Scott Fess

The measurement of gold is demonstrated in used ore material such as that from ore dumps and tailing piles. The recovery of uranium from the used ore material is also presented. The results how the Rigaku NEX DE EDXRF can achieve excellent results for monitoring and measuring the concentration of gold and other valuable elements in the recovery of used ore materials.

The measurement of chromium (Cr) conversion coating on aluminum is demonstrated.

The measurement of Cr, Hg, Pb, Br and Cd in polyethylene (PE) is demonstrated for RoHS rapid screening by XRF. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) is employed for rapid screening and quantification according to RoHS norms.

Quality control and quality assurance during the lube oil blending and manufacturing process is essential. Basic lube oil formulations containing only P, S, Ca and Zn are often augmented with additional elements and additives to create lubricating oils for specific needs.. This report demonstrates the measurement of Mg, Si, P, S, Cl, Ca, Zn, Ba and Mo in new lube oils is using the empirical approach.

The at-line analysis of gold in impregnated stripping solutions during the electrowinning process is demonstrated. EDXRF is used for analysis of the concentrations of gold in strip solution during the processing of ores, tailings and slags.

Measurement of metals, especially toxic heavy metals, in aerosols on air filters is demonstrated. Simple linear empirical calibration is discussed, and performance is shown for measurement precision and typical detection limits.

The Rigaku NEX CG combines secondary and polarization target excitation, with a high performance SDD detector, to deliver optimal EDXRF sensitivity. In conjunction with UltraCarry, the NEX CG is an ideal tool for the trace elemental analysis of aqueous solutions down to parts-per-billion levels. This technique is suitable for many applications, including: 1) monitor effluents, waste streams, and discharge waters; 2) screen for common metals; 3) measure hazardous elements; 4) QC of production rinse waters; 5) pavement run-off; 6) storm water run-off; 7) agricultural run-off; 8) site remediation; and 9) soil leachates.

The Rigaku RPF-SQX software automatically deconvolutes spectral peaks and models the sample matrix and X-ray absorption/enhancement effects using fundamental XRF equations. The RPF-SQX software is simple to use and offers many ways to craft a matrix model based on the specific fly ash composition, allowing semi-quantitative analysis without the use of reference standards.

In the agri-food sector it is important to not only study the soil composition and use of fertilizers, but also the uptake of nutrients and potentially toxic elements within the plants and crops themselves.

Activated charcoal is used as a filter medium. As activated charcoal is processed, sulfur and chlorine levels are monitored EDXRF offers a fast and simple low cost method of measurement.

Rigaku EDXRF application note #1495 demonstrates the analysis of lead-zinc ore using the empirical calibration method. Elemental analysis is important in the examination of ores, from screening throughout the processing areas to final determination. The described method yields excellent results for screening and characterization of lead/zinc ore at the mine site or processing facilities for optimum product QA/QC.

The analysis of glass and raw materials is demonstrated in the manufacturing of soda-lime glass, which makes up 90% of the global glass production and is used to make windows, glassware and bottles. The Rigaku NEX CG spectrometer yields excellent performance for the elemental analysis of raw materials and final characterization of finished glass.