Have you ever wondered how miners work out what’s natural minerals and what’s fake? Fool’s gold is, of course, the most well-known example. But there are many other ways to fool a metal detectorist or mineralogist.
The best way to determine if your precious metals have value is by using an x-ray fluorescence analyzer. This article will explain all about XRF metal analyzers so that you know what you need!
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What Is an XRF Metal Analyzer?
An XRF, or X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer’s used to detect metals in various materials. It measures the number of x-rays emitted from samples. These samples then get compared with known standards for each metal type.
The results are then displayed on a computer screen or printed out as a report. This technology has been around since the 1970s using XRF gold analyzers. But only recently have they become more affordable and easier to use than ever before.
How Does an XRF Analyzer Work?
The basic principle behind an XRF analyzer is very simple. Suppose you shine light onto something. Some of this energy will get absorbed into the material itself.
If there’s enough energy present, the electrons inside the atoms will start moving faster. This motion causes them to emit radiation at different wavelengths. These emissions are fluorescein spectra.
By shining a beam of x-ray photons through samples, we can measure how much energy gets absorbed. We can also measure what wavelength these particles give off when they do so.
Types of XRF Metal Analyzer
There are two main types of XRF devices available today. Handheld units are portable and easy to operate. Yet, benchtop machines offer greater accuracy and precision.
Both work in similar ways, yet there are some differences between them. Here’s what you need to know about both options.
Handheld XRF Analyzer
These small, lightweight instruments have the primary function for field testing. They come with many different probes, so users don’t always need to buy extras.
These tools also tend to cost less than their larger counterparts. That’s because they do not need any special training to operate.
Bench Top XRF Analyzers
Bench Tops often exist at laboratories where samples must undergo extensive analysis. Users will often find many pieces of equipment in use during complex analyses. For example, one person might hold the sample under the probe head.
Another then uses the software to analyze the results. Further, many labs now provide services like scanning documents for confidential information.
What Is The XRF Analyzer Price?
You can either buy an XRF analyzer or go through an XRF analyzer rental service.
Prices for renting an XRF analyzer depend upon how long your test lasts. You should expect to pay anywhere from $100-$300 per day plus shipping costs.
If you decide to buy a handheld XRF analyzer such as the Cianflone Scientific, pricing varies based on brand name, model number, and size. Prices range from approximately $500 – $1,000, depending on your requirements, but can go much higher.
Buy an XRF Metal Analyzer Today
XRF metal analyzers have become popular in recent years. That’s due to their ability to identify metals without having to send samples away for lab tests. This technology has made it possible to detect dangerous substances.
It’s important to note that XRF metal analyzers aren’t perfect. There are still limitations associated with its usage. But if used in the right way, they can even save lives! These would otherwise be undetectable by other methods.
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