Radioisotope X-ray Fluorescence Research Articles

Determining the bed settling rate in down-draft biomass gasifier using the radioisotope X-ray fluorescence – Measurement methodology

Studies of fuel settling in a fixed bed reactor are problematic in many areas. The operating temperature of the reactor (1200 °C in the burning zone) makes it impossible to do any measurements with the use of electronic sensors. The volume of fuel particles is decreasing during the gasification process, and this decrease is not constant in the whole height of the reactor, due to different speed of bed settling in each zone in the reactor. The particle volume change depends on temperature, heating rate, air ratio, and chemical reactions. The paper presents possibilities of using radiographic techniques to study fuel settling during the biomass gasification process. Radiography gives the possibility to register the movement of markers inserted into the reactor with fuel, and to follow this movement as the process proceeds. Adding a small number of tiny elements to the fuel does not affect the process nor the method itself, and therefore is not invasive. In order to determine the rate of fuel settling, experiments were carried out with the use of the RXRF (radioisotope X-ray fluorescence) technique. The radiation source (Se-75) was set on one side of the reactor, and the radiographic membrane on the other side. The analysis of the obtained X-ray photos enabled to determine the position and movement of the marker in all three directions, and to calculate the rate of bed settling.

Application of radioisotope XRF and thermoluminescence (TL) dating in investigation of pottery from Tell AL-Kasra archaeological site, Syria

Statistical analysis based on chemical composition, using radioisotope X-ray fluorescence, have been applied on 39 ancient pottery fragments coming from the excavation at Tell Al-Kasra archaeological site, Syria. Three groups were defined by applying Cluster and Factor analysis statistical methods. Thermoluminescence (TL) dating was investigated on three sherds taken from the bathroom (hammam) on the site. Multiple aliquot additive dose (MAAD) was used to estimate the paleodose value, and the gamma spectrometry was used to estimate the dose rate. The average age was found to be 715±36 year.

Provenance Study of Archaeological Ceramics from Syria Using XRF Multivariate Statistical Analysis and Thermoluminescence Dating

Thermoluminescence (TL) dating and multivariate statistical methods based on radioisotope X-ray fluorescence analysis have been utilized to date and classify Syrian archaeological ceramics fragment from Tel Jamous site. 54 samples were analyzed by radioisotope X-ray fluorescence; 51 of them come from Tel Jamous archaeological site in Sahel Akkar region, Syria, which fairly represent ceramics belonging to the Middle Bronze Age (2150 to 1600 B.C.) and the remaining three samples come from Mar-Takla archaeological site fairly representative of the Byzantine ceramics. We have selected four fragments from Tel Jamous site to determinate their age using thermoluminescence (TL) method; the results revealed that the date assigned by archaeologists was good. An annular 109Cd radioactive source was used to irradiate the samples in order to determine their chemical composition and the results were treated statistically using two methods, cluster and factor analysis. This treatment revealed two main groups; the first one contains only the three samples M52, M53, and M54 from Mar-Takla site, and the second one contains samples that belong to Tel Jamous site (local).

Assessment of contamination sources of trace metals in wastewater irrigated vegetable garden soils of Kano, Northern Nigeria

Heavy metal pollution is on the increase especially in urban centers where there were proliferation of industrial estates, vehicular emissions and high wastewater reuse. The distribution and potential contamination sources of trace metals (Fe, Nb, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, Y and Zr) in long-term wastewater irrigated garden soils were investigated by using radioisotope excited X-ray fluorescence. The result indicates that the soils have elevated concentration of Fe, Pb, Ti and Y in comparison with mean concentration in soils worldwide. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were performed and all highlighted the origin of these metals as being from natural sources which we attributed to the weathering of the parent materials from which the soils originated from and also to atmospheric dust deposition. Enrichment factor (EF) calculated using Ti as a reference element revealed little to no anthropogenic influence, further confirming the source as mainly natural.Nigerian Journal of Technological Research

Screening of foods and related products for toxic elements with a portable X-ray tube analyzer

Capabilities of a portable X-ray tube-based analyzer were evaluated for screening foods, thin films, and ceramic glazes for toxic elements. A beverage spiked with Cr, Cu, and As and cocoa powder spiked with As and Pb could easily be distinguished from unadulterated products when analyzed through their original container walls. With calibration, results for thin films and ceramic glazes yielded accurate Pb results. Limits of detection (LODs) were 0.2–15 and 15 μg cm−2, respectively, for Pb and Cd in thin films and about 2 μg cm−2 for Pb in glazes. With analysis times of 0.5–1 min, sensitivities and LODs were superior to those obtained with radioisotopic X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Trace elemental analysis of mitral valves by EDXRF

The elemental analysis of mitral valves from 12 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease was performed using radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. An annular 50 mCi55Fe radioactive source was used for excitation of characteristic K X-rays of the trace elements in the samples. A high resolution Si(Li) detector, which has a 160 eV full width at half maximum for 5.9 keV photons, was used for intensity measurements. Concentrations of the elements P, S, K and Cl in the mitral valve samples were determined by using standard addition method. Deficiencies or excesses of these trace elements cause the valves to run irregularly. Abnormal value of these elements may also result in rheumatic valve disease.

Trace elemental analysis of mitral valves by EDXRF

The elemental analysis of mitral valves from 12 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease was performed using radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. An annular 50 mCi 55 Fe radioactive source was used for excitation of characteristic K X-rays of the trace elements in the samples. A high resolution Si(Li) detector, which has a 160 eV full width at half maximum for 5.9 keV photons, was used for intensity measurements. Concentrations of the elements P, S, K and Cl in the mitral valve samples were determined by using standard addition method. Deficiencies or excesses of these trace elements cause the valves to run irregularly. Abnormal value of these elements may also result in rheumatic valve disease.

Analysis of air particulates by radio isotopic X-ray fluorescence technique

Analysis of air particulates by radio isotopic X-ray fluorescence technique

A radioisotope method for testing the content of pearlite in wear-resistant cast iron

A radioisotope X-ray fluorescence method for determining the content of manganese in wear-resistant cast iron and subsequent determination of the content of pearlite using a correlation equation is presented. Its physical concept is based on the use of an experimental sensor with a movable selective chrome filter, which enables the characteristic X-ray K-radiation of cast iron to be recorded as the internal standard. Owing to the use of this method in industry, the amount of substandard products may be reduced.

Measurement of the K shell X-ray production cross-sections and fluorescence yields for Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy and Ho using radioisotope X-ray fluorescence in the external magnetic field

The effect of external magnetic field on the Kα and Kβ X-ray production cross-sections and K shell fluorescence yields for ferromagnetic elements Nd, Gd and Dy and paramagnetic elements Eu and Ho have been measured at the excitation energy of 59.5 keV γ -rays from 241Am radioactive source of strength 100 mCi in the external magnetic field of intensities ±0.75 T. Furthermore, IKβ /IKα intensity ratios for these elements have been measured in the external magnetic field. The K X-rays from different targets were detected using a high resolution Si(Li) semiconductor detector. For B = 0, the measured K X-ray production cross-sections, K shell fluorescence yields and the IKβ /IKα intensity ratios were compared with the experimental and theoretical data in literature. The results have shown that the fluorescence parameters as photoionization cross section, fluorescence yield, radiation rates and spectral linewidth can change when the irradiation is conducted in a magnetic field.

Radioisotope X‐Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Alncient Pottery from Tel Kouzama Site in Damascus, Syria

The radioisotope X-ray fluorescence method has been utilized in the analysis of thirty nine archaeological pottery fragment samples from Tel Kouzama site, Damascus city, Syria. The samples were irradiated by a 109Cd radioisotope source (-9 10(8) Bq) for 1000 s. 17 chemical elements were determined. These elemental concentrations have been processed using two multivariate statistical methods, cluster and factor analysis in order to determine similarities and correlation between the various samples. Factor analysis confirms that samples were correctly classified by cluster analysis. These two methods suggest that samples can be considered to be manufactured using four different sources of raw material.

Application of multivariate statistical methods to classify archaeological pottery from Tel-Alramad site, Syria, based on x-ray fluorescence analysis

Radioisotope x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis has been utilized to determine the elemental composition of 55 archaeological pottery samples by the determination of 17 chemical elements. Fifty-four of them came from the Tel-Alramad site in Katana town, near Damascus city, Syria, and one sample came from Brazil. The XRF results have been processed using two multivariate statistical methods, cluster and factor analysis, in order to determine similarities and correlation between the selected samples based on their elemental composition. The methodology successfully separates the samples where four distinct chemical groups were identified. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determination of Trace Elements in Syrian Bentonite Clay Using X-Ray Fluorescence Technique and Discussion on the Health Implication on Pregnant Women

Abstract Radioisotope X-ray fluorescence spectrometry has been applied for multi-elemental analysis of bentonite clay in Syria (Aleppo belouneh). Samples were taken at different times directly from different stores at the market, and then irradiated, after preparation, with a 109Cd isotope source. The following elements: Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, and Pb were determined. The health implications of some elements are discussed, since some pregnant women in Syria consume the substance in the first semester of pregnancy, during the morning sickness (craving). Some elements seem to pose health hazard such as Pb and Fe, which are present in the range of (DL > to about 23.1 µg/g) and (4.06 to 5.2%) respectively.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pathological and non-pathological human bone using radioisotope X-ray fluorescence technique

Pathological and non-pathological human elbow bone samples were collected from one male human patient and one female human patient who were undergoing treatment in our University Research Hospital. Pathological and non-pathological human elbow bone samples were analyzed by means of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry by using standard additions method. Experimental results are presented and discussed in this work.

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analysis of surficial sediments of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea around Istanbul

Surficial sediment samples, collected from 27 sampling sites of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea nearby Istanbul area in 1996 and 1999 years, were analyzed quantitatively for some heavy metals and some other elements by using radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The U and Th concentrations of the samples were determined by instrumental neutron activation (INAA). The results were compared with those from other contaminated and uncontaminated sedimentary materials. It is found that some elemental concentrations of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea sediments are comparable with those in most other sea sediments in the vicinity of densely populated regions.

Analysis of major, minor and trace elements in coal by radioisotope X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

The evaluation of the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method, for the analysis of major, minor and trace elements present in the mineral matter of coal, using an apparatus with sources of radioisotope elements, is described. Analyses were performed on both coal and coal ash samples and the results were compared. From these results it can be concluded that, the precision and accuracy obtained is lower than that of those XRF techniques in which an X-ray tube is used as an X-ray source. However, it is satisfactory for the rapid routine analysis of some major and minor elements. The advantage of the method is its potentially wide application in industry for quick analysis.

A study of eighteenth century glass vessels from central Europe by x-ray fluorescence analysis

Radioisotope x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was employed in provenance and technological studies of luxury colourless glass vessels originating from 18th century glasshouses in central Europe. The results refer to Polish, Brandenburg and Saxon glassware. A number of discriminating elements were selected and certain correlations between some of these elements, characteristic for the specific recipes and glasshouses, were found. The content of lead in crystal glass is discussed, and also that of some trace elements constituting characteristic contamination of raw materials. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as cluster and principal component analysis, allowed the grouping of the examined vessels. Certain limitations of energy-dispersive XRF for the analysis of historical glass vessels are also presented. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Radioisotope X-ray fluorescence analysis of some elements in colemanite ore

The standard addition method for the determination of As, Sr, In, Sn, Sb, I, Cs and Ba elements in colemanite ore of Bigadiç region in the city of Balikesir (Turkey) was applied by using an Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) system. Samples are prepared from powder sifted by a 300-mesh sieve. An annular 100 mCi 241Am radioactive source emitting 59.5 keV photons was used for excitation. The characteristic K X-rays of the different elements were detected with a Si(Li) detector. These results are presented and discussed in this paper.

Radioisotope X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analyses of the trace element concentrations of the rainbow trout

The muscles and livers of the ten rainbow trouts (Oncorhynchus mykiss; N, 1752) obtained from Sapanca, Aquaculture Facility of Aquatic Products Faculty, The University of Istanbul (Turkey), have been analysed quantitatively for some minor elements using the radioisotope energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and neutron activation analysis (NAA) methods. It was found that samples contain Na, K, Ca, Sc, Cs, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Au, La and Ce in different amounts. Comparison of the results with those of reference river fish samples indicated that agricultural rainbow trout samples from Sapanca region have higher Fe level.

Optimization of X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis: an example from Kenya

A systematic study and application of a radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis method to multi-elemental determination in Kenyan rock samples whose supporting matrices are of light elements is presented. The method consists of instrumentation and analytical parameter optimization, and an empirical background stripping model for reduced dark matrix scatter effects. The method was applied to trace, minor and major elemental determination in rock samples collected from various parts of Kenya in order to test it for routine mineral and geochemical prospecting in light element geological matrices. A correlative analysis of the samples revealed a common presence of elements: K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Au, Pb, Br, Rb, Sr, Nb, Zr, As and Y in all five types of rocks, down to 3.0 μg g −1 for Br, with major differences revealed in the rock tectonic setting, origin, age and related palaeomagnetic parameters, and mineral enrichment prospects.