Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer helps users comply with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations
Thermo Electron says its ARL Quant'X energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) system helps manufacturers, sellers, distributors and recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment comply with the strict EU regulations relating to Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
These regulations require that from 1 July 2006, heavy and toxic elements such as cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium and bromine are controlled in various types of electrical and electronic components such as power cables, insulation wires, connectors and sockets.
EDXRF is one of the best suited elemental analysis techniques for detecting very low levels of toxic and heavy elements with relatively easy sample preparation or, in some cases, without any sample preparation, says Thermo.
Equipped with the unique Peltier cooled Si(Li) sealed solid state detector, it says the new ARL Quant'X offers the highest energy resolution and high peak to background ratio necessary for detecting ppm levels of hazardous elements to human health and the environment.
The ARL Quant'X can analyse lead, mercury, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in minutes with a high degree of precision and reliability without the need for peripheral dependence.
This means that these substances are more easily identifiable and can be rapidly detected to ensure stringent quality control and compliance with the new regulations.
The ARL Quant'X incorporates primary X-ray beam optics and unique pulse processing technology, meaning that the instrument's performance can be optimised on specific elements of interest.
In addition, a flexible sample compartment can handle irregular or odd shaped samples of all kinds, minimising the need for complicated preparation methods.
The ARL Quant'X performs both qualitative and quantitative analysis with reduced running and maintenance costs.
Designed for easy transport, it can be deployed for on-site analysis and withstand industrial and manufacturing conditions.
The instrument can screen the incoming electrical and electronic components at the goods arrival point or it can be installed in the field where these components are effectively used.
