X-ray fluorescence analysis of metals in ores and concentrates by Compton scattering

An X-ray fluorescence method for the analysis of ores and concentrates for one or more metals or other heavy elements is described. A tungsten-target tube is used and the spectral interference of Rayleigh and Compton scattered peaks reduced by a nickel filter. A correlation is established between the latter peak intensity and the mass absorption coefficient of the sample for the wavelength 1.6 Å. The values of mass absorption coefficients on both sides of any major element absorption edge are compared and their ratio correlated to the characteristic radiation intensity of that particular element. This permits calculation of mass absorption coefficients across major absorption edges by derivation from the measured μ 1.6 value. Spectral interferences and other difficulties advocate dilution of the samples with dipotassium disulfate. Element concentrations are calculated by comparison with a standard sample and relating mass absorption coefficients and characteristic radiation intensities of both standard and unknown. Precision and accuracy of the method are considered excellent, given the simple nature of the analytical procedure.     

钽和钨涂层石墨管对电热原子吸收法分析性能的影响

本文研究了Ta、W涂层处理石墨管对Cr、Al、Ba、Ti、Pd、Bi等元素测定灵敏度的影响、经过涂层处理可使大部分元素灵敏度得到提高,但易生成耐高温氧化物的Pd等却有降低的趋势。进而用X-射线衍射及电子显微镜对涂层管表面进行了观察,探讨了某些元素增感、减感和提高测定精度的机制。     

Evaluation of atmospheric airborne particles in Lisbon, Portugal using neutron activation analysis

Summary We have employed Compton supression neutron activation analysis in conjunction with thermal and epithermal neutrons to detemine trace elements in airborne particulate matter in Lisbon, Portugal. As a result of the proximity of ocean marine, elements such as sodium and chlorine can signficantly decrease the analytical sensitivities of many elements of interest due ot the high backgrounds arising from ³⁸Cl and ²⁴Na. Compton suppression has resulted in the increase of the analytical sensitivities using thermal neutrons of Al, Ba, Ce, Cr, Cu, Ni, Rb, Se, Th, Ti, V, and Zn. The use of Compton suppression and epithermal neutrons significantly reduced the detection limits for As, I, K, Si, and W, while the utilization of solely epithermal neutrons improved the analyses of In.     

X射线荧光光谱法测定化探样品中主、次和痕量组分

采用粉末样品压片制样,用PW2440X射线荧光光谱仪对化探样品中氯、溴、硫、氧化钠、氧化镁、三氧化二铝、二氧化硅、磷、氧化钾、氧化钙、钛、锰、三氧化二铁、钴、铌、锆、钇、锶、铷、铅、钍、锌、铜、镍、钒、铬、钡、镧、铈、钕、钪、镓、砷、铪等34个组分进行测定。讨论了微量元素的背景选择和谱线重叠校正及氯测定的问题。使用经验系数法和康普顿散射线作内标校正基体效应,经标准物质检验,分析结果与标样值吻合,用GBW 07308国家一级标准物质作精密度试验,统计结果RSD（n=12）除砷、钒、镍、铜〈6．0％,溴、硫、铈、铪、钕、钪、氧化钠、镧、铬、钴和钍〈14．0％以外,其余各组分均小于3．0％。     

Performance of Compton suppression system (CSS) and applicability in food matrices

As a non-destructive and multi-element technique, with high-level metrological properties, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has an important role to determine chemical elements in food. However, its use may be limited when looking for mass fractions near the detection limits. The Compton scattering of higher energy gamma-rays raised the spectrum baseline thus impairing the determination of several elements. Therefore, the gamma-ray spectrometry with Compton suppression becomes an alternative for improving the performance of INAA, since it can reduce the uncertainty of measurements and the detection limits by increasing the proportion between photopeak area and baseline. Here the performance of a Compton suppression system set by Ortec, with 50% relative efficiency and 2.04?keV resolution (FWHM) for the 1,332?keV photopeak, was evaluated for food analysis. Samples of beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and rice were irradiated with neutrons and measured in the suppression system. Detection limits calculated from suppressed and unsuppressed spectra were compared. The suppression factor achieved by the system for ¹³⁷Cs was 5.88?±?0.11 (n?=?20) in the plateau region (358 to 382?keV), which was stable along a 20?week period and similar to the data provided in literature for other systems. Amongst fifteen elements determined, the detection limits for Br, Co, La, Na, Sc, and Se were not improved by the use of Compton suppression. On the other hand, the variable improvement obtained for As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Rb, and Zn corroborated the idea that the performance of the Compton suppressor must be individually assessed for each type of sample.     

Improved detection limits for trace elements on aerosol filters using Compton suppression counting and epithermal irradiation techniques

Aerosol samples were collected on Whatman 41 filters at two sites near Lake Huron and one site near Lake Ontario. These samples were then analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA) at the University of Illinois. The detection limits for certain trace elements were enhanced by irradiation with both thermal and epithermal neutrons and also by counting with Compton suppression techniques. The sample was divided in half to allow for four irradiations. Short-lived thermal NAA resulted in the determination of Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, K, Mn, Na, Ti, and V. A short epithermal irradiation was used to determine Cu, I, In, Si, Sn and U. A one and one-half hour epithermal irradiation was utilized for the determination of As, Au, Br, Sm, Sb, and W. The elements Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, Ni, Sc, Se, Th. Zn, and several rare earths were determined with a long thermal irradiation. Utilizing a Compton suppression gamma-ray counting system reduced the background and enhanced the detection of several isotopes which primarily emit only a single gamma-ray upon decay. Counting was simultaneously performed with a normal counting mode so that the detection of isotopes with multiple decay gamma-rays was not impaired.     

The optimization of microwave digestion procedures and application to an evaluation of potentially toxic element contamination on a former industrial site

The optimization of a microwave dissolution procedure for potentially toxic elements in a contaminated soil sample has been evaluated using a central composite design approach. By considering the operating parameters of temperature, digestion time, microwave power and acid volume it was possible to identify the following optimum conditions: temperature, 160 °C; power, 750 W; digestion time, 25 min; and, an aqua regia volume of 13 mL. These microwave digestion conditions were then applied to 19 samples obtained from a former industrial site in Newcastle upon Tyne. Of the range of potentially toxic elements present at the site as a consequence of former industrial activity (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn), the majority of topsoil samples indicated elevated concentrations of one or more of these elements. In particular, data obtained using either inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or flame atomic absorption spectroscopy indicates the high and wide concentration of Pb on the site (188-60300 mg/kg). Comparing the resulting potentially toxic elements data with UK soil guidelines values (SGVs) suggests at least parts of the site represent areas of potential human health risk. It was found that lead soil values exceeded the SGV on 17 out of the 19 sampling sites; similarly for As 6 out of 19 sampling sites exceeded the SGV. While for Cd, Cr and Ni the soil levels were below the stated SGVs.     

Bestimmung von Spurenelementen in Staubproben durch Röntgenfluorescenzanalyse mit Radionuklidanregung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Matrixeffekte

The analysis of dust samples by X-ray fluorescence using Cd-109 as X-ray source is described. For calibration silica gel standards are used. The correction for matrix effects is carried out by means of the Compton peaks. Besides the elements K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, which may be considered to be natural components of the ground, the elements Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb are determined in the dust samples.     

Bestimmung von Spurenelementen in Staubproben durch Röntgenfluorescenzanalyse mit Radionuklidanregung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Matrixeffekte

The analysis of dust samples by X-ray fluorescence using Cd-109 as X-ray source is described. For calibration silica gel standards are used. The correction for matrix effects is carried out by means of the Compton peaks. Besides the elements K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, which may be considered to be natural components of the ground, the elements Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb are determined in the dust samples.     

Field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as rapid measurement tool for landfill mining operations: comparison of field data vs. laboratory analysis

Landfill mining applied in reclamation at the territories of old dump sites and landfills is a known approach tended to global economic and environmental benefits as recovery of metals and energy is an important challenge. The aim of this study was to analyse the concentration of several metallic elements (Ca, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Mn, Pb, Zn) in the fine fraction of waste derived in the landfill and to compare the results of measurements obtained by field-portable equipment with the data gained by advanced analytical tools. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used for the quantitative detection of metallic elements at the laboratory; whereas field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FPXRF) was applied for rapid sample characterisation in the field (on-site). Wet digestion of samples (fine fraction of waste at landfill) was done prior analytical procedures at the laboratory conditions, but FPXRF analysis was performed using raw solid samples of waste fine fraction derived in the Kudjape Landfill in Estonia. Although the use of AAS and ICP-MS for the measurements of metals achieves more precise results, it was concluded that precision and accuracy of the measurements obtained by FPXRF is acceptable for fast approximate evaluation of quantities of metallic elements in fine fraction samples excavated from the waste at landfills. Precision and accuracy of the results provided by express method is acceptable for quick analysis or screening of the concentration of major and trace metallic elements in field projects; however, data correction can be applied by calculating moisture and organic matter content dependent on sample matrix as well as special attention must be paid on sample selection and homogenisation and number of analysed samples.     

Identification of steel by X-ray fluorescence analysis with a pyroelectric X-ray generator

An application of X-ray fluorescence analysis with a pyroelectric X-ray generator is presented. Steel standard samples were identified by X-ray fluorescence analysis with this novel X-ray generator to check its capability for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis as an X-ray source for X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. Cr, Ni, V, Co, and W were detected in steel standard samples. V and Cr can be detected even when the content is below 1%. Although it is difficult to detect minor elements because of the low power of the excitation X-rays, it is possible to identify the analyzed samples on the basis of major elements at the percentage level. The pyroelectric X-ray generator is very suitable for portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers.     

Grazing incidence X-ray absorption spectra of (Si/W) 100/Si multilayer

Tungsten (W) M_III X-ray absorption spectra of a periodic multilayer, (Si/W)₁₀₀/Si, were measured with the change of X-ray grazing angle using sample current method. Under not total reflection condition, the absorbance changed little except at W M_III absorption edge. While under the total reflection condition, the absorbance increased with the increase of the X-ray energy and the increment changed from low to high at the W M_III absorption edge. This result reflected the variation of the X-ray evanescent wavelength caused by the absorption effect of W.     

An innovative Compton suppression spectrometer and its capability of evaluation in multi-elemental neutron activation analysis

A new Compton suppression system was established. A low energy HPGe detector (LO-AX) is used as the analyzing detector. It is completely shielded by a 50%n-type HPGe and two NaI(TI) detectors. Experiments show that a substantial Compton suppression effect is also achieved in the low energy region down to 15 keV. The capability of applying this system in INAA was evaluated for 13 elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, Sr, Th, U and Zn) in biological and environmental samples. The benefits and problems of using this Compton suppression spectrometer in INAA are examined for each element.     

INAA of geological materials using a combination of epithermal activation and Compton suppression: Prediction of possibilities

Nuclear data relevant to the determination of elements in geological materials by instrumental neutron activation analysis using a combination of epithermal neutron activation and Compton suppression counting are presented. The feasibility of this combination is discussed considering data for desired as well as interfering nuclides. Among elements determined after short irradiation, the conditions for Sr, Zr, I, Cs, Eu and U should be improved. After long epithermal irradiation and appropriate decay, Compton suppression should lead to improvement in determination of As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Gd, Ho, Tm, W, Au, Th, and U. In the case of Ga, Se, Ag, In, Cs, Tb, Yb, Hf, Ta, and W, the use of Compton suppression in connection with epithermal activation is not recommended because the radionuclides concerned decay with coincident γ-rays. In general, the use of Compton suppression should improve the determination of trace elements in geological materials by epithermal neutron activation analysis, but more work is needed to better quantify these improvements.     

Einsatz der Abriebmethode für die Verwechslungsprüfung hochlegierter Stähle

The method of abrasion of small sample quantities on Al₂O₃-disks is applicable to alloy and high-alloy steels. For example the contents of the elements Si, Cr, Ni, Mn, V, W, Mo, Ti and Nb may be determined quantitatively. The possible sorting of high-alloy steels and scarp is an important thing of economy. The method of abrasion with a X-ray spectrometric detection system is simple and of low costs.     

Einsatz der Abriebmethode für die Verwechslungsprüfung hochlegierter Stähle

The method of abrasion of small sample quantities on Al₂O₃-disks is applicable to alloy and high-alloy steels. For example the contents of the elements Si, Cr, Ni, Mn, V, W, Mo, Ti and Nb may be determined quantitatively. The possible sorting of high-alloy steels and scarp is an important thing of economy. The method of abrasion with a X-ray spectrometric detection system is simple and of low costs.     

Chemical reactions of chromium and vanadium in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

The chemical reactions of V and Cr in the graphite furnace are determined by absorption measurements, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. It is shown that both elements form carbides, VC and Cr₃C₂, respectively. An increase in absorption is obtained in tubes coated with pyrolytic graphite. Interferences of carbideforming elements on the absorption signal are studied. Reaction paths are proposed for both elements during their heat treatment in graphite furnace AAS.     

Identification of glass and ceramics by X-ray fluorescence analysis with a pyroelectric X-ray generator.

Applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis with a pyroelectric X-ray generator are presented. Glass and ceramics were analyzed with this novel X-ray generator to examine its capability for analyzing nonmetallic inorganic material. Although the power of X-ray output was a few orders of magnitude lower than conventional X-ray tubes, many elements such as Si, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Zn, Sr, Ba, and Pb were detected in glass and ceramic samples. Light elements such as Na, Mg, and Al were not detected because of the low fluorescence yield and the absorption of fluorescent X-rays in air. The elements detected or the relative peak intensities of the elements were different from each other, and the samples analyzed were identified by the XRF spectrum, notwithstanding the low power of the X-ray output. This novel device showed the sufficient capability for preliminary screening before strict identification of analytes. The pyroelectric X-ray generator can also be used to analyze large samples that cannot be put into ordinary XRF spectrometers because the device has no dimensional limitation of analytes.