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 Countless Research Tasks. One Solution – QLX1 in Applied Steel Research

Redefining Slag Analysis

Short Summary
In modern steel research and recycling projects, fast and flexible material analysis is essential. A LIBS-based system such as QLX1 enables direct elemental analysis without complex preparation. This significantly accelerates research workflows and improves data availability under real conditions. As a result, development cycles become shorter and more efficient.

Initial Situation / Research Context
Research institutes working at the interface between metallurgy and industrial application typically support a wide range of projects. These include scrap characterization, validation of new sensor technologies, and process optimization in steel production. Such environments are characterized by high variability. Materials often have unknown composition, irregular shapes, and non-ideal surface conditions. In addition, research workflows are dynamic, with frequently changing analytical requirements. Fast access to reliable material data is therefore critical to support decision-making and experimental work.

Challenge (Pain Points)
In general, conventional laboratory methods such as XRF provide reliable results under controlled conditions. However, they are less suited for highly dynamic and variable environments.

Typical limitations include:

  • dependency on sample preparation and clean surfaces
  • limited sensitivity for light elements such as Al, Si, or Li
  • delayed feedback due to laboratory workflows

These factors can slow down research activities, especially when many different samples need to be analyzed within a short time or when real scrap conditions must be assessed.

QLX1 swerim
QLX1 swerim
SWERIM Samples Laser OES
SWERIM Samples Laser OES

Solution (Implementation of QuantoLux Technology)
To address these challenges, a portable LIBS-based system such as QLX1 can be integrated into daily research workflows.

The system enables fast elemental analysis directly on-site or in the laboratory, typically with minimal or no sample preparation. Measurements can be performed on raw, coated, or oxidized materials. This makes it particularly suitable for scrap-related applications and early-stage material evaluation.

QLX1 complements established technologies like XRF. While XRF remains strong in standardized laboratory analysis, LIBS (Laser OES) provides clear advantages in speed, flexibility, and the detection of light elements. The intuitive software and mobile design allow users to quickly adapt the system to different analytical tasks without complex setup.

Results (Measured Impact)
The use of fast LIBS-based analysis leads to measurable improvements in research efficiency.

Typical results include:

  • reduction of analysis time from minutes to seconds
  • significant increase in number of samples analyzed per day
  • improved data quality for real, untreated materials
  • better detection and monitoring of light elements

This enables a more realistic evaluation of scrap materials and process conditions, which is essential for applied research.

Operational Impact (Daily Work)
In daily work, fast and flexible analysis changes how research is performed. Instead of waiting for laboratory results, data is available almost immediately.

This allows:

  • faster iteration of experiments
  • more flexible testing of new ideas
  • reduced dependency on centralized lab infrastructure
  • improved collaboration between research and process experts

Overall, workflows become more agile and responsive.

Strategic Context
The steel industry is moving toward higher scrap usage, increased process flexibility, and stronger digital integration. This creates a growing demand for fast and decentralized analytical solutions.

Research organizations play a key role in developing and validating these technologies. LIBS-based systems such as QLX1 help bridge the gap between controlled laboratory analysis and real industrial conditions. They support the transition toward more sustainable and data-driven steel production.

Customer Voice
“In our daily research work, we rarely know what the next challenge will be—or where it will come from. The highly intuitive software of the QLX1 gives us the flexibility to quickly adapt to a wide variety of analytical needs without lengthy setup or reconfiguration. Equally important is the system’s outstanding mobility. The QLX1 allows us to perform high-quality analyses independently of location, which is a major advantage in a research environment where flexibility and responsiveness are essential. Overall, the QLX1 has become a valuable tool that supports our work by combining ease of use, adaptability, and true mobility.”
— Jonas Petersson, Ph.D., Research Leader

Conclusion
Fast LIBS-based analysis with QLX1 removes typical analytical bottlenecks in research environments. It enables faster decisions, more flexible workflows, and more efficient development of next-generation recycling and steelmaking solutions.