G6 LEONARDO vs G8 GALILEO: Choosing the Right ONH Analyzer for Your Lab

Every laboratory has different priorities that must be met when investing in an oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen (ONH) analyzer. Some focus on routine quality control, while others require greater automation and specialized testing capabilities. Selecting the right ONH system means looking beyond analytical performance to consider factors such as sample throughput, operating costs, maintenance requirements, and future testing needs. The G6 LEONARDO and G8 GALILEO from XRF Scientific each deliver precise inert gas fusion (IGF) analysis, but are designed to support different laboratory workflows and operational objectives.

ONH and the Role of Inert Gas Fusion

Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen have a significant influence on the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and service life of metals and advanced ceramics. Small variations in elemental content can reduce product quality, making dependable analysis essential across manufacturing and research laboratories.

An ONH analyzer measures oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen using IGF, also known as melt extraction. During analysis, the test specimen is heated in a graphite crucible above 3,000°C under an inert carrier gas. Oxygen reacts with the graphite to form carbon monoxide, whereas nitrogen and hydrogen are released as N₂ and H₂ for direct detection. The ONH measurement process provides accurate and repeatable elemental analysis across a wide range of metallic and inorganic materials, including steel, cast iron, titanium, nickel alloys, copper, ceramics, and refractory metals.

The Features of the G6 LEONARDO and G8 GALILEO

Both the G6 LEONARDO and G8 GALILEO are built on the same engineering principles that underpin measurement integrity. Shared technologies help deliver reliable ONH analysis and enable consistent performance across a variety of sample types.

Their key features include:

• Direct gas measurement without chemical conversions, correction factors, or hidden algorithms for transparent analytical results
• FusionControl temperature regulation, which continuously monitors the fusion process using non-contact measurement to optimize extraction temperatures, minimize interfering compounds, and extend graphite crucible life
• Consistent thermal control that improves analytical repeatability across different sample matrices during routine testing and research applications
• A clean, reliable system design equipped with a water-cooled sample port, high-capacity dust trap, and efficient inline filtration to support continuous operation.

The G6 LEONARDO: Streamlined Efficiency for Quality Control

Produced for routine laboratory operation, the G6 LEONARDO delivers dependable ONH analyzer performance with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency.

Its electronic motion control replaces traditional pneumatic systems, allowing the lower electrode to operate without compressed air. Fewer mechanical components reduce maintenance requirements and produce a quieter laboratory environment. Carrier gas flexibility also enables both helium and argon operation. Laboratories using argon can decrease operating costs and minimize exposure to helium supply fluctuations while avoiding compromising sub-ppm analytical sensitivity.

Core advantages include:

• Low cost of ownership through argon optimization and zero compressed air consumption
• High mechanical reliability with fewer maintenance points
• Straightforward operation for daily quality assurance testing.

Typical applications of the G6 LEONARDO include steel production, iron foundries, copper manufacturing, industrial ceramics, and powder metallurgy, where routine oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen analysis delivers consistent product quality. The G6 LEONARDO ultimately offers robust, pre-calibrated ONH analysis for user-friendly daily quality assurance with minimal operational overhead.

The G8 GALILEO: Advanced Capabilities for Research Laboratories

For laboratories requiring greater analytical flexibility, the G8 GALILEO expands the capabilities of a conventional ONH analyzer through specialized configurations and automation.

Its modular design supports advanced multi-element analysis, including highly sensitive sub-ppm hydrogen detection in high-purity materials. When coupled with an external infrared furnace, the system enables compliant determination of diffusible and residual hydrogen in welds according to ISO 3690 and AWS A4.3. Additionally, optional mass spectrometry coupling supports Thermal Desorption Mass Spectroscopy for analyzing trace argon inclusions in metal powders used for additive manufacturing. Automatic sample and crucible handling, electrode cleaning, and multi-volume gas dose calibration further increase productivity during high-volume testing.

Core advantages include:

• Exceptional analytical flexibility for specialized metallurgical investigations
• Scalable automation that reduces manual intervention and enables high sample throughput
• Capable of delivering advanced research alongside routine ONH analysis.

Primary applications of the G8 GALILEO include aerospace alloy qualification, defence materials testing, welding research programmes requiring diffusible hydrogen analysis, commercial analytical laboratories processing large sample volumes, and additive manufacturing facilities assessing metal powder feedstock for trapped gas inclusions. The G8 GALILEO is engineered for sophisticated research environments and commercial laboratories that demand advanced analytical capability with extensive automation.

Which ONH Analyzer Fits Your Laboratory?

Choose the G6 LEONARDO if your laboratory requires:

• Routine analysis of steel, iron, copper, and conventional alloys
• Lower maintenance through compressed air elimination
• Predictable operating costs using argon carrier gas.

Choose the G8 GALILEO if your laboratory requires:

• Diffusible hydrogen testing for welded components
• Argon inclusion analysis in metal powders for additive manufacturing
• Automated operation for large daily sample volumes
• Mass spectrometry integration for advanced materials research.

Invest in the Right ONH Analyzer

XRF Scientific has developed both the G6 LEONARDO and G8 GALILEO to deliver reliable inert gas fusion analysis across a broad range of laboratory environments. Whether your primary concern is efficient routine quality control or specialized metallurgical research, the right ONH analyzer should align with your analytical goals, workflow, and evolving testing needs. Speak with XRF Scientific now to discuss your sample matrices, alloy compositions, and laboratory goals. That way our team can recommend the most suitable ONH analyzer configuration for your operation.