Spectro Analytical Instruments has extended its portfolio of mobile and portable metal analysers.
The expanded product line encompasses the Spectro Xsort hand-held XRF spectrometer, the Isort portable OES spectrometer and an updated version of the Spectrotest mobile OES spectrometer.
Spectro will present the Xsort spectrometer at Stainless Steel World America on 9-10 September 2008 in Houston, US.
It has been designed for the metal processing, recycling, precious metals recycling as well as the petro-chemical industries.
The 1.7 kg/3.7 lb metal analyser measures all of the elements, non-destructively, in a metal alloy in two seconds.
A silicon drift detector (SDD) allows the Xsort to process signals approximately 10 times faster than the silicon pin detectors used in conventional hand-held XRF instruments.
A low-power X-ray tube with 40 kV serves as the excitation source.
This allows the Xsort to determine 41 elements, between magnesium and thorium, in a single measuring cycle.
In addition, the SDD detector enables the identification and determination of the light elements.
Al, Mg, Si and P can be measured in an air atmosphere without the need for helium or a vacuum system.
The instrument requires 10 seconds to differentiate between aluminium and magnesium alloys.
Spectro said the operation of the Xsort is simple and intuitive.
The hand-held XRF uses a universal calibration so that the onsite operator is not required to make any changes to settings.
The user holds the measuring window of the instrument onto the metal sample and presses the start button.
The chemical contents are immediately displayed on the integrated PDA.
The design and technology of the Xsort are oriented towards operation in industrial environments.
Rechargeable battery and PDA are integrated into the robust housing, making them impact resistant.
A protective cover safeguards the instrument from the weather.
The instrument is equipped with long-life rechargeable batteries that provide 3.5 hours of continuous operation.
For safe operation, the Xsort has an automatic shutter that closes the measuring window, preventing radiation from escaping and dirt from entering the instrument.
The rear side of the shutter is also used for regular control sample measurements.
Because the analyses are non-destructive and without sparks, it is also possible to utilise the Xsort in areas that are inaccessible to OES spectrometers, e.g.
final QC control in the automotive industry, plant infrastructure PMI in explosion protected areas, as well as for precious metals analysis.
The Spectro Isort is a flexible hand-held OES spectrometer for grade identification and batch sorting; simultaneously mastering applications such as the determination of the carbon content in low alloy steels.
The Isort is able to work in narrow areas, on scaffolding and in difficult-to-reach terrain.
Also to be highlighted at Stainless Steel World America is an updated version of the Spectrotest arc/spark-OES spectrometer, which has a smaller and more compact sample probe.
The reduced diameter of the sample probe enables the Spectrotest to analyse sample surfaces in hard-to-reach locations, for example, bundled rods and bars.
The Spectrotest analyses iron, nickel, copper, aluminium, magnesium, titanium, cobalt, lead, tin and zinc based alloys and the standard probe can be used for quick grade identification with arc excitation as well as for a detailed analysis with spark excitation.
The result is shown on the integrated display after only three seconds in the sorting mode; after five seconds in the analysis mode.
The Spectrotest is also able to tackle two new applications: the measurement of carbon in low alloy steel using arc discharge and the determination of the nitrogen content in duplex steels.
When the standard sample probe is exchanged with an optionally available special sample probe with integrated UV optic, the instrument can measure short wavelength elements like nitrogen.
Performed without tools, exchanging the sample probes is quick and easy.
The determination of the carbon content in low alloy steel with arc excitation is another application for the redesigned Spectrotest.
The identification of micro alloys in low alloy steel with arc excitation was also improved.
A further optimised selection of element and reference wavelength pairs has helped to improve analytical performance.
The range of use for the Spectrotest includes quality control in metal producing and metal processing companies, testing of finished products in industry as well as for scrap metal dealers and the control of plant infrastructure.
The metal analyser is especially suitable for metal processors with high volume production.
The performance capabilities and applications for the three metal analysers are documented in a free brochure produced by Spectro Analytical Instruments.
