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Unusual Particle Counts Confusing
W. D. Brown, Lead Science & Lab Svs. Specialist,
Progress Energy HEEC
The first approach would be to perform a materials identification
analysis on the particles themselves. using the particle count
and size distribution, choose an appropriate membrane filter,
separate the particles. Visually, i.e. microscopically look at
the particles, then place some of the particles into an SEM equipped
with a light element X-ray fluorescence detector and determine
the elemental composition and morphology of the separated particles.
It is also possible to perform an x-ray fluorescence analysis
on the particulate on the filter. The elemental break down of
the particulate may be accessible through a routine wear metals
analysis (ICP/DCP/Rotrode- OES), if the particle size distribution
is less than ~10 - 15 microns. If there are non-metallic constituents,
e.g. flakes, fibers, etc. it may also be possible to perform FTIR
microscopy for identification and then evaluate possible sources
of the materials found.
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