X-Ray Spectroscopy
What is an XRF analyser used for?
They provide detailed material chemistry analysis or alloy identification of a sample. Being able to take laboratory grade technology into the field enables analysis of samples that are too large, unwieldly, or costly to transport to the lab. Onsite analysis enables real-time information and decision making. An example of beneficial analysis would be rapid identification of sub-standard/non-compliant materials specification in the industrial sector (especially vital where safety standards must be adhered to) and also beneficial for precious metals purity analysis in the bullion trading sector (typically gold, silver and platinum) for counterfeit product identification and prevention of fraudulent client-merchant transactions.
The fundamentals of XRF
In short, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) materials analyser uses radiation to excite the atoms of the metal sample which then emit light at a signature energy level that corresponds with its element. The XRF instrument detects the various energies and generates a virtually complete chemistry of the target sample.
XRF (X-ray fluorescence) has been utilised in industry for over two decades and is a tried and true process that has revolutionised the sorting process of materials. Expanding on the above explanation, the reflected photonic radiation from the X-ray emitter determines the material content at the elemental level; be it metal, soil, concrete or other substances. How does it do this? When the radiation bombards a material (metal, in this instance), fluorescent emissions, otherwise known as secondary, X-rays are released. The XRF scanner interprets these emissions and uses it to define the composition of the metal and ultimately conclude what type of metal it is. This is considered a non-destructive sorting method as the metal’s physical shape and material integrity is not compromised.
Maximum sensitivity
Our XRF materials analyser operates at the highest power level for a hand-held device. The 4 watt, 50 keV X-ray tube and generator is ideal for exciting heavier elements, resulting in faster analysis times and higher accuracy. It is a small but powerful tool. The handheld XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyser can identify toxic particles in soil in about 30 seconds, allowing remediation crews to quickly locate and determine the extent of any contamination, and potentially begin life-saving clean-up without delays.
A testimonial of the benefits of portable XRF technology by Dr Jack Caravanos, director of research at Pure Earth and professor at NYU has stated that, “Before getting an XRF, we had to manually collect soil samples, package them and somehow get them to an accredited laboratory, which might be located in a different country, for analysis,”
“When you have hundreds of plastic bags filled with soil and other biological contaminants, transporting them is quite a challenge.”
What can an XRF analyser detect?
An XRF analyser can measure a wide array of elements from magnesium (Mg) through to uranium (U) with common industrial elements being copper, various grades of ferritic and non-ferritic steel, aluminium and lighter element alloy sub groups; the technology being useful in the sorting and purity of scrap metals. You can point an XRF analyser at almost anything and get a result. Common applications include reliable alloy grade identification and material chemistry analysis for the scrap metal industry, quality control (QC) in metal manufacturing, geological exploration or mining, testing industrial materials like cement or coal, and testing for lead in paint or other contaminants in consumer products. The great benefit of laboratory grade portable XRF technology is that it yields immediate results, allowing for immediate decisions to be made, especially when safety considerations are of high priority or legitimacy of integrity at point of transaction are of high priority.
In addition to quality control and Regulatory Compliance, this technology may be used for competitive intelligence or deformulation of existing products.