Heavy Metals Analysis with XRF
On-site heavy metals analysis is accomplished using a technique called X-ray Fluorescence
(XRF). There are a number of XRF instruments available and QROS have recently added
to their arsenal of XRFs the latest X-MET5100 from Oxford Instruments. This is the
current leading edge portable analyser and has significantly improved detection limits
for hazardous heavy metals compared to other portable XRF analysers.
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) instruments work by exposing a sample to be measured to
a beam of X-rays. The atoms of the sample absorb some of this X-ray energy and become
temporarily excited, emitting secondary X-rays upon returning to their ground states.
Each chemical element emits x-rays at unique energies and by measuring the intensities
and energies of the emitted X-rays, an XRF analyser can provide qualitative and quantitative
analysis regarding the composition of the material being tested.
The results obtained are tabulated using QROS in house software to present values
in ppm format along with an easily identifiable homogeneity flags and site specific
total metals levels excess warnings.
