taking the manufacture of turbine blades and vanes as an example, this investigation shows how the inclusion of an analysis stage in the fully-automatic production cycle makes it possible to monitor the thoroughness of the cleaning process. As indicator, the element Bi is used; the matrix consists of concentrated nitric acid with a high nickel content. Because of the imposition of a limiting value, it must be possible to determine differences in the Bi-content of 20 g/l. The main part of the paper concerns the selection of the most optimum process. The results using two types of AAS coupled with hydride generation are presented. The success of the complete system is illustrated by the summarized results.