Thermo Scientific NITON XL3t 500, User Manual

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Mining Ta/Hf Mode
Thermo Scientific NITON XL3 Analyzer User’s Guide 1-31
Mining Ta/Hf Mode
The Mining Ta/Hf Testing Mode allows you to perform tests on soil and
other bulk samples without adjusting for a particular matrix. Mining Ta/Hf
Testing Mode is ideal for finding concentrations of analytes in rock or soil.
This mode of operation is optimum for any sample whose elements of
interest are present at 1% or greater.
Mining Ta/Hf Testing Mode utilizes
Fundamental Parameters to analyze the sample.From the Mining Ta/Hf
Testing Mode Menu , you can immediately initiate a sample test using the
proper preconditions for operation, enter data about your sample using the
Data Entry icon, or return to the Main Menu .
This mode of the operating software is intended primarily for the detection
of metal concentrations in light matrices. The full fundamentals parameter
(FP) algorithm accurately measures elemental concentrations from trace
levels to 100%, and automatically corrects for inter-element effects.
However, elements lighter than calcium cannot be detected by XRF and
light element combinations, such as oxides, carbonates, and silicates are
common matrix components. To fine-tune results, you may enter
calibration factors for individual elements to adjust for effects of light
element interference. These calibration factors are linear corrections, which
adjust the FP calculation. Calibrations only need to be entered once per
matrix. However, as matrices can vary considerably from one sampling area
to another, it is recommended that new calibrations be done for each change
in matrix.