Attention to Details

Mar 15, 2023

The women's team of the laboratory of express spectral analysis No. 10, shop No. 430 is unanimously sure that the determination of the chemical composition of alloys is a complex, interesting task, and it is mostly women who can do it. The reason is pedantry, scrupulousness, which for the most part are inherent in the fair sex and are so important when carrying out such types of work. The main tasks of the laboratory are to determine the chemical composition of ingots smelted in workshops Nos. 520, 530 and 560. Laboratory assistants analyze samples to determine the suitability of alloys in terms of composition, compliance with technological parameters. The analysis of melting stock, input control of metals is also carried out.

Valentina Andreevna Karyagina, Head of the Laboratory for Express Spectral Analysis No. 10, says:

– “We have a completely female team, consisting of 15 energetic and enterprising girls. Knowledge of chemistry, materials science and mathematics is essential for working in the laboratory. The main qualities that employees should possess are organization, accuracy, attention to details. For 1 analysis, more than 20 chemical elements are determined, therefore, errors in our case are excluded, otherwise the company will incur losses due to the launch of a melt that does not meet the technological parameters.

Laboratory assistants are constantly trained to improve their professional level. Each employee clearly knows the scope of the duties. The lead engineer of the laboratory, Olga Vitalievna Kuzevanova, is engaged in setting up the equipment. She sets up the analytical programs of optical emission spectrometers for the required studies. For each alloy, there are standard samples, according to which the results are compared. Accordingly, for each alloy, the instruments are adjusted so that the chemical elements correspond to their values. According to these parameters, laboratory assistants conduct a study of the chemical composition. The production of unique alloys also requires the development of standard samples, which will later be used for testing. For each element that is part of the alloy, a graph is developed. The resulting blanks are certified and become standard samples, according to the values of which the express analyzes are carried out in the process of ingot smelting.

Last year, the equipment fleet was replenished with a new arc emission spectrometer, the development of which was carried out by Valentina Valerievna Zimina, the laboratory assistant. It is designed for the elemental express analysis of alloys compositions. Valentina Zimina was also involved in the commissioning of a new X-ray fluorescence analyzer designed for incoming inspection of waste for compliance with alloys. The girls of the laboratory also prepare samples for testing, namely, their sharpening. The number of samples can reach 30-40 pieces per shift. It is important that the surface of the sample is prepared correctly to ensure proper test results. Therefore, physical training, as well as ingenuity, mathematical and chemical knowledge, attentiveness and careful self-control are important components of the work of laboratory assistants. The division's specialists shall conduct an express analysis of the alloys until the metal is poured into the molds. Therefore, the laboratory operates in parallel with the company's smelting shops — around the clock. 3 people work in one 12-hour shift. “Until the laboratory issues the results of the express analysis of the chemical composition, the metal will not be drained from the furnace. Based on these data, a decision is made whether the melting process continues or whether the alloy requires recharging. Thus, the laboratory takes part in the smelting process” — says Valentina Andreevna. Despite the high workload, the girls are involved in the social life of the enterprise, each has her own hobby, which they cordially share with each other outside of working hours. “We are always happy to take part in the CMK sports life, in various events. Tatyana Savosina, for example, draws with her son. They always actively participate in children's drawing competitions, make original crafts.”