Chapter 6: Industrial Applications of pXRF

Industrial applications of pXRF are increasing in reach, making use of updated detector and pulse processing capabilities. This chapter covers the most common industrial applications currently deployed with commercially available pXRF units. A metal application segment covers calibration approaches, grade identification, positive material ID and refinery applications, as well as precious metal applications including trading and fake detection. This chapter also covers coating thickness for metal-based matrices, including corrosion, and Ti or Zr conversion coatings, illustrating the creep of pXRF into domains usually occupied by laboratory units. It also reviews consumer product testing derived from ROHS screening, solid sample analysis, and pass–fail screenings. Challenges for the operator are described as a lot of judgment of sample properties must go into the analysis. Geochem and mining are the segments with the most challenging performance requirements and high value instruments require a deeper understanding of detection limits and standardizations of the system. Sample preparation techniques, such as powder, pellet, and direct analysis, are explained with their respective benefits and drawbacks. Less common applications such as tagging, plant, and agricultural analysis are described and demonstrate that industrial applications can still expand.