XRF Detectors for light alloys- limit of detection

[arunmrao]

A new XRF from Niton is being proposed for a group company, manufacturing sacrificial anodes Al-In alloy.I have limited experience and knowledge about the accuracy and reliability of this instrument. Presently ,OES is being used by the foundry.I would like to know:

a) If such an instrument is recommended for a production foundry, as a replacement to OES.

b) The accuracy and reliability of such results.

Any other experiences or comments are welcome. Thanks in anticipation.


"Even,if you are a minority of one, truth is the truth."

Mahatma Gandhi.

 

[mrfailure]

Absolutely not recommended as a replacement for OES. XRF is semiquantitative - you cannot be assured of product conformance using the technique. You need quantitative analysis.

 

[metengr]

arunmrao;
Not as a replacement for OES.

 

[arunmrao]

Thanks. The representative of XRF instrument demonstrated by analysing the standard calibration samples ,and confirming the exact analysis.

Will the results from a PMI , be accepted by 3rd party inspectors or used for dispute resolution?

I am confused (perhaps old school mental block).


"Even,if you are a minority of one, truth is the truth."

Mahatma Gandhi.

 

[mrfailure]

Only if the nature of the dispute is alloy identification. Remember, at best portable XRF only goes down to atomic number 11 (sodium) or 12 (magnesium). The key thing to keep in mind is this means you will not be able to detect carbon. Even with elements you can detect, you may have difficulty measuring low levels that are specified like phosphorus and sulfur (not all XRF units can go down to those elements, just the expensive ones).

 

[EdStainless]

A lab XRF, that is vacuum path, will do these elements fine.
But a hand held, no way.
All XRF is comparative, you must have good standards that bracket your ranges and contain all interfering elements.
OE requires standards also, but there is generally less interference.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube