2 Running Order How it works Your DXL parts and Accessories DXL
radiation Safety Using your DXL Analyser Using your Analyser with
your PC Advanced Settings Supervisor Examination
Slide 3
How XRF Works
Slide 4
4 How does XRF work? Each of the elements present in a sample
produces a unique set of characteristic x-rays that is a
"fingerprint" for that specific element. XRF analysers determine
the chemistry of a sample by measuring the spectrum of the
characteristic x-ray emitted by the different elements in the
sample when it is illuminated by x-rays. These x-rays are emitted
either from a miniaturized x-ray tube, or from a small, sealed
capsule of radioactive material.
Slide 5
5 How does XRF work? o A fluorescent x-ray is created when an
x-ray of sufficient energy strikes an atom in the sample,
dislodging an electron from one of the atom's inner orbital shells.
o The atom regains stability, filling the vacancy left in the inner
orbital shell with an electron from one of the atom's higher energy
orbital shells. o The electron drops to the lower energy state by
releasing a fluorescent x-ray, and the energy of this x-ray is
equal to the specific difference in energy between two quantum
states of the electron.
Slide 6
6 XRF at work Atomic Level Process of Fluorescence
Production
Slide 7
7 XRF at work When a sample is measured using XRF, each element
present in the sample emits its own unique fluorescent x-ray energy
spectrum. By simultaneously measuring the fluorescent x-rays
emitted by the different elements in the sample, the XL2 can
rapidly determine those elements present in the sample and their
relative concentrations - in other words, the elemental chemistry
of the sample.
Slide 8
8 Excitation Source Macro Level X-Ray Production
Slide 9
9 Technical Illustration of a NITON Analyzer DSP converts
analog pulses to digital; sends to CPU. Digitized value represents
original energy of characteristic X-Ray. Over measuring time, each
elements energy accumulated into a series of element/energy
channels. Spectrum contains qualitative and quantitative
information from the sample
Slide 10
10 Detector Si PIN Detector
Slide 11
Your DXL parts and accessories
Slide 12
12 DXL Battery and charger DXL BatteryDXL Battery Charger
Slide 13
13 DXL Accessories Cont Prolene Windows USB CableSmall Spot
Locator Rear Dust Cover Battery Cover Stylus
16 Overview The Thermo Scientific Model Niton DXL series
analyser contains an x-ray tube which emits radiation into a
shielded sample chamber. The x-ray tube emits radiation only when a
sample is being measured. During this time, indicator lights
surrounding the analyser light up to alert personnel that the x-ray
tube is on. The shielded sample chamber is designed to reduce
radiation dose rates to less than 2.5 micro Sieverts (or
equivalently 0.25 millirem) per hour at a 5 centimetre distance
from any point along the surface of the analyser. The sample
chamber is also designed with an interlock system so that the x-ray
tube cannot be energized unless the sample chamber door is closed.
The purpose of this interlock system is to prevent a person from
placing any part of their body into the primary, unshielded x-ray
beam. With the shielded and interlocked sample chamber, the Thermo
Scientific Model Niton DXL series analyser can be operated safely
with minimal programmatic and administrative controls. The
following list summarizes the key safe use guidelines that all
operators should be made aware of:
Slide 17
17 Overview Cont Operators should be provided basic radiation
safety information. Consult with your local radiation Protection
Advisor (RPA) to determine the specific operator training
requirements for your needs. At a minimum, operators should read
and understand the safety information in this manual. Where
required by RPA, obtain authorization to use this analytical
device. Authorization is typically granted in the form of a
registration, license, certificate, or permit. Your local authority
can be a valuable resource for safe use guidelines. Do not attempt
to override interlocks or in any way interfere with their proper
operation. The DXL analyser incorporates engineering controls that
are designed to prevent access to the sample chamber during a
measurement. Never place a part of your body in the sample chamber
if the "X-RAY ON" indicator lights are on. Maintain the analyser in
accordance with the instructions in this User's Guide. High voltage
and high intensity x-ray beam hazards exist inside the instrument.
Do not attempt to disassemble or service your analyser beyond the
maintenance instructions described in this Resource Guide. Never
remove parts or components except as described in this Resource
Guide. Service must be performed at an authorized service centre.
Use caution when lifting or moving the analyser to prevent strains
or back injuries.
Slide 18
18 Time, Distance and Shielding Radiation Protection Basics
Reasonable effort should always be made to maintain exposure to
radiation as far below dose limits as is practical. This is known
as the ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) principle. For any
given source of radiation, three factors will help minimize your
radiation exposure: Time, Distance, and Shielding. Time The longer
you are exposed to a source of radiation the longer the radiation
is able to interact in your body and the greater the dose you
receive. Dose increases in direct proportion to length of exposure.
Distance Intensity of radiation becomes weaker as it spreads out
from a source since the same amount of radiation becomes spread
over a larger area. Based on geometry alone, dose increases and
decreases with an inverse-squared relation to your distance from
the source of radiation (additional dose rate reduction comes from
air attenuation). For example, the radiation dose one foot from a
source is nine times greater than the dose three feet from the
source. Shielding Shielding is any material that is placed between
you and the radiation source. The more material between you and the
source, or the denser the material, the less you will be exposed to
that radiation. The sample chamber of the Thermo Scientific Model
Niton DXL series analyser incorporates various forms of
shielding.
Slide 19
19 Radiation Dose Rates The Niton DXL Series analyser is
designed to limit the radiation dose rate to no more than 2.5 micro
Sieverts per hour at a 5 cm distance from any point along the
surface of the instrument under worst case operating conditions.
Worst- case operating conditions are as follows: X-ray tube voltage
at its maximum of 45 tube kilovolts; X-ray tube current at its
maximum of 0.1 tube milliamps; An attenuated primary x-ray beam -
i.e. no sample present, or; A solid plastic sample present to
maximize scatter radiation. The dose rates shown in the following
table were measured while the analyser was operating under these
worst-case conditions. Each measured value represents the maximum
dose rate measured over the general area described. A Thermo
Scientific Model MicroRem LE dose rate meter (SN:9049 calibrated
3/29/2012) was used to perform these measurements. The measured
values listed are net above background. The background at the time
and location of measurement was 0.1 Sv per hour. The dose rate
meter has an estimated minimum detection limit of 0.1 Sv per hour.
The measurements were performed on August 17, 2012.
Slide 20
20 Storage and Transportation Storage Regulations in some
jurisdictions may require that you store your analyser in a secured
area to prevent access, use, and/or removal by unauthorized
individuals. Storage requirements may vary by location,
particularly with regard to storage at temporary job sites or away
from your primary storage location such as hotels and motels and in
vehicles. You should contact your local Radiation Control Authority
to identify the specific storage requirements in your jurisdiction.
Transportation Transport of lithium ion batteries is regulated by
most transport authorities. End-users should obtain additional
information and training regarding the local requirements for
transport of lithium ion batteries, as appropriate for the specific
transport modes that may be used. In particular, for air transport,
most jurisdictions have adopted the regulatory guidance published
by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These IATA
regulations provide instructions for the safe transport of lithium
ion batteries by air in Packing Instructions 965 (for batteries
packed alone) and Packing Instruction 966 (for batteries packed
with equipment). You will find additional information about lithium
ion battery safety and transportation in the Start up Operations
and Standard Maintenance Sections of this Resource guide. It is
recommended that you ship the Niton DXL in its original shipping
container and foam to protect the sensitive measuring equipment
inside the analyser.
Slide 21
Using your DXL Analyser
Slide 22
22 Inspecting your analyser
Slide 23
23 Battery Installation and Charging Unscrew the captive screw
on the battery door and remove the door. Grasp the cloth tag on the
bottom of your analyzers battery and firmly pull the battery out
into your hand.
Slide 24
24 Battery Installation and Charging Cont Place the old battery
aside and slide the new battery into the cavity in the rear of the
analyser. The battery is keyed, and will only insert fully one way.
If it bottoms before it is fully inserted, remove the battery, turn
it over top to bottom, and reinsert it. Press in until the battery
clicks into place. Replace the battery door and screw in the
captive screw.
Slide 25
25 Recharging The Battery Pack The battery pack is normally
trickle charged in the analyser when the analyser is plugged in,
but it is faster to use the battery recharger - especially if you
normally use battery power a lot. Fully recharging a depleted
battery pack in the charger takes approximately 2 hours. 1. Remove
the battery pack from the analyser. 2. Place the battery pack
upside down into the charger. The battery pack is keyed, and will
only fit into the charger fully one way. If your battery pack is
resting on the back of the charger rather than sliding all the way
to the bottom, remove the battery pack, turn it around, and re-
insert it into the charger. 3. The red light blinks when the
charger needs a calibration. The red light is steadily on when the
charger has a fault. 4. The blue light blinks when the charger is
running a calibration. The blue light is steadily on when the
calibration is complete. 5. The green light blinks when the charger
is charging a battery. The green light is steadily on when the
charging is complete.
Slide 26
26 Inspecting your analyser The LED Power and Safety Indicators
The LED Power Indicators are located surrounding the Power and
Trigger Buttons on the Control Panel. These LED Lights are on
whenever your analyser is powered on. The LED Safety Indicators are
located on the sides of your analyser, just above the Carrying
Handles; on the rear of your analyser, just above the Port Cover;
and surrounding the Cover Release Button near the top edge of the
Control Panel where it meets the Cover. These LED lights are on
whenever a sample is being analysed or whenever a System Check is
in progress. The Control Panel The control panel is located on the
analysers front housing, directly below the Touch Screen. The
control panel consists of a Power Button and a larger Trigger
Button. Using the touch screen you may navigate through all of the
analysers screens and menus. The Trigger Button to the right of the
Power Button is used to initiate readings. The Power Button both
controls the power to the analyser and serves as an "escape"
button. When the Power Button is pushed and immediately released,
it functions as an "escape", and brings you back to the Main Menu
from the current screen in the menu system.
Slide 27
27 Replacing the Measurement Window CAUTION: Take every
precaution to prevent damage to the solid beryllium surface of the
tube and detector behind the analysis window. Both the x-ray tube
and detector are located directly behind the analysis window and
each has a small surface of solid beryllium or beryllium oxide.
Beryllium-containing materials, in solid form and as finished
parts, present no particular health hazard. However, exposure to
the dust or fumes from beryllium metal or metal oxides has the
potential to cause serious health effects. WARNING: Before you
begin, cut off power to your analyser! WARNING: In the event that
there is known or suspected damage to the solid beryllium surface
of the tube or detector, the following precautions are recommended.
Use latex or other disposable gloves for any handling or clean up
of visible beryllium fragments or contamination. Collect fragments
into a thick plastic bag, seal the bag tightly with adhesive tape,
and affix a label clearly indicating Danger Beryllium. If there has
been any inadvertent contact with skin, thoroughly wash affected
skin area with soap and water before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Contact your health and safety staff and/or Thermo Fisher
Scientific customer support for further instruction if needed.
Dispose of beryllium waste in accordance with all federal, state or
local regulations. Remove the old Measurement Window from the
bracket. Clean the Window area thoroughly, using a clean,
guaranteed lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Measurement
Window is Kapton - P/N 187-4280 CAUTION! Do not use fingers to
press window into place! Use a smooth, hard surface such as back of
tweezers.
Slide 28
28 Start up procedure To turn on the analyzer, depress the
On/off/escape button on the control panel until the Touch Screen
comes on. On startup, the screen will show by a Start Screen which
will automatically count down from 4 to 0 in increments of one
second. When the start up is complete, the Start Screen will be
replaced by the Logon Screen. Tap anywhere on this screen to
continue. The Logon Screen will be replaced by a Warning Screen,
advising you that this analyser produces radiation when the lights
are flashing. You must acknowledge this warning by selecting the
Yes button before logging on. Selecting the No button will return
you to the Logon Screen. Select your 4 digit security code,
followed by the Enter button. The default password is 1-2-3-4
Slide 29
29 Start up procedure After you have completed the log on
procedure, the word "USER" will appear on the bottom of the screen,
then the Main Menu will appear. Note that security codes are
editable. This will be covered in advanced settings. There we can
change passwords and set User Privileges. Please Note - Your
analyser will need to set the temperature of the detector to -25C
before it can be used. If you attempt to use the analyser before
this procedure the instrument will display the warning Please wait,
cooling detector. This procedure will take no longer than 60
seconds once logged in and will remain stable until the analyser is
powered down.
Slide 30
30 System check Every DXL analyser will have the system check
function. This function is an internal check to maintain the
instruments fundamental parameters calibration, check tube output
and detector resolution. This is an important operation to perform
as over time the instruments detector can suffer from electronic
drift slightly shifting the calibration curve. Running the system
check can keep the instruments calibration curve in line which will
continue to provide the best possible results from the
analyser.
Slide 31
31 System check Select the System Check Icon on the Main Menu
to perform a system check. We recommend that you perform a system
check once every working day, as part of your normal start up
procedure. Click yes to continue the system check. Please make sure
at this time there is nothing on the front of the instrument that
could affect the reading. If however there is an error message we
advice you to call Niton UK Service on 01256 397860 or email
[email protected] If you attempt to initiate a system check
while the cover is open, a Safety Message will be displayed
informing you the "Lid is open", and you will return to the Main
Menu. While performing the system check, your screen will show a
progress bar indicating the progress of the check. When it is done,
the screen will show a 100% completion.
Slide 32
32 Calibrating the Touch Screen Select the Calibrate Touch
Screen icon to re-calibrate the analyser's touch screen display.
This procedure establishes the display boundaries for the touch
screen interface.
Slide 33
33 Analyze mode and tools From the main menu select analyze to
go in to the testing mode for the instrument. From this mode you
will be able to perform various tasks including taking an analysis,
adding data and set averaging. The Tools Menu enables you to
perform common data-related tasks such as printing and averaging
readings. Select a task from the menu to initiate that task. The
options available can vary depending on the selected mode. The
Tools Menu can be accessed in two ways, and the options are
different depending on the way you access it. The main Tools Menu
is accessed by selecting the Analyze Icon from the Main Menu, then
selecting the Tools button from the slide down window on the Ready
to Analyze screen.
Slide 34
34 AuDIT The AuDIT algorithm determines whether or not a
surface is plated. AuDIT can detect plating as thick as 8mm. Since
most plating is in the 2-3mm range, this can usually detect plated
objects. Heavily plated objects with a plating greater than 8mm
thick will read as Gold Plate Not Detected. AuDIT can be toggled on
or off from your Tools Menu. This toggle is only available in
Precious Metals Mode. Selecting the AuDIT:Off button will turn
AuDIT on, and change the button to "AuDIT:On". Selecting the
AuDIT:On button will turn AuDIT off, and change the button to
"AuDIT:Off". AuDIT uses four separate tests run automatically to
determine whether or not a sample is plated. 1. The first test is
an iterative comparison of X-ray intensity signatures. This finds
most examples of plating. 2. Nickel is often used as a pre-plate,
and high proportions of Ni in a reading are a good indicator of
plating. 3. Plating's often have a low Karat value when averaged
with the substrate, so Karat values of less than 9 are flags
indicating plating. 4. A Karat rating that is not one of the
standard Karat percentages - within 0.5 karat of 9kt, 10kt, 14kt,
18kt, 22kt, or 24kt (referred to as Out of Plumb) - also strongly
indicate that this is a plating. X-ray IntensityHi Ni Low
KaratNon-Std. Karat Rating Only if the sample passes all four tests
is it labelled Gold Plate Not Detected". This does not mean that
there is no plating, but that the presence or absence of plating
cannot be determined by the analyser.
Slide 35
35 AuDIT Additional Methods of Plating Detection Analyze the
item in several different areas Variance of more than 1-2% in Au
content can be a positive indication that an item is plated. Look
for identifying marks (hallmarks) Compare to your results.
Discrepancies may indicate that an item is plated. Note: You may
come across some Italian jewellery that has 18k gold plating over
14k gold. This is hallmarked as 14k or 585, but will likely show
16-17k on XRF. Smell the item A metallic, copper-like smell
(similar to copper-based coins such as USA pennies) indicates the
possible presence of a copper substrate under gold plating. Use a
strong magnet A magnetic draw on the item may indicate a magnetic
substrate under gold plating (gold alloys are not magnetic). As a
final and last resort analyze a spot, perform a deep file or grind,
and then analyze the same spot again. A reduced gold content (more
than 1-2%) indicates a thinning of the gold plating layer.
Slide 36
36 AuDIT Messages If AuDIT is not enabled, a white on black
message stating "AuDIT Disabled" will display on the Results Screen
while in Precious Metals Mode. If AuDIT detects what looks like
gold plating on the material, a black on red message stating "Gold
Plate Probable" will display on the Results Screen. If AuDIT
detects what may be gold plate, but isn't sure, a black on yellow
message stating "Gold Plate Suspect" will display on the Results
Screen. If AuDIT detects what is either unplated gold or very
thickly plated gold, a black on white message stating "Gold Plate
Not Detected" will display on the Results Screen. If AuDIT finds
too much Nickel in the sample, a black on yellow message stating
"High Ni Content" will display on the Results Screen. When AuDIT
finds a Karat rating less than 8.5 in the sample, a black on yellow
message stating "Low Karat" will display on the results Screen.
When AuDIT finds a Karat rating other than the standard Karats, a
black on yellow message stating "Non-Standard Karat" will display
on the results Screen.
Slide 37
37 Using your analyser PREPARATORY TASKS 1.Turn the analyser
on. Follow the screen instructions and Log On as the operator using
either the default password or a custom one as designated by the
user in an NDU file. See advanced settings for details. 2. Wait
five (5) minutes before using the analyser, allowing the instrument
electronics to stabilize. 3. Verify that the date is set properly
for data tracking purposes. See advanced settings for details. 4.
(Optional) Connect the analyser to a computer via the included USB
cable. 5. During analysis and detector calibrations, it is
important to ensure that the analyser is not exposed to strong
electromagnetic fields, including those produced by computer
monitors, hard drives, mobile telephones, walkie talkies, etc. Keep
a minimum two (2) feet (0.7 meters) distance between the analyser
and electronic devices. 6. From the Main Menu, select System Check
icon then the "Yes" button. 6.1. System Check calibrates the
detector and verifies it is operating to specifications. After
starting the process, no further user interaction is required
during this operation. When the instrument is finished performing
the check, the unit will show System OK. If the analyser shows any
other message displaying a fault contact Niton UK.
Slide 38
38 Using your analyser TAKING A MEASUREMENT 1Open the lid using
the push button on the front of the lid. 2Place the item to be
tested over the measurement window and close the lid. Use the
camera to line up the item. 3Press the start/stop button to start
the test and again to finish the test once you are happy with the
result. 4Once the test is finished you can open the lid and take
out the item. Opening the lid whilst the test is ongoing will end
the test. GENERAL TESTING PROTOCOL The analyser will often display
a correct alloy identification and accurate chemistry result before
the above specified time interval. If the accuracy meets the users
requirements, it is not necessary to measure for the full time.
Longer measurements might be necessary if low concentrations of
alloy elements must be determined. INSTRUMENT QC Measure the
supplied calibration check sample AT LEAST once a shift. If
correct, continue work. If incorrect, redo System Check and re-take
the past 2 hours of results. UNDERSIZED OR NON-CONTACT SAMPLES
(samples that do not make contact with or that do not fully cover
the measurement aperture) For samples that do not fully cover the
measurement aperture, increase the testing time by increasing the
time in inverse proportion to the decrease in percentage of
aperture covered. For example: a ring only covers of the aperture,
so increase the measurement time by two (e.g., from 10 to 20
seconds per filter for chemistry).
Slide 39
39 Averaging Forward Enables you to average different readings
together from this analysis forward. Select the Avg Forward button
to initiate future sample averaging. Avg Forward will set up an
automatic personal averaging protocol to be followed until your
analyser is shut down, or this feature is disabled. To begin,
select the number of readings you want to average from the virtual
numeric keypad. Your analyser will calculate an average reading
after that number of tests, and continue this pattern until
stopped. For example, if you select 3 on the virtual keypad, the
analyser will automatically calculate, average, and store a reading
for every three tests you take, storing the individual readings
along the way. The range number is selected using a virtual numeric
keypad on your analyser similar to the keypad used for login.
Select the digits in the range number from the keypad, then select
the E button to enter the number. The C button will clear all, and
the