The DH603 Hot Extraction Analyzer is designed for fast, precise determination of hydrogen in iron and ferrous alloys. It supports residual (total) hydrogen analysis as well as combined diffusible and residual hydrogen determination using a single, compact instrument. With a small footprint, intuitive operating software, enhanced safety features, and a robust mechanical design, the DH603 streamlines hydrogen analysis in both production and quality control environments.
LECO: DH603 Residual and Diffusible Hydrogen Determination by Hot Extraction
Key Features
- Exclusive ECLIPSE architecture, a LECO-designed platform that improves long-term reliability and simplifies serviceability
- Support for a wide range of evacuated pin tubes and diffusible samplers for rapid hydrogen determination in molten metals
- Improved internal plumbing for faster and easier maintenance of the gas flow path
- Ergonomic outer shells provide easy access to critical components for routine operation and service
- Advanced furnace control system enabling temperature ramping from ambient to 1100 °C
- Optional diffusible sampler piercer, allowing users to choose between residual/total hydrogen or combined diffusible and residual hydrogen measurements
- Gas dose calibration capability enables calibration without the need for reference materials
Theory of Operation
The DH603 determines hydrogen content in iron and ferrous alloys using hot extraction coupled with thermal conductivity detection. The system supports two analytical approaches: residual (total) hydrogen determination and combined diffusible plus residual hydrogen determination when equipped with the optional piercer.
For residual (total) hydrogen analysis, a pre-weighed sample is placed directly into the furnace. Hydrogen is released from the sample by hot extraction and carried into a flowing inert gas stream. The evolved hydrogen is quantified using a thermal conductivity detector, and results are reported in parts per million (ppm). Samples are typically collected using LECO vacuum pin tubes or equivalent techniques.
For diffusible and residual hydrogen analysis, a sampler is first placed into the optional piercing unit. The sampler is punctured, allowing diffusible molecular hydrogen to be purged into the carrier gas stream and measured by the thermal conductivity detector. After diffusible hydrogen measurement, the sampler is removed, the outer shroud is taken off, and the remaining pin sample is weighed. This sample is then introduced into the furnace, where residual hydrogen is released by hot extraction and quantified. Final hydrogen concentrations are reported in ppm, providing a complete hydrogen profile from a single instrument.
Available Models
- DH603DC – DH603 with diffusible hydrogen piercer
- DH603C – DH603 for residual (total) hydrogen determination
