The N900 non‐dispersive laboratory analyser

Abstract

AbstractThe use of non‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescenceanalysis as a general tool in chemical laboratories has developed rather slowly until recently. Most analysers have used radioactive isotopes as the means of excitation and these have been widely used in portable instruments and in on‐line control applications. For general use wide element coverage is necessary, especially the ability to cover elements of lower atomic numbers. For the determination of these light elements a compact source—sample—detector geometry is essential. Early experiments in developing an on‐line system showed the possibilities of one such compact arrangement and resulted in an instrument specifically designed for use in the chemical laboratory. Solid, liquid and powder samples can be examined for silicon and all heavier elements. Basically, sample excitation is by radioactive sources but the instrument was designed to accept also a miniature X‐ray tube which provides higher sensitivity and precision. The measuring head with radioactive isotope or X‐ray tube can be removed and mounted for remote use either for on‐line applications or in an automatic sample presenter.