oratories are concerned with both types of analysis, the relative proportion of work performed in the twoareasmay varyconsiderably. Each area requires a completely different analytical approach. Wavelengthdispersive spectrometric analysis is usually employed for majorlminor element analysis while trace element XRF analysis is performed using either energy-dispersive or wavelength-dispersive spectrometers.
Complete summary of XRF spectroscopy as applied to the chemical analysis of geologic specimens, including principles, production of X-rays, interaction with matter, detectors, and analysis of data.
The interconnection between, and evolution of, manufacturing trends, raw materials, XRF Instrumentation, XRF software capabilities, XRF Standard Reference Materials, and ASTM Standard Test Method for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement (C114), Rapid Method Qualification, is followed to show why certain XRF specimen preparation methods and inter-element correction methods were adequate at one time, but may not be adequate any longer, depending on many different variables unique to each plant location and business model. All of the above variables have changed over time, and the reasons why they have changed, and where they are going is explained. The theoretical basis for methods used during certain time frames is explained, and illustrated by example. From the trends observed in the variables previously listed, a conclusion about the direction of the modern cement laboratory in the near future is proposed.
Layered Synthetic Microstructures (LSM) for XRF instruments became commercially available in the early 1980's. It was quickly recognized that these devices improved the efficiency of diffraction for the elements boron through magnesium considerably over the LOD soap multilayers and single crystals available at that time. LSM devices of 40, 50, 80, and 120 ang-strom (2D) spacing were offered at first. Gradually, many different 2D spacings and compositions have become available, each with its own special area of application, usually limited to one or two elements.
A previous paper portrayed sample preparation by fusion methodology and the XRF analysis conditions for the calibration of cement materials [Bouchard et al., 2009. “Global cement and raw materials fusion/XRF analytical solution,” Adv. X-Ray Anal. 53, 263–279]. The results of two well known cement chemical analysis Standard Methods were also presented. These results proved that this robust analytical method is able to qualify by the ASTM C114 [ASTM C114-08 (2008). “Standard test methods for chemical analysis of hydraulic cement,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards Vol. 04.01 (ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA), pp. 150–157)] and ISO/DIS 29581-2 [Draft Standard, 2007-07 (2007). “Methods of testing cement—Chemical analysis of cement—Part 2: Analysis by X-ray fluorescence” ISO/DIS 29581-2, 2007, pp. 1–30]. This robust analytical method was developed using an automated fusion instrument for the sample preparation and a WDXRF spectrometer for the determination of all elements of interest relating to the cement industry. This method was used to prepare finished products, process materials, as well as a very large range of raw materials. The first part of this second paper examines all the XRF analysis conditions for the calibration of the raw materials using the robust fusion sample preparation methodology as well as the numerous reference materials (RMs) used for this analytical application. All interesting results will be presented. The second part of this paper reveals the rapid analytical method results using sample preparation by fusion on nonignited samples. It will also be proven that this faster method, combined with the WDXRF spectrometer, complies with both cement analysis Standard Methods: ASTM C114 and ISO/DIS 29581-2.
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