In contrast, the Perl'X system, manufactured for more than 10 years by Soled Industries of France, uses an induction furnace to melt flux around samples to form solid fused beads that can be analysed. Perl'X produces consistent samples which are stable enough to be stored for repeat measurements or for recalibration of the system. The equipment was developed by Soled Industries of France into a commercial product with the financial support of three contracts from the European Union's steel industry research and development programme, CECA-Acier. Although Perl'X was aimed originally at the steel industry, X-ray fluorescence analysis is also used widely in industries such as cement manufacturing and mining. The aim was to fully automate the production and analysis of samples, partly to eliminate inconsistencies and errors that can occur when laboratory staff carry out steps such as weighing of samples and cleaning the melting crucibles.
Speed is also important.
In a steel works, for example, every minute spent waiting for steel slag to be analysed before adjustments can be made to the production processes means a large and expensive waste of heat. The IAX robotic system has been developed by Soled as an additional option for Perl'X users. The melting is carried out typically in three steps. A sample normally weighs 6,000-7,000 mg, and must be weighed with an accuracy of 5 mg. The IAX robotic system is based on a Perl'X and includes stations for bead extraction, weighing, washing of crucibles and bead storage and handling.