Thermo-Fisher Has X-Ray Fluorescene Analyzer for Light Elements:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has introduced the Thermo Scientific Ultra
Performance Packages for improved light element analysis. To achieve a higher
level of performance, the packages combine a portable X-ray fluorescence (FPXRF)
analyzer with a larger silicon drift detector (SDD), unique, field-portable
sample preparation tools, and a helium (He) purge option. This combination of
portable technologies is a breakthrough for determining light element
concentrations in field-prepared mineral samples. This capability is
increasingly important for oil and gas and industrial mineral exploration as
light element analyses is used to infer mineralogy, which can help to determine
physical properties of rocks, such as permeability, porosity and oil/gas
production capability.
Today, more than 3,000 Thermo Scientific portable XRF analyzers are used across
the global mining industry for mineral exploration, from gold and copper
porphyry deposits to nickel laterites, rare earth and platinum group elements.
Portable instruments are an integral part of next-generation mining, putting the
power and precision of a laboratory instrument in the hands of field personnel
to accelerate discovery and contribute to increased profitability.
“Until now, sample presentation limitations have made the geochemical analysis
of light elements using field-portable XRF instrumentation unreliable,” said Jon
Culbertson, vertical market director of mining and exploration for Thermo
Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments. “By combining multiple technologies
in a single package, we’re giving our customers next-gen mining innovation that
can improve exploration and, ultimately, accelerate the entire mining process.”
Available Ultra Performance Packages can include:
• A Thermo Scientific XL3t Ultra XRF analyzer that is purpose-built for mining
and exploration analyses, including a larger silicon drift detector for higher
resolution and superior light element analyses;
• Field-portable sample preparation tools that can create powders out of larger
rocks and samples to optimize particle distribution and can deliver pressed
pellet samples with the correct presentation and depth for optimal FPXRF
analysis; and
• A He purge system to displace air in the gaps between the sample and the
detector that can make it difficult to “see” light elements.