IGA
What Is IGA (Instrumental Gas Analysis / Inert Gas Analysis)?
IGA is a family of high-sensitivity elemental techniques used to measure gas-forming elements in solid materials—most commonly oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and hydrogen (H)—from ppm-level to higher concentrations (matrix- and method-dependent). IGA is widely performed using inert gas fusion or high-temperature carrier-gas heat extraction, where the sample is rapidly heated in an inert atmosphere (typically He or Ar) to release these elements as gases for detection and quantification.
What IGA Is Used For
What IGA Is Used For
IGA is commonly used to support:
High-purity metals and alloys: confirm O/N/H levels for specification and supplier qualification
Powders (AM / powder metallurgy): monitor oxygen/nitrogen pickup that impacts performance (project-dependent)
Process control: detect contamination from melting, heat treatment, sintering, welding, or storage (project-dependent)
Failure analysis support: investigate hydrogen uptake related to embrittlement risk, blistering, or reliability drift (project-dependent)
Lot-to-lot / supplier comparisons: establish baselines and identify excursions quickly
How IGA Works (In Simple Terms)
In a typical O/N/H workflow, the sample is placed in a crucible and heated to very high temperature under an inert gas purge. Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen are converted into measurable gas species and transported to detectors for quantification. Exact furnace programs, fluxes/accelerators, and detectors vary by instrument and element (project-dependent).
Why IGA (vs. ICP-OES/ICP-MS or EDS)?
EDS is fast for elemental screening but is not designed for accurate bulk O/N/H quantitation in solids.
ICP-OES/ICP-MS are excellent for metals and trace elements, but O/N/H in solids are often not addressed directly without specialized workflows.
IGA is purpose-built for gas-forming element quantification in solids using fusion/extraction physics.
Sample Types We Support
IGA is commonly applied to (project-dependent):
Metals & alloys: coupons, chips/turnings (clean), wires, foils
Metal powders: AM powders, PM powders (handling and contamination control are critical)
Sintered parts and inorganic solids: matrix-dependent
Specialty electronic/structural materials: where O/N/H limits are critical (project-dependent)
Best practice: include a reference/control (known-good lot) when you’re investigating a suspected change.
Typical Workflows
O/N/H Targeted Panel (Most Common)
Best for: incoming QC, supplier qualification, release testing
Define target elements (O, N, H) and required reporting limits
Run replicate measurements as needed (project-dependent)
Provide results with QC checks and comparison to your spec (if provided)
Powder Oxygen/Nitrogen Monitoring (Project-Dependent)
Best for: AM powder reuse, storage/handling studies
Baseline vs post-process vs reused powder comparisons
Trending to identify pickup and variability drivers
Root-Cause Support (“What Changed?”)
Best for: heat treatment drift, melting/casting changes, contamination events
Side-by-side testing on reference vs suspect lots
Practical interpretation and next-step recommendations (e.g., GDMS/ICP for metallic impurities, microscopy for inclusions)
What You Receive
Results table with concentration, units, and reporting limits (scope-dependent)
Brief method notes (fusion/extraction approach, QC checks—project-dependent)
Comparison summary (reference vs suspect) highlighting meaningful deltas
Clear conclusions aligned to your question: spec verification, trend, or excursion confirmation
Sample Submission Guidelines
Please provide
Material type (alloy grade if known) and sample form (coupon, chips, powder)
Target elements (O/N/H) and any spec limits
Lot/batch IDs and process history (melting, heat treatment, sintering, storage conditions)
Reference/control sample whenever possible
SDS and hazards for powders or unknown materials
Packaging tips (important for low-level O/N/H)
Use clean containers and gloves; avoid cross-contamination
Keep powders sealed; note whether the sample was exposed to air/humidity and for how long
Label clearly: reference vs suspect, and sampling point/time
FAQs
Can IGA detect very low oxygen/nitrogen/hydrogen?
Often yes—IGA is designed for sensitive O/N/H measurement in solids, but achievable limits depend on matrix, sample size, and method plan (project-dependent).
Is IGA destructive?
Yes. The analyzed portion is fused/heated and consumed during measurement.
Do you test carbon and sulfur too?
Many labs measure C/S by combustion and O/N/H by inert gas fusion under the broader “instrumental gas analysis” umbrella. Tell us your element list and matrix and we’ll confirm the best method set.
Do I need a reference sample?
Strongly recommended for investigations. A known-good baseline makes conclusions faster and more defensible.
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