metal alloys (round 18) - ferrous proficiency testing...

REPORT NO. 616

Metal Alloys (Round 18) - Ferrous

Proficiency Testing Program

July 2009 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PTA wishes to gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance provided for this program by Mr S West, Tomago Aluminium Company. This assistance included providing input into the design of the program and technical commentary for the report.

© COPYRIGHT PROFICIENCY TESTING AUSTRALIA 2009

PO Box 7507, SILVERWATER NSW 2128

CONTENTS

PAGE(S)

1. FOREWARD 1 2. FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM 1 3. FORMAT OF APPENDICES 2 4. OUTLIER RESULTS AND SUMMARY STATISTICS 2 5. PTA AND TECHNICAL ADVISER’S COMMENTS 4 6. REFERENCES 4 APPENDIX A Summary of Results Aluminium A1 Carbon A2 Copper A3 Chromium A4 Calcium A5 Manganese A6 Molybdenum A7 Nitrogen A8 Nickel A9 Phosphorus A10 Sulfur A11 Silicon A12 Tin A13 Niobium A14 APPENDIX B Sample Preparation B1 APPENDIX C Instructions to Participants C1 Results Sheet C2

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1. FOREWARD This report summarises the results for the eighteenth round of a proficiency

testing program on the chemical analysis of metal alloys. This round covered a series of chemical tests on ferrous alloys.

The program was conducted by Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA) in April 2009.

The program coordinator was Mrs K Cividin. The aim of the program was to assess laboratories’ ability to competently perform the tests examined.

2. FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM (a) A total of 15 laboratories participated in this round. Their results are presented in

Appendix A. (b) Participants were supplied with one ferrous alloy disc sample, 41mm diameter x

14mm thickness, which had been used in a previous program (Report No. 69, 1990)

(c) The following tests were performed on the sample in duplicate:

• Aluminium • Carbon • Copper • Chromium • Calcium • Manganese • Molybdenum • Nitrogen • Nickel • Phosphorus • Sulfur • Tin • Niobium

(d) The samples had previously been analysed for homogeneity. Based on the

results of testing at that time it was concluded that the samples were sufficiently homogenous, therefore any results later identified as outliers could not be attributed to any significant sample variability (see Appendix B).

(e) Laboratories were requested to perform the tests according to the Instructions to

Participants and to record their results on the Results Sheet (see Appendix C).

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(f) Each laboratory was randomly allocated a unique code number for the program

to ensure confidentiality of results. Reference to each laboratory in this report is by its code number.

3. FORMAT OF APPENDICES

Appendix A contains: (a) The duplicate results reported by laboratories for each test on each

sample, their average and the calculated robust z-score. (b) A table of robust statistics for each test – number of results, median,

normalised interquartile range (IQR), robust coefficient of variation (CV), minimum, maximum and range.

(c) A z-score chart calculated for the robust z-score for each test.

Appendix B contains details of sample preparation and homogeneity testing data.

Appendix C contains a copy of the Instructions to Participants and Results Sheet as supplied to participants.

4. OUTLIER RESULTS AND SUMMARY STATISTICS

A uniform level statistical design was used in this program. The duplicate results reported for each test formed the basis of the statistical parameters.

To achieve the program’s aim of assessing laboratories’ testing performance, a robust statistical approach has been utilised to generate z-scores and summary statistics for the sample to assess participants’ performance - number of results, median, normalised IQR, robust CV, minimum, maximum and range. The z-score is a measure of how far the results are from the consensus value – a normalised value which gives a “score” to each result relative to the other results in the group. Robust Z-score = ([Laboratory Average – Median]/Normalised IQR) Therefore a z-score close to zero means that the result agrees well with those from other laboratories. The median is the middle result, and it is a measure of the centre of the data. The normalised IQR is a measure of the spread of the results, and it is calculated by multiplying the interquartile range (IQR) by a factor (0.7413) which relates it to the ‘normal’ distribution. [1]

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Table A – Summary Statistics provides a summary of the results.

An outlier will be any result(s) which has an absolute z-score value greater than three and is marked by the symbol §.

Table B – Outlier Results summarises the outliers detected. Each determination was examined for outliers with all techniques pooled.

TABLE A: SUMMARY STATISTICS

TEST (report to %) No. of Results Median Normalised IQR Aluminium (3 d.p) 14 0.0238 0.0028 Carbon (3 d.p.) 14 0.3935 0.0096 Copper (3 d.p.) 14 0.0930 0.0034

Chromium (3 d.p.) 15 0.1995 0.0052 Calcium (4 d.p.) 9 0.00010 0.00015

Manganese (3 d.p.) 14 1.0318 0.0267 Molybdenum (3 d.p.) 14 0.0880 0.0040

Nitrogen (4 d.p.) 7 0.00375 0.00128 Nickel (3 d.p.) 14 0.1218 0.0073

Phosphorus (3 d.p.) 14 0.0153 0.0007 Sulfur (3 d.p.) 13 0.0700 0.0063 Silicon (3 d.p.) 13 0.1700 0.0044

Tin (3 d.p.) 11 0.0060 0.0015 Niobium (3 d.p.) 11 0.0010 0.0004

TABLE B: OUTLIER RESULTS (by laboratory code number)

TEST Lab Code Number Aluminium -

Carbon 3 Copper 7, 10

Chromium 7, 10 Calcium 3, 8

Manganese 3 Molybdenum -

Nitrogen - Nickel -

Phosphorus 3, 4, 7, 10 Sulfur - Silicon 3, 4

Tin 3, 8 Niobium 8

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5. PTA AND TECHNICAL ADVISER'S COMMENTS

Overall, the results by the Atomic Emission Spectroscopy – Arc/Spark (AES) technique for this round were quite good. The robust CV was low (≤6%) for the majority of elements, except aluminium, calcium, nitrogen, tin, niobium and sulfur. This level of variation is consistent with previous rounds. Measurement uncertainty values generally appear to be at the expected level, however, laboratory code 7 should consider calculating an MU budget for all elements. It is recommended that the MU section on the NATA website be reviewed for details on the calculation of MU budgets.

Results reported by laboratory code 3 using the ICP-OES technique for calcium, manganese, phosphorus and tin should review the selection of analytical line (if others are available), calibration standard preparation and any potential interferences as the results reported are significantly higher than the median, indicating a matrix effect. The results reported by the same laboratory for silicon by this technique are significantly lower than the median indicating that the silicon most likely has precipitated out of the solution prior to the measurement. Laboratories reporting outlier results by the AES technique should review their selection of calibration standards, investigate any potential spectral interferences and check the performance of their AES instrument in accordance with AS2883 – 2000.

6. REFERENCES

[1] Guide to Proficiency Testing Australia, 2008. This document is located on the PTA website at www.pta.asn.au under Programs/Documents.

[2] AS 2883 – 2000 Analysis of metals – Procedures for the setting up,

calibration and standardization of atomic emission spectrometers using arc/spark discharge.

APPENDIX A

Summary of Results

A1

Aluminium (0.000%)

Lab

Code Result 1 Result 2 Average Robust Z-score MU Technique

1 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.81 0.0071 1 2 nr nr - - - - 3 0.026 0.029 0.028 1.35 0.0035 6a 4 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.81 0.014 1 5 0.022 0.022 0.022 -0.63 0.002 1 6 0.022 0.022 0.022 -0.63 0.001 1

7 0.022 0.022 0.022 -0.63 0.0217/ 0.0220 1

8 0.023 0.022 0.023 -0.45 7% 1 9 0.0217 0.0215 0.022 -0.77 0.002 3 10 0.027 0.026 0.027 0.99 0.002 1 11 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.45 0.007 1 12 0.022 0.021 0.022 -0.81 0.003 1 13 0.025 0.024 0.025 0.27 0.003 1

14 0.023 0.023 0.023 -0.27 +0.013 -0.011 1

15 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.45 1.427 1

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/Spark 3 AAS – (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) 6a ICP - OES

No. of Results 14 Median 0.0238 Norm IQR 0.0028 Robust CV 11.7% Min 0.022 Max 0.028 Range 0.006

Aluminium

6 8 14

13 11 15 1 3

4 10

12 5 9 7

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A2

Carbon (0.000%)

1 0.401 0.396 0.399 0.52 0.0188 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.363 0.363 0.363 -3.16 § 0.027 14 0.382 0.371 0.377 -1.76 0.028 15 0.387 0.395 0.391 -0.26 0.020 16 0.395 0.397 0.396 0.26 0.007 17 0.415 0.407 0.411 1.82 0.3987 / 0.4148 18 0.409 0.410 0.410 1.66 7% 19 0.397 0.395 0.396 0.26 0.005 110 0.38 0.38 0.380 -1.40 0.02 111 0.386 0.382 0.384 -0.99 0.029 112 0.396 0.396 0.396 0.26 0.008 113 0.398 0.378 0.388 -0.57 0.004 1

14 0.389 0.386 0.388 -0.62+0.04 -0.01 1

15 0.397 0.402 0.400 0.62 2.263 1

MU TechniqueLab CodeRobust Z-scoreAverageResult 1 Result 2

nr= no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/Spark 6c Combustion (LECO Analyser)


Carbon (0.000%)

11 13 5

6 9 12 1 15

78

3

4 10 14

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A3

Copper (0.000%)

Lab Code Result 1 Result 2 Average MU Technique

1 0.0001 0.0002 0.0002 0.34 0.0002 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.0047 0.0057 0.0052 34.40 § 0.0014 6a4 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003 1.35 0.0008 15 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 -0.67 0.0002 16 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.00 - 1

7 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.000.000096 / 0.000101 1

8 0.0013 0.0013 0.0013 8.09 § 7% 19 nr nr nr - - -10 nr nr nr - - -11 nr nr nr - - -12 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.00 0.0002 113 nr nr nr - - -14 nr nr nr - - -15 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.00 0.9853 1

Robust Z-score

nr= no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/Spark 3 AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) 6a ICP - OES


Copper (0.000%)

4 12

1 5 8 9 14 3

13 15

7

6

10

11

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A4

Chromium (0.000%)


1 0.203 0.203 0.203 0.67 0.0175 12 0.196 0.201 0.199 -0.19 0.011 2,63 0.187 0.192 0.190 -1.93 0.006 6a4 0.200 0.196 0.198 -0.29 0.025 15 0.204 0.204 0.204 0.87 0.010 16 0.205 0.206 0.206 1.16 0.002 17 0.180 0.179 0.180 -3.85 § 0.1763 / 0.18 11 18 0.203 0.204 0.204 0.77 7% 19 0.200 0.199 0.200 0.00 0.005 310 0.18 0.18 0.180 -3.76 § 0.01 111 0.202 0.202 0.202 0.48 0.021 112 0.197 0.198 0.198 -0.39 0.008 113 0.212 0.209 0.211 2.12 0.006 1

14 0.197 0.195 0.196 -0.67+0.07 -0.12 1

15 0.211 0.213 0.212 2.41 0.431 1

Robust Z-score

nr= no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 2 AES – ICP (Atomic Emission Spectrometry)

3 AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) 6 ICP - MS 6a ICP - OES


Chromium (0.000%)

14 4 2

9 11 1 8 5

13 15

6

7 3

10

12

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A5

Calcium (0.0000%)


1 0.0001 0.0002 0.0002 0.34 0.0002 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.0047 0.0057 0.0052 34.40 § 0.0014 6a4 0.0003 0.0003 0.0003 1.35 0.0008 15 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 -0.67 0.0002 16 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.00 - 1

7 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.000.000096 / 0.000101 1

8 0.0013 0.0013 0.0013 8.09 § 7% 19 nr nr nr - - -10 nr nr nr - - -11 nr nr nr - - -12 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.00 0.0002 113 nr nr nr - - -14 nr nr nr - - -15 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.00 0.9853 1

Robust Z-score

nr= no result

Technique: 1 AES = Arc/spark 6a ICP - OES


Calcium (0.0000%)

12 1 4

8 3

5

7 6 15

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A6

Manganese (0.000%)


1 1.050 1.048 1.049 0.65 0.0309 12 nr nr nr - - -3 1.110 1.120 1.115 3.12 § 0.021 6b4 0.990 0.980 0.985 -1.75 0.041 15 1.018 1.021 1.020 -0.46 0.030 16 1.037 1.037 1.037 0.20 0.009 17 1.035 1.027 1.031 -0.03 1.0195 / 1.0338 18 0.998 1.006 1.002 -1.11 7% 19 1.018 1.017 1.018 -0.53 0.01 3

10 1.05 1.05 1.050 0.68 0.05 111 1.053 1.045 1.049 0.65 0.045 112 1.007 1.015 1.011 -0.78 0.011 113 1.061 1.034 1.048 0.59 0.018 1

14 1.034 1.031 1.033 0.03+0.08 -0.06 1

15 0.992 1.005 0.999 0.03 0.665 1

Robust Z-score

nr= no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 3 AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry)

6b XRF

141.03180.02672.59%0.985

Max 1.115Range 0.130

MinRobust CV

No. of ResultsMedianNorm IQR

Manganese (0.000%)

9

7 14 15 6 13 1 11

3

5 8 12 4

10

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A7

Molybdenum (0.000%)


1 0.089 0.089 0.089 0.25 0.0186 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.083 0.084 0.084 -1.13 0.002 6a4 0.085 0.083 0.084 -1.00 0.028 15 0.088 0.085 0.087 -0.38 0.006 16 0.086 0.087 0.087 -0.38 0.001 17 0.093 0.092 0.093 1.13 0.0914 / 0.092 7 18 0.082 0.081 0.082 -1.63 7% 19 0.088 0.087 0.088 -0.13 0.005 310 0.09 0.09 0.090 0.50 0.01 111 0.090 0.090 0.090 0.50 0.029 112 0.088 0.089 0.089 0.13 0.014 113 0.091 0.089 0.090 0.50 0.010 1

14 0.090 0.090 0.090 0.50+0.08 -0.07 1

15 0.083 0.084 0.084 -1.13 0.661 1

Robust Z-score

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 3 AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry)

6a ICP - OES


Molybdenum (0.000%)

6 9

12 1 10 11 13 7

4

14

8 15 3 5

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A8

Nitrogen (0.0000%)

Lab Code Result 1 Result 2 AverageRobust Z-score

MU Technique

1 0.0037 0.0038 0.0038 0.00 0.0027 12 nr nr nr - - -3 nr nr nr - - -4 0.0055 0.0050 0.0053 1.17 0.0039 15 0.0035 0.0034 0.0035 -0.23 0.0004 16 0.0037 0.0036 0.0037 -0.08 - 17 0.0036 0.0033 0.0035 -0.23 0.0032 / 0.003 5 18 0.0061 0.0063 0.0062 1.92 7% 19 nr nr nr - - -10 nr nr nr - - -11 nr nr nr - - -12 0.0052 0.0054 0.0053 1.21 0.0010 113 nr nr nr - - -14 nr nr nr - - -15 nr nr nr - - -

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark


Nitrogen (0.0000%)

1

12 8

5

6 7

4

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A9

Nickel (0.000%)


1 0.118 0.118 0.118 -0.51 0.0170 12 0.110 0.119 0.115 -0.99 0.011 2,63 0.106 0.109 0.108 -1.95 0.0035 6a4 0.140 0.137 0.139 2.29 0.019 15 0.123 0.121 0.122 0.03 0.010 16 0.113 0.115 0.114 -1.06 0.002 17 0.125 0.125 0.125 0.44 0.1247 / 0.12 56 18 0.124 0.126 0.125 0.44 7% 19 nr nr nr - - -10 0.11 0.11 0.110 -1.61 0.01 111 0.121 0.122 0.122 -0.03 0.029 112 0.122 0.123 0.123 0.10 0.005 113 0.116 0.113 0.115 -0.99 0.005 1

14 0.122 0.122 0.122 0.03+0.05 -0.14 1

15 0.129 0.129 0.129 0.99 0.373 1

Robust Z-score

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 2 AES – ICP (Atomic Emission Spectrometry – Inductively Coupled Plasma 6 ICP - MS

6a ICP - OES


Nickel (0.000%)

21

11 5 14 12 7 8

4

13 10 6

3

15

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A10

Phosphorus (0.000%)


1 0.016 0.015 0.016 0.34 0.0034 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.092 0.088 0.090 100.84 § 0.006 6a4 0.021 0.021 0.021 7.76 § 0.006 15 0.015 0.015 0.015 -0.34 0.003 16 0.014 0.014 0.014 -1.69 0.001 17 0.018 0.017 0.018 3.04 § 0.0169 / 0.0 177 18 0.014 0.015 0.015 -1.01 7% 19 0.0145 0.0144 0.014 -1.08 0.005 510 0.013 0.013 0.013 -3.04 § 0.001 111 0.016 0.015 0.016 0.34 0.006 112 0.014 0.015 0.015 -1.01 0.001 113 0.016 0.015 0.016 0.34 0.001 1

14 0.015 0.015 0.015 -0.34+0.008 -0.008 1

15 0.015 0.016 0.016 0.30 2.610 1

Robust Z-score

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 5 Photometric

6a ICP - OES


Phosphorus (0.000%)

8 5 14

1 11 13

7 4

12 69

10

3

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A11

Sulfur (0.000%)


1 0.081 0.077 0.079 0.81 0.0073 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.040 0.050 0.045 0.43 0.014 6c4 0.071 0.069 0.070 0.71 0.008 15 0.070 0.070 0.070 0.71 0.010 16 0.074 0.072 0.073 0.71 0.007 17 0.112 0.106 0.109 1.14 0.1030 / 0.1097 18 0.055 0.056 0.056 0.55 7% 19 0.076 0.074 0.075 0.76 0.005 110 0.066 0.065 0.066 0.66 0.003 111 0.058 0.059 0.059 0.58 0.010 112 0.070 0.073 0.072 0.72 0.003 113 0.067 0.064 0.066 0.66 0.003 1

14 0.073 0.075 0.074 0.75 +0.006 -0.011 1

15 0.074 0.083 0.079 -0.26 5.827 2

Robust Z-score

nr = no result Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 2 AES – ICP (Atomic Emission Spectroscopy – Inductively Coupled Plasma) 6c Combustion (LECO Analyser)


Sulfur (0.000%)

10 4 5 6 12 14 9 1 7 3 11 8

13

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A12

Silicon (0.000%)


1 0.168 0.167 0.168 -0.56 0.0293 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.082 0.113 0.098 -16.30 § 0.045 6a4 0.156 0.157 0.157 -3.04 § 0.026 15 0.167 0.174 0.171 0.11 0.010 16 0.167 0.168 0.168 -0.56 0.002 17 0.181 0.178 0.180 2.14 0.1769 / 0.1796 18 0.167 0.167 0.167 -0.67 7% 19 0.175 0.172 0.174 0.79 0.005 310 0.17 0.17 0.170 0.00 0.01 111 0.173 0.177 0.175 1.12 0.026 112 0.168 0.168 0.168 -0.45 0.006 113 0.180 0.174 0.177 1.57 0.001 1

14 0.173 0.172 0.173 0.56 +0.04 -0.07

1

15 0.167 0.169 0.168 -0.45 0.623 1

Robust Z-score

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 3 AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) 6a ICP - OES


Silicon (0.000%)

1 12 15

10 514 9 11 13

3

8

4

6

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A13

Tin (0.000%)


1 0.006 0.004 0.005 -0.67 0.0047 12 nr nr nr - - -3 0.039 0.043 0.041 23.61 § 0.005 6a4 0.008 0.008 0.008 1.35 0.003 15 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.01 0.0016 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.00 0.001 17 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.00 0.0054 / 0.005 7 18 0.011 0.011 0.011 3.37 § 7% 19 nr nr nr - - -10 nr nr nr - - -11 nr nr nr - - -12 0.005 0.005 0.005 -0.67 0.001 113 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.00 0.001 1

14 0.002 0.002 0.002 -2.70+0.05 -0.01 1

15 0.005 0.006 0.006 -0.34 3.161 1

Robust Z-score

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark 6a ICP - OES


Tin (0.000%)

15

7 13 5

4

8 3

6

1 12

14 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

A14

Niobium (0.000%)


1 0.001 0.002 0.002 1.35 0.0010 12 nr nr nr - - -3 nr nr nr - - -4 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.00 0.013 15 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.001 16 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.00 0.001 17 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.00 0 .0002 / 0.006 18 0.004 0.004 0.004 8.09 § 7% 19 nr nr nr - - -10 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.00 0.001 111 nr nr nr - - -12 0.002 0.002 0.002 2.70 0.001 113 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.00 0.000 1

14 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.00 +0.004 -0.008 1

15 0.001 0.002 0.002 1.35 13.047 1

Robust Z-score

nr = no result

Technique: 1 AES – Arc/spark


Niobium (0.000%)

7 13 14

1 15

12 8

5 6 4 10

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

Lab Code Number

Rob

ust z

-sco

re

APPENDIX B

Sample Preparation

and

Homogeneity Testing

B1

Sample Preparation and Homogeneity Testing

The ferrous alloy samples were supplied by Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd Victoria, who acted as import agents for the Brammer Standard Company, Texas.

The samples were cut into discs of 14mm thickness and 41mm diameter.

Brammer Standard Company supplied homogeneity data as described in ASTM E826 (“s”, “w”, and “t” values) for C, Mn, P, S, Si, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, Sn and Al.

Based on the results the samples were considered homogenous.

APPENDIX C

Instructions to Participants

and

Results Sheet

C1

Proficiency Testing Australia


Metal Alloys (Round 18) - Ferrous – April 2009

INSTRUCTIONS TO PARTICIPANTS Please read instructions carefully BEFORE commencing testing.

1. For this round each participant will be supplied with one ferrous alloy sample. 2. Participants are asked to test the percentage composition (in duplicate) for the

following elements: Aluminium, Carbon, Copper, Chromium, Calcium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nitrogen, Nickel, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Silicon, Tin and Niobium If the analysis of any element is not possible, please note this on the results sheet.

3. These tests are to be conducted by the methods used routinely in your laboratory. 4. Results for Nitrogen and Calcium are to be reported as a % to four decimal places.

The remaining elements are to be reported as a % to three decimal places. Do not report any values as “<” .

5. For each test note the appropriate technique code no. on the Results Sheet:

1. AES – Arc/Spark (Atomic Emission Spectoscopy – Arc\Spark) 2. AES – ICP (Atomic Emission spectroscopy – Inductively Coupled Plasma) 3. AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) 4. Gravimetric 5. Photometric 6. Other (please specify)

6. Laboratories are also requested to calculate and report an estimate of measurement

uncertainty (MU) for each reported measurement result. All estimates of measurement uncertainty must be given as a 95% confidence interval (coverage factor k 2)

7. Testing may commence as soon as samples are received. All laboratories are to

return their results by Friday 17 April 2009 to:

Karen Cividin Proficiency Testing Austrlalia PO Box 7507 Silverwater NSW 2128 AUSTRALIA Phone: +61 2 9736 8397 Fax: +61 2 9743 6664

8. To allow for the confidential treatment of your results in the final report, you have

been allocated a code number which appears on your results sheet.

C2

Proficiency Testing Australia


Metal Alloys (Round 18) – Ferrous – April 2009

RESULTS SHEET Lab Code:

SAMPLE MU ( ) Technique Code No. TEST

(report to %) Result 1 Result 2

Aluminium (3 d.p.)

Carbon (3 d.p.)

Copper (3 d.p.)

Chromium (3 d.p.)

Calcium (4.d.p.)

Manganese (3 d.p.)

Molybdenum (3.d.p.)

Nitrogen (4.d.p.)

Nickel (3 d.p.)

Phosphorus (3 d.p.)

Sulfur (3 d.p.)

Silicon (3 d.p.)

Tin (3 d.p.)

Niobium (3 d.p.)

Signed: _______________________ Date: __________ _____________ Please return no later than Friday 17 April 2009, to: Karen Cividin, Proficiency Testing Australia

PO Box 7507, Silverwater NSW 2128 phone: +61 2 9736 8397, fax: +61 9743 6664

------------------------------End of Report----------------------------