Thursday, September 4, 2008
Improving XRF Accuracy : utilizing calibration standards
Throughout the Skyray XRF website we note that our x-ray fluorescence instruments are accurate for coating thickness, precious metals analysis, lead detection, etc. We realize that accurate results are what our customers want – and that is what our instruments provide. However, accuracy can be increased for any XRF model by realizing that a number of variables can affect an XRF units performance…some variables include tube power, the collimator size used and measurement time.
One of the frequently overlooked factors in obtaining the highest accuracy from an XRF Instrument is having accurate calibration (or reference) standards. By simply having known standards created for whatever your application is (and utilizing them properly), you will be able to increase the accuracy of your instrument.
Our EDX-3000 and EDX-2800 instruments are very popular with companies in the precious metals industry and are commonly used for identifying scrap jewelry and other unknown metals. With the high prices of precious metals; inaccurate results can cost a company large profits – a simple way of obtaining increased accuracy from an XRF is utilizing high-quality standards. It’s as easy as getting fire assays completed on samples or contacting Skyray XRF for known reference standards (such as our new series of Gold Karat Standards). With quality standards an XRF user will have accurate knowledge of all the constituents and, when following proper procedures, can then match their unknown sample as accurately as possible.
X-ray Fluorescence instruments were designed as measurement devices. However, through innovation, software development, appropriate use and being aware of controllable variables XRF can provide accuracy that is required for a wide range of applications – including determining unknown metals.
Skyray XRF works with companies that choose our instruments to insure accurate results. We recently began offering individual and sets of Gold Purity Standards (10k to 22k of yellow gold and white gold). Review the news release here or contact us for information.