XRF Alloy Analysis

XRF ANALYZERS FOR ON-SITE AND LABORATORY BASED ANALYSIS

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provides outstanding efficiency in alloy analysis and sorting. Being a truly non-destructive method it requires minimal sample preparation and provides more versatility than OES. It is suited for analyzing all existing alloy types, which makes it a welcome technology in a scrapyard, construction site, foundry and various other heavy engineering enterprises. XRF analyzers will drastically reduce your analysis time and cost. Unlike conventional analysis in which each new measurement adds cost, XRF cost is 99% initial capital expenditure, which means that each new measurement is more cost effective.

ALLOY XRF ANALYSIS BASICS AND FACTS TO KNOW

Due to the advent of SDD detector, XRF elemental detection range has been extended to Na to U and covers almost the whole periodical table. Most alloys elements are within this detection range. Since most alloys are homogeneous structures and as such are 100% x-ray detectable, they are ideally suited for XRF analysis. Alloys are analyzed from tens to several hundred microns deep into the sample depending on the alloy density. Therefore corroded or plated samples may require grinding or polishing. Accuracy of the method can vary for diff erent elements and depending on the alloy type is typically accurate to 2 to 5 relative parts per thousand. Measurements are performed in a matter of seconds. Sorting and grade identifi cation can take as little as 2 to 5 seconds, more accurate analysis may require longer measurement times, 10 seconds or more. Analysis of light elements such as Mg in Al alloys may require up to 1 minute.

XRF ANALYZERS FOR ON-SITE AND LABORATORY BASED ANALYSIS

There are several points to consider in choosing between a bench-top and a handheld analyzer.

Benchtop analyzers  Advantages

• Higher sensitivity to light elements due to helium purge option
• Customizable software allowing to adjust measurement parameters such as x-ray tube current, filter type etc
• Advanced analytical tools excellent for analysing non-standard alloys
• Convenient measurement of small and uneven samples

Benchtop analyzers Disadvantages

• The need to get samples from site to laboratory

Handheld analyzers Advantages

• On site analysis
• Extra intuitive software that doesn’t require any XRF theory knowledge.

Handheld analyzers Disadvantages

• Lower sensitivity to light elements due to absence of helium purge
• The need to synchronize with a PC for more detailed spectra Analysis
• Long measurement times difficult without use of a lab-stand

HANDHELD XRF ANALYZER ElvaX ProSpector

ElvaX ProSpector is ideally suited for sorting, quality control and quality assurance, when it comes to analyzing alloys. Thanks

to a high resolution SDD detector and high count rate (up to 100.000 cps) ProSpector informs you about sample’s alloy grade and elemental composition in seconds. The use of primary beam filters and automatic selection of optimal excitation modes for different alloy types enables ProSpector to improve signal to background ratio. Analysis takes seconds and data is displayed on the PDA screen. If necessary results are compared with known

alloy grades, which are contained in an integrated alloy library. ProSpector handheld analyzer weighs 1,4 kg, operates 8 hours on battery and has a rugged design.

• Suitable for sorting as well as for instant high accuracy analysis
• Detects concentrations from ppm to %
• Accurate light element analysis option 
• 8 hours operation on battery

BENCHTOP XRF ANALYZER ElvaX

ElvaX is a versatile system for laboratory based analysis providing uncompromised quality in alloy analysis. The software combines usability and intuitiveness with a set of powerful analytical tools that can be used by an advanced user. The detection range is from Na to U. Helium purge function increases ElvaX sensitivity to light elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S) as much as up to 10 times. ElvaX can be equipped with an 8-position autosampler, which moves samples to the analytical window automatically.

• As much analytical power as you can get at the market
• Superior light element detection due to helium purge
• Open customizable software
• Accurate Light element analysis option
• Camera for precise sample positioning

XRF can do analysis of :

• Carbon and alloy steel
• Aluminum alloys
• Copper alloy
• Nickel alloy
• Titanium alloy