XRF plus XRD for analysis in metals and minerals

Citation

(2008), "XRF plus XRD for analysis in metals and minerals", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 55 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2008.12855bad.003

XRF plus XRD for analysis in metals and minerals

Article Type: New materials and equipment From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 55, Issue 2.

Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces the new ARL 9900 series X-ray workstation for process and quality control in metals and mineral processing industries. For the first time full X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) are combined in one single instrument bringing increased productivity and reduced cost of ownership.

Over the past ten years, there has been a growing demand in the metals and minerals applications for phase identification, in addition to the usual elemental analysis. The novel ARL 9900 X-ray workstation fulfils this need, providing a comprehensive analytical ability for a complete chemical and full phase analysis from raw materials to the final product.

Elemental/oxide analysis can be accomplished by a series of XRF monochromators for high throughput and by an XRF Goniometer for flexibility with coverage of up to 84 elements of the periodic table. Full pattern-based quantitative phase analysis can be achieved on the same sample by the XRD goniometer under vacuum using Thermo Scientific Oxsas software for fully automated control. The ARL 9900 X-ray workstation requires only one sample introduction for both XRF and XRD measurements.

In addition, the instrument provides seamless and integrated operation for routine analysis. For example, in an iron and steel making plant, various important phases related to the iron ores and their transformation during the process can be monitored on a routine basis, alongside the chemical analysis.

Further to the various oxide and carbide phases related to Fe, direct quantification of metallic iron can be accomplished using the ARL 9900. In an aluminium plant, raw materials including bauxite, alumina extraction and the electrolysis into aluminum metal itself, require analysis of various phases/ minerals to optimize different steps in the process of aluminum production. The ARL 9900 is fully equipped to meet the requirements of aluminum production in an integrated manner.

In addition to the aluminum-related phases, other applications such as monitoring the LC (for the anode materials) can be easily achieved. This integrated technology enables greater optimisation and control of the mineral extraction process.

The full range XRD and phase quantification program results in a complete and uncompromising chemical and phase analysis on the same sample. The instrument benefits from Intellipower configurations operating at 1,200 or 2,500W, which results in no external water cooling required (even for XRD).

Ultimate performance and throughput can be achieved by using higher power levels at 3,600 or 4,200W. Since, the two techniques (XRD and XRF) are fully integrated inside a single instrument, it is significantly easier, faster and more cost- effective when the instrument has to be integrated for on-line process control and routine analysis.

Automation capabilities range from simple link to automatic sample preparation machines with an interface from a central control system to the robot- based Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-3000 for a completely autonomous X-ray analysis laboratory. The ARL 9900 X- ray workstation is designed to operate with quick and easy installation, operation and validation. On-site customisation of various programs is more conveniently achieved with effective control files and optimized sample preparation for both XRF and XRD.

More information is available from the web site located at: www.thermo.com