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Sample preparation for XRF
analysis of geological or
mining materials and otherinorganic samples

Sample preparation of geological materials, processsamples and other related mining materials is a very
important procedure in X-ray fluorescence analysis. This
starts with an initial sample selection and subsequentpreparation (i.e. crushing and milling) and ends up witha fine-grained powder (ideally < 50 μm). Borate fusionand pellet pressing are the two most common methodsof sample preparation for X-ray fluorescence analysis ofsuch materials.

Crushing

Therefore, the role of glass disks is extremely importantin setting up reference calibrations for determining
in-house standards for the production of control
calibrations. This can be achieved by using Malvern
Panalytical fusion instruments.

Grinding
It is necessary to grind the material into a fine powder tominimize undesired particle size effects and allow further
processing like pressing or fusion.

Crushing of the material is required to reduce its size
and allow further processing such as representative
subsampling, homogenization and grinding.

Pressing

FusionYou can press pellets into Al cups or steel rings. The useof binders is usually required to achieve the necessary
mechanical stability and robustness. Malvern Panalyticalalso offers the ultra-wax binder to prepare high-quality
pellets for the most demanding applications. This binder(and other consumable products) is available from theeStore for some countries.

For applications where accuracy and reproducibility
play a significant role, you can dissolve the sample
into a molten glass-forming flux at high temperatures.
This ultimately results in a completely homogeneous
glass disk. The particle size and matrix effects are theneliminated.
It is difficult to obtain suitable standards that have thesame particle size, mineralogy, surface roughness andsegregation characteristics as the production samples.

www.malvernpanalytical.com

Pressed pellets are often used in production control,
especially if the calibration ranges are narrow.

Our expertise in fusion

MiniMill

Malvern Panalytical provides the most complete setof solutions regarding sample preparation by fusion toimprove efficiency in the laboratory and to ensure thebest analytical results. We develop automated fusion
instruments powered by gas or electricity that canprocess from one to six beads simultaneously. We sella wide range of chemicals, fluxes and consumables tocustomers all around the world.

MiniMill 2 is a compact benchtop
planetary ball mill for highly
reproducible, low-cost grinding.
Its features include variable andprogrammable grinding speeds,timer, short grinding times and highfineness ratings.

TheOx Advanced

Eagon 2

Why is sample preparation important?
• To get the material in the correct form
to fit into the spectrometer.
• To minimize effects such as particle size effect,mineralogical effect, surface roughness, etc.
One of the many benefits of X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
spectrometry and X-ray diffraction (XRD) is that theyrequire only very simple preparation of samples foranalysis. However, XRF and XRD deliver the mostaccurate and reliable measurements when close attention
is paid to this vital part of the analytical process.

The automated laboratory
Within an automated laboratory, the complete sample
transportation, preparation, and analysis process can beautomated. Our automation projects can cover all steps
involved in process control and quality control:• Sample treatment before sending
LeNeo

M4

Analytical services
We can help you with the characterization of your sample
as a RM Malvern Panalytical’s facility in Nottingham isa center of excellence for X-ray fluorescence analysis
together with standards development and production.
The laboratory offers ISO 17025 accredited analyticalservices (under UKAS) for specific applications and canoffer customized analysis of more diverse applications
under the same infrastructure and protocols.
Malvern Panalytical’s facility in Nottingham has theprestigious accreditation as a Reference Material
Producer, accredited to ISO 17034 for both synthetic andnatural materials by the United Kingdom Accreditation
Service (UKAS).

• Sample transportation to and within the laboratory• Preparation of thesample material• Sample analysis andresults distribution• Control of theautomated laboratory• Container solutions
In addition to being theworld’s leading supplier for
X-ray instruments, Malvern
Panalytical recognizes theadded value of X-ray systems
in an integrated automatedlaboratory.

Malvern Panalyticalwww.malvernpanalytical.com

Grovewood Road, Malvern,
Worcestershire, WR14 1XZ,
United Kingdom

Lelyweg 1,7602 EA Almelo,The Netherlands

Tel. +44 1684 892456
Fax. +44 1684 892789

Tel. +31 546 534 444
Fax. +31 546 534 598

Disclaimer: Although diligent care has been used to ensure that the information in this material is accurate, nothing herein can be construed to imply any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, correctness or completenessof this information and we shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for damages in connection with the use of this material. Malvern Panalytical reserves the right to change the content in this material at any time without notice.
Copyright: © 2021 Malvern Panalytical. This publication or any portion thereof may not be copied or transmitted without our express written permission. PN12871

Our expertise is reflected in services such as theselection and production of calibration standards,
method development and on-site training. These services
are contributing to an unsurpassed offer on the market.