Question 1

Does the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer have GPS capability?

Accepted Answer

The Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer can simultaneously operate an internal GPS and connect to an external GPS. High resolution external GPS provides greater accuracy when needed. When both systems are enabled and connected, the external GPS overrides the internal system. If the external GPS shuts down, the internal GPS automatically becomes the primary system and provides coordinates.

Question 2

Does the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability?

Accepted Answer

Wi-Fi is used to connect the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer to public and private wireless networks through wireless access points (WAPs) such as Wi-Fi routers and other hotspot devices. Unsecured networks are not supported.

Bluetooth connectivity is enabled from the Settings Page of the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer's Touch Screen and can be used to establish a wireless connection between the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer and a portable printer or barcode scanner.

Question 3

What happens if the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer battery is drained during a job?

Accepted Answer

Batteries for the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer are designed to be hot-swappable. Capacitors in the unit maintain function of the instrument for 5 to 10 seconds after the batteries have been removed, so that a fresh battery can be substituted with no down time and reboot.

Question 4

What is the size of the measurement spot of the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer?

Accepted Answer

The area of analysis for theNiton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer is typically 8 mm in diameter. Using our patented Small Spot, the area of analysis is confined to a 3 mm diameter area and is suitable to measure the composition of welds or inclusions in the samples.

Question 5

Can we take pictures of samples while operating the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer?

Accepted Answer

The Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer has two cameras:

- A macro camera to take a wide angle image of the material to be analyzed for documentation purpose. A tag can be placed on the image to indicate the exact spot where analysis will be made.
- A micro camera to visualize the analyzed area and position the elemental analyzer correctly.

The macro and/or micro images can be automatically saved with the reading.

Question 6

How many alloys are included in the standard Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer libraries?

Accepted Answer

More than 1,000 grades of alloys are defined in three default libraries based on:

- SAE, AISI, ASTM, AA standards
- DIN standards
- GB standards

Additionally, users may edit and clone existing libraries or create their own.

Question 7

Which Measurement Modes are available on the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer?

Accepted Answer

The Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer is available with the following modes; however, check with a representative for the latest information:

- General Metals: for identifying and analyzing industrial alloys such as steel, super alloys, aluminum, copper, titanium alloys, etc.
- Precious Metals: to provide accurate assay of precious metals alloys
- Coatings: to determine the coat weight or the coating thickness of metals
- Mining: to analyze geological materials in exploration and mining process
- Soils: for heavy metals-related risk assessment and site modeling
- Spectral Fingerprint: to identify unknown samples based on their spectra signature

Question 8

How accurate is the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF analyzer?

Accepted Answer

The Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer is pre-calibrated with one or more Measurements Modes that meet the customer's needs in terms of application(s). Most of the Measurement Modes leverage a proprietary Fundamental Parameter (FP) based calibration. The algorithms used in the FP calibrations account for composition variability by correcting for absorption and secondary excitation effects arising from the matrix to deliver accurate results in the field.

Question 9

What is Raman spectroscopy?

Accepted Answer

In Raman spectroscopy, an unknown sample of material is illuminated with monochromatic (single wavelength or single frequency) laser light, which can be absorbed, transmitted, reflected, or scattered by the sample. Light scattered from the sample is due to either elastic collisions of the light with the sample's molecules (Rayleigh scatter) or inelastic collisions (Raman scatter). Whereas Rayleigh scattered light has the same frequency (wavelength) of the incident laser light, Raman scattered light returns from the sample at different frequencies corresponding to the vibrational frequencies of the bonds of the molecules in the sample.

If you wish to learn more about Raman spectroscopy, visit our online Raman Spectroscopy Academy (https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis-learning-center/molecular-spectroscopy-information/raman-technology.html), where you will find basic Raman tutorials, advanced Raman webinars on sample applications, and a helpful instrument guide.

Question 10

Using the Beer-Lambert law in FTIR ATR for quantitative analysis of a time-sensitive, migrating substance (e.g., erucamide) in a polymer is difficult. How can this be overcome?

Accepted Answer

The Beer-Lambert law is based on stable samples and reproducible conditions. In ATR, you have two concerns. First, the sample must make contact with the crystal in a consistent manner. If the material is rough or crystalline, you must ensure reproducibility. Grinding the material to a fine powder may be necessary. Second, ATR is a surface technique, examining the sample to a depth of around 1-4 microns. If the additive or target molecule is migrating further away, you will lose the signal. In this case, transmission, which illuminates the entire sample and entire thickness, may be a viable option (depending upon thickness). In some cases, the application of pressure can change the signal due to changes in the crystallinity or orientation of polymer strands in the sample. Any deeper insights would require an understanding of the specific sample involved.

Question 11

What types of sampling cells and detectors are used for protein analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)?

Accepted Answer

One key experimental step in protein analysis is the removal of the water bands (most proteins are in buffers). This requires highly controlled path-length transmission cells or ATR. Most historical work was done in 6-10 micron path length transmission cells using BaF2 or similar windows. The analytical region is roughly between 1400 and 1750cm-1 where these windows are transmissive. Recently, ATR devices using silicon, germanium, or diamond windows have become more prevalent. Reactions or binding of proteins to the crystal can occur with ZnSe devices (due to surface charges); sometimes this is desired but often it is not. Most of the literature is based on transmission cells. Protein analysis requires skill and consistency, so training is essential for most laboratories.

Question 12

What is the advantage of DRIFTS compared to ATR technique in Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)? What is the difference?

Accepted Answer

DRIFTS is used in both mid-IR and near-IR. In the mid-IR, DRIFTS requires the sample be blended with diluents like KBr, with 3-10% sample. This is typically undesirable as the sample is now mixed. However, DRIFTS is heavily used in catalysis research where powdered material is exposed to high temperature, elevated pressures, and mixtures of reactant gases. Several accessory suppliers make devices specific for this. In the near-IR, DRIFTS is used without dilution through direct measurement - many hand-held probes exist allowing analysis through a container wall (like plastic bags) meaning the sample can be analyzed without touching or contaminating it.

ATR involves making contact with the sample by forcing it into contact with a crystal. ATR generally does not require dilution and works well with solids like credit cards or car bumpers which would be tough in DRIFTS. ATR has, for the most part, displaced DRIFTS in the mid-IR except in special cases, while DRIFTS remains a method of choice in the near-IR world.

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