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1 Type standardization (Type recalibration)...........................................................2

1.1 Basics.................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Software settings ................................................................................................................ 3
1.2.1 Enter a type standardization sample ........................................................................ 3
1.2.2 Define test intervals .................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Perform a type standardization........................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Measure the type standardization sample................................................................ 3
1.3.2 Load type standardization data ................................................................................ 3
1.3.3 Switch off the type standardization mode................................................................. 3

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1 Type standardization (Type recalibration)

Type standardization is sometimes also referred to as type recalibration. The
type standardization compensates for instrument-dependent deviations in the
analyses.

1.1 Basics
This procedure is recommended when only samples of a few different gra-
des/qualities have to be analyzed. It is used for the compensation of time-
dependent deviations of the measured values and to improve the accuracy of
the analysis within a small corridor around the content of the type standardiza-
tion sample.
For every grade, a type standardization sample will be defined. In most cases
these are the customer’s production samples. It is quite important that the ele-
ment concentrations are determined accurately, because the accuracy of the
analytical results of unknown samples depend on it. Of course the sample also
has to be homogenous.
Based on the results of the measurement of the type standardization sample
correction factors are determined. These factors are used to arithmetically
adapt the measured values of the production samples in order to improve the
correctness of analysis.
A simplified example to help you understand what the type standardization
does.
Your type standardization sample has the following certified content:
Si 0.52% Fe 0.13% Cu 0.11% Mg 0.42% etc.
During standardization the following concentrations are measured:
Si 0.54% Fe 0.12% Cu 0.11% Mg 0.43% etc.
The deviation between certified value and measured value is:
Si -0.02% Fe +0.01% Cu 0.00% Mg -0.01% etc.

In this example, the deviation is now used as a correction factor. It is also pos-
sible to use an offset for correction, but we’ll skip that, because the principle is
similar.
Now imagine you analysed your production sample without using the type stan-
dardization mode and got the following results:
Si 0.55% Fe 0.14% Cu 0.10% Mg 0.41% etc.
From the measurement of the type standardization sample we know that there
is a slight deviation between the measured value und the element content.
Switching into type standardization mode the correction factors will be applied
and the type corrected concentration is displayed:

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Si 0.53% Fe 0.15% Cu 0.10% Mg 0.40% etc.

The type standardization is only valid for a certain concentration range, which
has to be defined.

1.2 Software settings

1.2.1 Enter a type standardization sample

Go to “Measure Window – File – Program Development – Edit – Type Stan-
dardization Samples”.

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Click on <List> and choose an existing sample from the list (<Edit>) or create a
new one.

Define the sample as “Type Standard Sample”, choose the base element (if
possible) and the alloy group.
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Click “Conc.” to enter the monitored elements and their certified concentrations.
It is not necessary to enter internal or external limits. They will be set to +/- 10%
of the certified concentration as soon as the sample will be selected in the
sample list.

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Click on “OK” twice to return to the previous screens and then “Close”.
The new or edited sample will appear in the column “Proposed Samples”.

Click “Include” to transfer the new sample from the proposed samples to the se-
lected samples.
The concentration range for which the type standardization is valid, will auto-
matically be set to +/- 10% of the certified concentration
Choose “Parameter” to enter

minimum and maximum concentration, if the +/- 10% are not sufficient for
your application

the maximum reproducibility (optional) during the measurement of the type
standardization sample. Be aware, that at least 10 measurements have to
be made to get a statistically relevant data for the calculation of the repro-
ducibility (RSD)

minimum number of measurements for the type standardization sample. It
is recommended to do at least 3 measurements. validity (in hours) of the
type standardization

if you would like to use a correction factor, a correction offset or both.

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1.2.2 Define test intervals

To make your life easier, you can set up the instrument, so that it reminds you,
when it is time to spark the type standardization samples.
Select “Program Development – Instrument – Installation –Modi & Intervals”
and enter an interval in hours or number of sparks.

1.3 Perform a type standardization

1.3.1 Measure the type standardization sample

First you have to measure the Type Standardization Sample(s) to determine the
deviation between specified value and measured value. Press <Z> and a dialog
box with the sample list opens. Select the sample, which you would like to
standardize and follow the instructions of the software.

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After finalizing the measurements press <F3> to get the “Type Standardization
Data Overview”.

If the measured concentration is out of the valid concentration range, it will be

marked with a red background. Check especially the results, which are marked
in the check box 'Check'. If everything is OK, confirm with OK.
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The blue header bar displays the measuring mode “Type Corrected Concentra-
tions” and the name of the type standardization sample.

1.3.2 Load type standardization data

To load previously made type standardization data press <Shift+ F9>. A dialog
box with the sample list opens. Select the type standardization sample, which
corresponds best to the production samples that have to be analysed and con-
firm by OK. The “Type Standardization Data Overview” will be displayed. Con-
firm again with OK.
The blue header bar displays the measuring mode “Type Corrected Concentra-
tions” and the name of the type standardization sample.

1.3.3 Switch off the type standardization mode

To switch off Type Standardization select “Measure -Clear Type Standardiza-
tion” and the instrument switches back to concentration mode.
A quick switch between type corrected and not corrected concentrations can be
made by pressing the keys “+” or “-“.

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