PoDFA Flyer and Spec Sheet
PoDFA Flyer and Spec Sheet
PoDFA Flyer and Spec Sheet
Today’s global marketplace has compelled PoDFA is a proprietary technology for melt
aluminum producers and aluminum foundries cleanliness evaluation that provides information
to produce the highest quality aluminum and on the composition and concentration of the
shape castings. The most effective means of inclusions in molten aluminum. PoDFA has
attaining superior levels of quality is expertise in already demonstrated its great potential for
process coupled with systematic measurement process characterization and optimization, as well
for controlling the melt quality at all stages of as product improvement. For example, you can
manufacturing. quickly and accurately assess the effects of various
operating practices on metal cleanliness or identify
filtration efficiency. Using PoDFA is an essential
key to producing high quality castings.
The complete solution for inclusion measurement
PoDFA technology
Two simple steps: sampling and metallographic analysis
A predetermined quantity of liquid aluminum is filtered under controlled
conditions using a very fine porosity filter. Inclusions in the melt are
concentrated at the filter surface by a factor of about 10,000. The
filter, along with the residual metal, is then cut, mounted and polished
before being analyzed under an optical microscope by a trained PoDFA
metallographer.
The PoDFA technology has never been so accessible! All you have to
do is take metal samples using the PoDFA-f system and then choose
Principle of operation between two analysis options. You can either obtain a PoDFA license
and perform your own metallographic analysis in house, or you can
employ ABB’s Metallographic Analysis Service on a per-sample basis
with no license fee. The second option enables you to access the PoDFA
technology at your own pace and capacity.
1. PoDFA-f system
Portable low-cost equipment for molten aluminum sampling
The PoDFA-f system includes all the equipment required for PoDFA
sampling in molten aluminum: a PoDFA-f sampling station, crucible
heater, crucibles and filters as well as other facilitating tools described
below. The equipment is compact, portable and economical. It can be
easily installed where the sampling is conducted.
Sampling is straightforward: the operator pours some metal in a crucible,
presses the start button and that’s it! A vacuum forces the metal to flow
through the porous filter. After the test, typically after five minutes,
the metal sample is allowed to solidify and saved for metallographic
analysis.
PoDFA-f System
2
2. PoDFA metallographic analysis
ABB metallographic analysis service
You do the sampling; we take care of the
analysis.
Take samples quickly and easily using the
PoDFA-f system. Identify each metal residue
indicating the sampling information and
then send all samples by express mail to our
PoDFA metallographic analysis service. You
will receive a report with the key residue
pictures and a breakdown of each inclusion
type expressed in mm2/kg of aluminum. All
information is strictly confidential and reports
are produced in less than two weeks. There is
no license fee; you pay on a per-sample basis.
Metallographic analysis
Practical accessories
n Reusable crucible trolley for safe cooling and
easy carrying
n Metal sample holder for safe aluminum
residue cutting on a band saw
Trolley
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Annual contracts for volume users
Volume customers who regularly employ ABB’s PoDFA metallographic
analysis services can take advantage of significant price reductions by
signing an annual contract. Savings vary depending on the quantity,
report content and sample preparation required. Annual contracts
also offer an excellent alternative to licensed PoDFA users. As
PoDFA metallographic analysis calls for expertise, time and accuracy,
outsourcing to a highly specialized laboratory is the ideal solution for
many aluminum plants.
Magnification of inclusion
Alcan metallographic analysis technology transfer
Over 30 years of knowledge at your fingertips
PoDFA technology transfer and analysis training are available from ABB.
For those who prefer to do more than just the sampling, the vast body
of knowledge of Alcan is readily transferable to your organization. It
includes metallographic training and a CD-ROM that contains a catalog
of inclusions as well as methods. This valuable information has been
optimized for over 30 years by Alcan on a wide variety of alloys.
Additional PoDFA training
Standard and advanced training sessions are available for PoDFA
registered users.
PRINTED IN CANADA
ABB
Analytical and Advanced Solutions PoDFA B4198 2004-11
585, boulevard Charest E., suite 300 Copyright © 2004 by ABB Inc. All rights to trademarks reside with their respective owners.
Québec, Qc G1K 9H4 Specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures, schematics and other graphics
Canada contained herein are published for illustration purposes only and do not represent product
Phone: 418-877-2944 configurations or functionality. User documentation accompanying the product is the exclu-
Fax: 418-877-2834 sive source for functionality descriptions.
Email: [email protected]
www.abb.com/analytical
Specifications AnalyzeIT PoDFA
Air temperature
Below 35°C (95°F)
Air fitting
1/4 NPT female
Air consumption (at 100 PSI)
n Vacuum: 12 SCFM
n Cooling: 23.5 SCFM
Crucible Heater
Heating time Environmental
0 to 6 hours (adjustable timer) Operating temperature
Electrical requirements 10°C to 50°C (50°F to 122°F)
Rated input voltage Storage temperature
100-120 / 220-240 VAC (factory set) -10°C to 75°C (14°F to 167°F)
Rated input frequency Operating humidity
50 / 60 Hz Up to 90% (non condensing)
Earth leakage Storage humidity
Less than 50mA Up to 60% (non condensing)
Rated input current Physical
4A at 230 VAC, 7A at 115 VAC Overall Dimensions (H x W x D)
Fuse type 35 cm x 29 cm x 21 cm
T4A/250V at 230 VAC, T7A/250V at 110 VAC (13-1/2 in. x 11-1/2 in. x 8-1/4 in.)
Weight
5.6 kg (12 lb.)
PRINTED IN CANADA
ABB
Analytical PoDFA spec B4277 2005-11
585, boulevard Charest E., suite 300 Copyright © 2004 by ABB Inc. All rights to trademarks reside with their respective owners.
Québec, Qc G1K 9H4 Specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures, schematics and other graphics
Canada contained herein are published for illustration purposes only and do not represent product
Phone: 418-877-2944 configurations or functionality. User documentation accompanying the product is the exclu-
Fax: 418-877-2834 sive source for functionality descriptions.
Email: [email protected]
www.abb.com/analytical