Key Advantages of XRF Calibration Beads

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment is entrusted with an important task: investigating the elemental make-up of various materials. Known for its speed and accuracy, XRF is valued for its capabilities by several different industries, including geology and manufacturing. If XRF devices are not calibrated on a regular basis, the results they produce may be unreliable and inaccurate, something which could cause issues for the aforementioned areas and many others. An effective method of calibrating XRF devices is through the use of XRF calibration beads. Read on to discover more about these beads and the advantages they present.

Defining XRF Calibration Beads

Overview

XRF calibration beads are glass discs formed with a consistent elemental composition. They’re utilized for calibrating XRF instruments, helping them deliver reliable and accurate measurements. Thanks to their highly specific elemental make-up, XRF calibration beads are applied as references when calibrating XRF devices, acting as benchmarks that can be compared against to ensure the XRF system is consistent and accurate while examining an unknown sample.

Categories

A myriad of materials and elements can be studied using XRF analysis. To keep up with the variety of samples, XRF calibration beads must come in many forms. That way the reliability and accuracy of the XRF equipment can be established. Here are some of the categories of XRF calibration beads that exist:

• Single-Element Calibration Beads: Hold a specific concentration of a singular element. They’re applied to deliver precise calibration in relation to certain elements.
• Multi-Element Calibration Beads: Carry an assortment of elements and, thus, are applied to calibrations that’re broader.
• Certified Reference Material (CRM) Beads: Deliver traceability to international standards and extensive accuracy thanks to being formed from CRMs.

Fashioning XRF Calibration Beads

Producing XRF calibration beads requires the combination of a flux, like lithium tetraborate, and a powdered sample material. Once the two are mixed, they’re placed in a platinum crucible and the temperature is increased to around 1000°C-1200°C. This results in them melting and transforming into a homogenous liquid. The liquid is then poured into a platinum mold and cools down, becoming a glass-like disc upon solidification. After the bead is taken out of the mold, and examined for any issues, like cracks or bubbles, it can be utilized for calibration. By using this process, a bead can be generated with a precise distribution of elements, forming a reference material that can be depended upon for its reliability when XRF devices need to be calibrated.

Benefits of Using XRF Calibration Beads

XRF calibration beads stand as the solution to improve XRF tools, offering a means of calibrating them to validate the results of their elemental analysis. These are the advantages associated with the application of XRF calibration beads:

1. Accuracy

If an XRF instrument has not been properly calibrated, its measurements can become inaccurate. This inaccuracy could cause materials to be misidentified. XRF calibration beads can solve these issues and help XRF devices to remain accurate. They’re utilized as references because of their highly specific elemental composition, making sure the measurements of XRF instruments are accurate even across different elements. The use of XRF calibration beads make all the difference when it comes to achieving a precise measurement.

2. Drift

Unfortunately, as time progresses, XRF equipment can be subject to drift. Drift can occur due to a variety of factors, such as component wear, humidity, or the accumulation of dust. When drift is left unchecked it can affect the consistency of measurements from XRF devices. It can reduce the equipment’s efficiency and accuracy and even have an effect on signal intensity. Utilizing XRF calibration beads can help preserve the performance of the XRF device, ensuring its well calibrated and can provide a reliable outcome even when used for a long period of time.

3. Homogeneity

XRF calibration beads are known for their homogeneity, in other words the uniformity of their elemental composition. The homogeneity of XRF calibration beads means that their encapsulated elements are spread out evenly. With a uniform composition, XRF calibration beads ensure calibration is reliable and consistent.

4. Durability

The extensive durability of XRF calibration beads is an attribute that makes them extremely useful. Being imbued with this property means that XRF calibration beads, when stored correctly, can withstand environmental factors, such as moisture, and wear. It also ensures that the beads can be used for a long period of time and will not have their accuracy affected.

5. Consistency

Laboratories can benefit from the standardized measurements that come from the inclusion of XRF calibration beads. These beads bring reliability, accuracy, and consistency to elemental analyses. They generate data that’s reproducible even if the analysis is undertaken in a different environment or requires separate equipment.

Experience The Benefits Of XRF Calibration Beads For Yourself

With so many advantages associated with XRF calibration beads, it’s not surprising that you may want to utilize them in your own XRF analysis. This is where we, XRF Scientific, can step in to help. We have a range of products related to XRF analysis and XRF spectrometers. Take a look at our XRF analysis product page. There you can find our own XRF calibration beads. Let’s make sure your XRF instruments are the best they can be and are calibrated to perfection, ensuring your results are as robust as possible.