XRF analysis: what is X-ray fluorescence analysis?

Say goodbye to chaos and confusion – and look forward to your Fink & Partner [FP]-LIMS. In your daily work in the laboratory, you will not only experience a completely new and easily understandable structuring of all your measurement data and results, but also the limitless possibilities that are open to you through central storage. Be it a spontaneously generated certificate or the clean and fast visualization of a test series. With the Fink & Partner [FP]-LIMS you can meet all the challenges of your daily laboratory routine. Even X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Methods of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF)

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF spectroscopy) is a common and proven method from the broad field of material analysis. The principle of X-ray fluorescence analysis has its origin in X-ray fluorescence. This method is one of the most widely used when it comes to the quantitative and qualitative determination of the elemental composition of an analyte. The great advantage is the non-destructive analysis, which means that the samples are not damaged in the course of the measurements and no digestions are necessary to achieve a good result. The detection limit is about one microgram/gram (ppm). In itself, only solid samples are examined in this form of analysis. Liquids can also be analyzed if they are in a plastic container with a thin foil bottom. In most cases, solid specimens are used, which are prepared in the form of a round disc with a diameter of 2 cm to 5 cm. In addition, the analyte needs a flat surface so that the X-rays can be reflected.

The application of X-ray fluorescence analysis

XRF is particularly widely used in all areas of the metalworking industry and in the investigation of ceramics. The XRF is also used in the analysis of building materials and glass and in the analysis of lubricants and mineral oil products.

X-ray fluorescence analysis is also very popular for the purchase of gold and the analysis of works of art due to its sample-friendly method. With gold, the exact fineness of a sample can be determined, which is of immense importance especially in times of a constantly changing gold price. X-ray fluorescence analysis offers superficial certainty and clarification of the actual gold content. The investigation of art objects is mainly about a fast and reliable result. If, for example, a complete painting is examined as part of an X-ray fluorescence analysis, individual pigments can be identified and the distribution of various chemical elements can be depicted in the image.

Limits of X-ray fluorescence analysis

Unfortunately, the XRF procedure cannot be applied to elements that are lighter than boron. Only fluorine can be used for reasonably good values and sodium for rather good values. This is due to the fact that the X-ray radiation of the lighter elements is absorbed too easily and therefore cannot penetrate the detector in the first place.

XRF analysis – Cooperating suppliers

Our [FP]-LIMS is compatible with a large number of well-known manufacturers in the industry. Due to years of experience and the high demands on ourselves, we have extended the compatibility of the software in the past years more and more. Among others, the devices of the following manufacturers are compatible with our Fink & Partner [FP]-LIMS: Hitachi, Bruker, Spectro Ametek, ThermoFisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, Analytik Jena, Horiba Scientific, Malvern Panalytical, Microtrac, PerkinElmer and Zwick Roell.

In the special case of X-ray fluorescence analysis, we cooperate with the brands Hitachi, Spectro / Ametek, Bruker, Thermo Fisher, and Malvern Panalytical.

The [FP]-LIMS in your laboratory

Experience the advantages of the [FP]-LIMS in your own laboratory: maximum user-friendliness, absolute clarity, security and fast access from anywhere. Maximum flexibility will also become increasingly important in the coming years – however, this not only applies to our personal lives, but also to all data and measurement results recorded by laboratories around the world. So take your chance now and see yourself among the pioneers of laboratory digitization – with the [FP]-LIMS from Fink & Partner!