Analytical Instruments Available in the XRF Laboratory

• PANalytical PW2400 Sequential WDXRF Spectrometer
• PANalytical MINIPAL 4, EDXRF Spectrometer
• LECO TruSpec Analyser: CN module and S module

Sample Preparation Tools Available in the XRF Laboratory

• Grinders and mills, presses for pellets, specialised furnaces for glass beads.

PANalytical PW2400 Sequential WDXRF Spectrometer

Instrument features:

• Purchased in 1996.
• High analytical capability for research and industry.
• 102 position sample changer (unattended operation of large batches of samples).
• Latest computer software (SuperQ, Uniquant etc).
• High precision and accuracy.
• Qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis of a large number of elements, from beryllium to uranium and beyond.
• Trace element levels often below 1 ppm, major elements up to 100%.

PANalytical MINIPAL 4, EDXRF Spectrometer

Instrument features:

• Purchased in 2006.
• 12 position sample changer.
• Sodium through uranium capability.
• Improved sensitivity and versatility.
• Improved software to previous models (Minipal 2).
• Option of full fundamental parameter model and Compton ratio correction.
• Fast and reliable.
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• “Standardless” program for metal analysis.

LECO TruSpec Analyser: CN module and S module

Instrument features:

• Purchased in 2007.
• Rapid analyses (less than 5 mins. Per sample).
• High accuracy for carbon, nitrogen and sulphur on macrosamples.
• Improved software for diagnostics and sample reporting.
• Results on user defined basis or calculated as protein etc.
• Fully automated, unattended operation.
• Inorganic or organic samples.

Sample Preparation

Glass discs for major elements are prepared using either of two techniques:

• Quench pressed 40 mm diam. using Norrish Hutton formulation (video of a quench pressed bead).
• Cast beads 40 mm diam. using 1222 flux

Pressed pellets for trace elements 40 mm. diam.( in Al caps or boric acid backed) are prepared using a variety of binders. Crushing facilities ( Tema ring grinder mills) are available for pulverizing rock, soil, ores etc.