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How Important is Crushing Equipment for XRF Sample Preparation?
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is a unique technology that comparatively measures the intensity of sub-visible x-rays emitted by a sample excited with an incident light. A comparative measurement in this context refers to the analysis of fluorescent signals against specific spectral fingerprints associated with elements on the periodic table. These excitation signals are weaker than the incident light by many factors of magnitude, requiring ultra-precise photodetectors and additional optics with outstanding out-of-band rejection. This highlights the importance of consistency in the field of XRF analysis.
It is possible to subject an unprepared surface area to XRF analysis. Handheld analyzers are routinely used in archaeological and mining applications. These components are ass...
xrFuse 2: Fusion Instruments for XRF and ICP Specifications
Fusion instruments for analytical sample preparation are typically divided by their heating methods (i.e. gas or electric). Either technology can be used to prepare samples as homogenous glass beads for x-ray fluorescence (XRF) or as heterogeneous solutions for inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. In fact, the differences between gas and electric fusion are largely superficial. Fusion instruments should, therefore, be judged based on the individual merits of distinct products such as the fusion throughput, levels of automation, and its energy efficiency.
The xrFuse 2 belongs to our proprietary range of electric fusion instruments which is suitable for intermediate throughput XRF and ICP sample preparation. In this blog post, we will explore the specifications of the xrFuse ...
Why use expensive ceramics in XRF sample preparation?
Rob McConnell, Technology Division General Manager, talks about the reason we use ‘expensive’ ceramics in our fusion machines. Rob is a ceramics engineer and has been with XRF Scientific for over 10 years:
We have been developing electric furnaces for over 20 years now, initially the Modutemp range and more recently the xrFuse range of fusion machines. One of the problems we faced in the past was finding a material to use for the platinum crucible and mould holders that didn’t contaminate the sample. Initially we used Inconel for our fusion furnaces, which worked reasonably well, however over time the material can break down, and contamination can occur with over-use of the holders.
Around 6 years ago we discovered a special high tech ...
