X-SPEC
Portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer
- High speed of analysis
- Range of analyzed elements – from 12Mg to 92U
- Unique X-ray optical scheme
- Dedicated software
- Highly protected instrument shell
- Can be used on factory lines for continuous measurements
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Purpose
The instrument is intended for qualitative, semiquantitative and quantitative elemental analysis of solid and liquid samples. The elements from 12Mg to 92U are analyzed simultaneously.
One of the most important qualities of portable instruments is their ability to take measurements outside the laboratory: in the field, in workshops, on construction sites, etc.
Features
- Low-power X-ray tube
- The analyzer X -ray optical scheme is based on the geometry of the inversion probe, which can significantly reduce the effect of changes in the distance from the studied object to the detector, as well as the influence of sample irregularities on measurement results
- Measurements in air and in the atmosphere of helium
- Video camera for visual inspection of the measurement area
- Portability
- Ability to control the instrument by means of a mobile phone
Operation principle
The operation principle of the analyzer is based on the excitation of sample atoms and subsequent detection of the X-ray fluorescence spectrum of the material under study. The energies of the characteristic lines of the spectrum correspond to chemical elements contained in the sample, and their intensities are proportional to concentrations of the corresponding elements.
An X-ray tube with an end window is used as a source of primary X-ray radiation. If necessary, one of the primary radiation filters is installed between the sample and the X-ray tube. The filters are used to increase the sensitivity of the spectrometer for certain elements. Depending on the object and task, it is possible to change the primary radiation collimators in order to form an irradiation spot of the required size.
Fluorescent radiation is detected by a silicon drift detector cooled by Peltier elements. The signal from the detector is processed by an electronic circuit and converted into a spectrum. The positions of the peaks in the spectrum correspond to the energies of characteristic lines of the elements, and the peak heights (areas) are proportional to the radiation intensity.
The detection unit is located inside the instrument shell in the measurement chamber. To prevent contamination and to protect the tube and the detector from damage by sample particles, the window of the measurement chamber is covered with a piece of PET film. To determine “light” elements (from 12Mg to 20Ca), measurements can be carried out in the atmosphere of helium (optional). For visual inspection of the analysis area, a video camera can be installed in the instrument (optional).
The instrument has a metal shockproof shell (optionally – a plastic shell) that provides a degree of protection corresponding to the IP64 standard.
The analyzer can be linked with any computing device based on the Windows or Android operating system. The instrument control is carried out using special software. Various operating modes of the software make it possible to measure and process spectral information for both routine analysis and scientific research.
Delivery package
The base package includes:
- analytical unit in a metal shell (optionally – in a plastic shell)
- software for working with the spectrometer
- set of test samples
- set of spare tools and accessories
Additional options:
- tablet computer
- video camera for visual inspection of the analyzed object
- helium gas system
- flow-through cuvette and set of accessories for fastening it to the spectrometer
- handle
- rechargeable batteries and charger
- bag with shoulder strap
- kit for sample preparation of powder and solid samples
- shockproof case
- protective bell for analysis of large area (up to 10 cm in diameter)
- compact tripod for working in a laboratory
- telescopic pole for analysis of hard-to-reach objects
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
| X-ray tube type | End-window type |
| Maximum rating of X-ray tube power supply |
Ua up to 40 kV; Ia up to 100 μA; P up to 4 VA
or Ua up to 50 kV; Ia up to 200 μA; P up to 10 VA* |
| X-ray tube anode material | Rh (Ag, W, Au, Pd, Ta*) |
| X-ray tube primary radiation filtering parameters | Installation of the necessary filter manually (choice of material and filter thickness are to be agreed with the customer) |
| X-ray collimation | From 0.1 mm to 5 mm (sizes of collimators are to be agreed with the customer) |
| Detector type | Silicon drift detector with electric cooling (Si-Pin detector*) |
| Number of channels of detector system | 1024 — 8196 (adjusted according to customer requirements) |
| Energy resolution | < 130 eV (< 180 eV when using Si-Pin detector) on the Mn Kα line |
| Sample chamber atmosphere |
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| Maximum power consumption | 25 VA |
| Dimensions | 295 × 295 × 92 mm |
| Weight | 2 kg |
* — additional options
MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE SPECTROMETER SOFTWARE
| Spectrometer control |
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| Base of standard samples |
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| Qualitative analysis |
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| Spectrum processing |
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| Spectrum comparison |
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| Methods of quantitative analysis |
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| Matrix effects evaluation | Available |
| Package processing of multiple spectra | Available |
| Creation of reports on measurement results | Available |
| Recalculation of measurement results on compounds | Available |
| Spectrum search |
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| Database of materials | Available, with the ability to add new materials |
METROLOGICAL PARAMETERS
| Range of analyzed elements | 12Mg (Kα) — 92U (Lα) |
| Spectral range | 1 — 40 кeV |
| Energy resolution | < 130 eV (< 180 eV when using Si-Pin detector) on the Mn Kα line |
| Maximum concentration of analyzed elements | 100% |
| Minimum concentration of analyzed elements | From 10 ppm |
| Long-term stability of the analyzer (relative standard deviation of the output signal) | Less than 1% |
| Inherent instrument error | Less than 1% |
| Sample analysis time | From 5 s |
SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
The analyzer can be controlled from a mobile device with the Android OS via the Bluetooth interface, and also by means of a desktop computer, a laptop or tablet computer with the Windows OS via the USB, RS-232 or Bluetooth interface.
The software provides the ability to manage the instrument, control the measurement process and analyze the acquired spectral information. Various implemented modes of the software make it convenient for carrying out full-scale research in specialized laboratories, as well as for performing simple analyses in the field.
The software interface for Windows is divided into two user parts: measurement mode and expert mode. The Android application contains only the measurement mode with the ability to carry out quantitative analysis according to a previously created methodology. In this case, the Windows version of the software is used for a more detailed processing of the results and for creation of analysis methodologies on the basis of the spectra that were measured earlier.
Measurement mode
In this mode, the main measurement parameters are set: current and voltage of the X-ray tube, and exposure time. Parameters can be automatically loaded and quantitative analysis performed using previously saved measurement methodologies. Also, in the measurement mode, the instrument metrological verification is carried out.
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Measurement mode (Android) |
Measurement mode (Windows) |
Expert mode
This mode is intended for processing the acquired spectral information, as well as for developing methodologies for the rapid analysis of samples.
The spectra acquired using the measurement mode can be mathematically processed in various ways. When carrying out qualitative analysis (which is possible in automatic mode), the lines of elements are marked with chemical symbols. When doing so, the escape peaks and double peaks are taken into account.
Spectra can be compared with each other, subtracted, added and averaged. The search for measured spectra that are most similar to the current one is also possible. The background component is modeled in various ways to increase the accuracy of the analysis.
For quantitative analysis, several calculation methods are available: linear regression, the Lucas-Tooth method with and without alpha correction, and the standard-background method based on incoherently scattered radiation measurements. Additionally, the methodology editor is provided which makes it possible to create custom formulas for calculating concentrations which take into account errors in standard samples for individual elements. In the absence of standard samples, the standardless method of fundamental parameters can be used.
The developed analysis methodologies are saved for serial measurements. The methodologies include all measurement parameters, selected standard samples, formulas for calculating concentrations including ones that take into account errors in standard samples for individual elements, and also some other parameters.
Using package processing of spectra, fast processing of similar spectra in the same way is possible.
The expert mode also includes functions for recalculating measurement results onto compounds, calculating detection limits, editing the base of standard samples and other auxiliary functions.
The results of measurement processing and calculation of concentrations can be output in the form of custom reports.
SOFTWARE FEATURES
The measurement mode makes it possible to carry out:
- control of the main instrument components
- metrological verification of the instrument
- calculation of concentrations according to analysis methodologies
- storage of measured spectra
- storage of concentration calculation results (only in the Android version)
Algorithms and programs for mathematical processing and modeling of spectra and background include:
- qualitative analysis (possible in automatic mode)
- comparison, subtraction and averaging of spectra
- various methods for modeling spectra and background
- taking into account escape peaks and double peaks
- semiquantitative analysis by means of the fundamental parameters method (standardless)
- quantitative methods for calculating concentrations: linear regression, the Lucas-Tooth method with and without alpha correction, the standard-background method based on incoherently scattered radiation measurements
- methodology editor with the ability to create custom formulas and take into account errors in standard samples for individual elements
- creation of automatic measurement methodologies with a full description of measurement parameters, mathematical processing of spectra and calculation options
- ability to add software modules to solve specific problems (specialized analysis methodologies, identification, sorting, grading, etc.)