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[December 2007]
Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces Innovative, Integrated XRF and Full Pattern XRD X-ray
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (Ecublens, Switzerland) has introduced the new ARL 9900 Series X-ray WorkStation™ for process and quality control in the metals and mineral processing industries. Thermo Fisher has expanded on the novel capabilities of the existing suite of Thermo Scientific ARL 9900 Series of analysers designed for process and quality control in metals and minerals applications. For the first time, says the company, 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 10 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 new 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 WorkStation.
In an aluminium plant, raw materials including bauxite, alumina extraction and the electrolysis into aluminium metal itself, require analysis of various phases/minerals to optimise different steps in the process of aluminium production. The ARL 9900 WorkStation is fully equipped to meet the requirements of aluminium production in an integrated manner. In addition to the aluminium 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 company added that the full range XRD and phase quantification programme results in a complete and uncompromising chemical and phase analysis on the same sample. The instrument benefits from IntelliPower™ configurations operating at 1200W or 2500W, which results in no external water cooling required (even for XRD). Ultimate performance and throughput can be achieved by using higher power levels at 3600W or 4200W.
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.
ENDS