XRF Spectrometer – ARL PERFORM’X From Thermo Scientific

With its sophisticated platform, the Thermo Scientific^TM ARL^TM PERFORM’X wavelength dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer offers a quick and accurate way to analyze up to 90 components in almost any liquid or solid sample. Benefits over alternative methods of analysis include:

• Simple and quick sample preparation
• Full surface analysis, partial surface analysis, or spot analysis
• Analysis speed
• High stability and excellent precision
• Wide dynamic range (from ppm levels to 100%)
• Easy and quick analysis of completely unknown samples using sophisticated standard-less analysis packages

Compact in size, the ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer sets new benchmarks for speed, dependability, and flexibility on the widest variety of sample types, all while delivering the enhanced benefits of XRF analysis, such as sensitivity, reproducibility, and ease of use.

It will address quality applications in various industries, including metallurgy, petroleum, polymers, mining, glass, cement, refractories, and others, as well as composition issues in demanding industrial processes. Its performance and versatility will also benefit academic or research labs in geochemistry, automobile engineering, materials science, environmental studies, and forensics.

Speed of Analysis

• Industry's fastest goniometer
• Dual sample loading system for high sample throughput
• Unattended capacity to process up to 60 samples per hour
• Specific loading location for urgent samples

Flexibility

• Multiple positions automatic X-Y sample changer frees up personnel for other work
• New goniometer design enables several crystal and collimator options to achieve the greatest possible analysis range
• Choice of power levels: 1500 W, 2500 W, or 4200 W
• Mid-power systems without external water chiller
• Various beam filters allow for selecting the best analytical settings for each element.
• The seen diameter can be changed in various increments, ranging from a huge 35 mm region to a tiny 0.5 mm spot.

Sensitivity and Precision

• A window made of ultra-thin X-Ray tubes increases light element sensitivity.
• Thermo Scientific^TM UCCO^TM technology is unique.
• Offers superior long-term stability and short-term repeatability.
• It also has an excellent peak-to-background ratio.

Highest Standards of Reliability

• A fully digital, frictionless goniometer ensures excellent lifetime angular precision.
• Design for dependability features to maximize uptime and simplify maintenance.
• If a pressed pellet or liquid cell breaks accidentally while loading, a security device for collecting dust or liquid will be triggered.

Geological applications, among others, require a fast and accurate goniometer. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Dual sample loading and urgent sample position when speed is required, specifically metallurgy. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Collection pot for safely loading pressed powders and liquids. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Powerful Add-Ons for Problem-Solving and R&D

The new features of the ARL do'X spectrometer enable the laboratory to do complex, non-routine tests with more value.

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Complete Characterization of Unknown Samples Without Calibration Standards

• Using scans from fluorine to uranium, Thermo Scientific^TM QuantAS^TM software allows for the semi-quantitative analysis of unknown substances in 3 minutes.
• Thermo Scientific^TM UniQuant^TM software, the industry leader, offers the best limits of detection and accuracy in standard-less analysis up to Am (Z = 95).

Small Spot Analysis and Mapping

• Maps of element distributions with cartography down to 0.1 mm steps
• Pinpoint focus on specimen sections with selectable X-Ray diameters of 0.5 or 1.5 mm
• Makes it possible to examine sample homogeneity and inclusions to solve problems and enhance processes.

Safe and Stable Liquids Analysis

• The X-Ray tube window is shielded from liquid spills and loose particles by an optional tube shield.
• The helium shutter maximizes goniometer stability and protection during liquid analysis.
• The sample identification sensor ensures that transferring solids and liquids is simple and secure.

Cassettes of various apertures for small and large samples. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Helium shutter for easy and stable liquid analysis. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Elemental mapping of the inhomogeneous sample or small spot analysis. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Large sample collections run automatically overnight. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

State-of-the-Art Components for Highest Flexibility

With years of accumulated experience, the ARL PERFORM’X spectrometer now incorporates the advantages of a 6th-generation goniometer. This goniometer is fully digitally mastered, operating at the highest speed while ensuring the best accuracy and precision in its performance.

The goniometer can be set up to perform quantitative or qualitative analysis on particular elements, which involves scanning the X-Ray spectrum to find elements in a given sample. With up to nine analytical crystals and four collimators, this cutting-edge compact goniometer offers analysts a greater variety of applications. The tiny goniometer technology increases elemental signal count rates by up to 25%.

At high count rates, improved detector linearity yields superior counting statistics. The addition of seven primary X-Ray beam filters broadens the analytical range as well, minimizing interference from X-Ray tube emission lines on certain elements and significantly enhancing peak-to-background ratios for the majority of elements.

The number of sample types that can be studied is increased by additional optional features, such as the 4-position programmed aperture changer. It always has a 29 mm aperture, and to aid in examining large or small samples, three more apertures with the following diameters can be selected: 0.5, 1.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35 mm.

The X-Ray tube offers unrivaled long-term stability because of LoVap filament technology, which operates at a lower temperature and eliminates drift caused by sluggish tungsten vapor plating on the beryllium tube window. Furthermore, developing the X-Ray tube cone makes closer coupling between the anode and sample possible. This results in decreased detection limits and increased sensitivity for every element in the periodic table.

Gearless Digital Goniometer Advantages

• Quantitative evaluation of any element between Be and Am as long as sufficient crystals are attached.
• Moiré fringe optical encoders are used to achieve angular placement.
  • No wear or friction
  • Assures a precise θ/2δ relationship between the detector and crystal
  • Provides excellent precision and angular positioning
  • Quick scanning up to 500° per minute
  • Fastest positioning with a slewing speed of 4800°/min

• Crystal temperature regulation for optimal analytical stability
• Use of QuantAS and UniQuant software programs for optimal standard-less analysis
• Specialized polarization effect for a decreased backdrop

 Effect of collimator on resolution and intensity. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Evolution of the X-Ray tubes over the years. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

6^th generation universal gearless goniometer. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Removal of Rh tube lines with primary beam filter. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

UCCO™ technology: Ultra Closely Coupled Optics between X-Ray tube and sample. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Four collimator changer as standard. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Right on the Spot! Choice of Analyzed Area Size

Small Sample Analysis

For routine analysis of small samples, a programmable aperture changer is an optional feature. It works in tandem with cassettes that have corresponding apertures between 35 and 5 mm (normal diameter is 29 mm; alternative sizes include 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35 mm).

Small Spot Analysis

• Ideal for samples in metallurgy, automotive, jewelry, forensics, and other R&D applications and failure analysis.
• Narrow spot analysis of specimens selectable with an on-board camera.
• Pinpoint focus with X-Ray beam diameters of 1.5 mm or 0.5 mm.
• Allows full quantification when combined with UniQuant standard-less analysis software.

Mapping

The ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer's finely calibrated X-Ray mapping capability offers comprehensive elemental visualization of intricate non-homogenous surfaces. Elements that are undetectable by other examination techniques, such as inclusions, gradients, and impurities, can be recognized and described by analysts.

• Control and overlay of cartography with 0.5 mm or 1.5 mm patches
• Create intricate composite maps showing the distribution of elements inside samples.
• Fine-tune to 0.1 mm intervals for applications involving process optimization and problem-solving.
• For complete quantification, it can be used in conjunction with UniQuant standard-less analytical software.
• Perfect for applications in materials engineering across a range of sectors

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Results of a mapping of an inclusion in a glass sample. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers 

Automatic Sample Loading Creates Productivity

The ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer can be right atop the sample changer. It can handle a maximum capacity configuration of 112 samples for unattended and overnight analysis, accommodating various sample sizes. Any urgent sample may be put on the designated "urgent" spot at any moment to be processed first.

Without the requirement for cassettes, a series of homogeneous-sized and shaped samples (such as polymer discs, pressed pellets, fusion beads, etc.) can be put directly into trays. For liquid analysis, specialized cassettes are utilized to ensure that liquids are never loaded under vacuum.

An automated sample preparation machine can be connected to continuous online process monitoring in the unattended mode. The ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer and the automated press, mill, or fusion machine will be connected by a straightforward transport belt.

The spectrometer and the preparation equipment can communicate, thanks to the OXSAS/OEM software option.

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Special cassettes for liquid cell loading. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

OXSAS Software

Easy and Comprehensive XRF Analysis

Using the ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer and quickly producing eye-catching analytical reports are made simple by the latest Thermo Scientific^TM OXSAS^TM software. Throughout the instrument's lifetime, OXSAS software adapts to customers' needs by providing them with the most recent solutions using the Windows^® 10 operating system. The product specification sheet for the OXSAS program contains all features and information.

The Analytical Assistant helps definition of analytical programs, calibrations, and instrument use. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Typical screen of a mapping study. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Selection of sample positions from a graphical view of the magazine. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Fast and Accurate Analysis

Fast Qualitative Analysis

Step scanning offers 0.001° resolution, which allows for exact peak definition. Continuous digital scanning enables the quick capture of spectra at up to 500° per minute for quick qualitative analysis. Peaks representing the elements present are automatically identified.

Accuracy Made Easy

The online Analytical Assistant facilitates fast and accurate definition of analytical programs and calibrations. The many calibration curves are constructed using the multi-variable regression (MVR) tool. Correction models help reduce interfering elements' impact in multi-component matrices, improving analytical accuracy. These types of models are:

• Adjustment for line overlap, additive adjustment for intensities, multiplicative correction for intensities, and multiplicative correction for concentrations
• Adjustments for multiplicative and additive concentrations
• The NBSGSC fundamental parameters software uses Comprehensive Lachance (COLA) with three-term alphas to simulate analytical calibrations for homogeneous materials.
• Theoretical alphas, with matrix and LOI/GOI elimination, are inter-element correction factors computed and utilized as known coefficients in the MVR. This increases analytical accuracy and reduces the standards required to generate calibrations.

Turnkey Calibrations

Calibrations ex-works can be provided for a diverse range of materials, including:

• Oil sector products using the ASTM/ISO techniques or Thermo Scientific^TM PetroleumQuant^TM program.
• Iron, steel, and slags.
• Brass, copper, and bronze.
• Aluminum and its alloys
• Traces in soils and sediments.
• Alloys and other materials for which analytical specifications are available upon request.
• Majors, minors, and traces in rocks.
• Different oxides through the General Oxide calibration and the Minerals/Ceramics calibration.
• Cement and clinker, limestone and dolomite, glasses, polymers

MVR Calibration curve showing real concentrations vs. intensities. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Current operations and status can be checked with the on-line synoptic screen. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers 

Total Elemental Analysis a Unique Advantage

XRF offers a distinct advantage over other elemental analysis techniques by enabling the quantification of elemental concentrations without the need for calibration standards.

Quantas – Scan-Based Standard-Less Software

QuantAS is an intuitive software that facilitates the rapid determination of concentration levels in unknown liquid or solid samples. It just takes 3 minutes to complete the scans that encompass 70 elements, ranging from fluorine to uranium.

For quick and simple quantification of unknown samples, automatic processes are used for smoothing, background subtraction, peak identification, overlap and matrix corrections, calculation of semi-quantitative concentrations, and normalization.

Type standardization is offered for the highest level of precision. For long-term setup and upkeep, four multielement samples are included.

The optional QuantAS software is fully installed and calibrated from the factory. Therefore, when the ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer is installed at the customer's location, it is prepared to conduct an insightful examination of unidentified samples.

QuantAS software calculates concentrations of elements from F to U in a sample from these five scans. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Typical QuantAS Results on a Mineral Sample

Longer counting time provides better limits of detection and determination of lighter elements, here fluorine. Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Uniquant – Industry-Leading Standard-Less Analyses

The optional UniQuant software utilizes the most potent and sophisticated Fundamental Parameters algorithms and is the most powerful standard-less XRF tool ever created. It is the best option for analyzing up to 79 elements in liquids and solids when standard samples are not available or are only available in small amounts, with irregular forms, or with coatings.

The UniQuant application calculates peak and background intensities using 122 carefully chosen line locations. Additionally, it computes the sample's balance of unanalyzed elements, such as organic and ultra-light elements. It is possible to choose elements and their counting times, resulting in concentrations that have the best limits of detection in a matter of minutes.

The UniQuant software comes fully installed and calibrated by the manufacturer. Therefore, as soon as the ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer is installed at the customer's location, it is prepared to conduct an insightful examination of unidentified samples. Over time, stable samples are supplied for setup and upkeep.

 UniQuant software uses up to 122 carefully selected line positions to determine peak. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

UniQuant is the world's most renowned standard-less analysis package and background intensities. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Typical UniQuant Standard-Less Results

Traces in a geological sample. Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers

Coatings on steel. Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Elemental Analyzers and Phase Analyzers