PRESS RELEASE: Geologists, mining companies and environmental laboratories can now generate x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis faster in the field using the Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 handheld XRF analyser. The newest update to the Niton XL5 analyser includes the introduction of mining and soil modes. The Niton XL5 analyser is the smallest and lightest handheld XRF analyser available today for elemental determination and features a powerful 5W x-ray tube.
The new mining mode is designed to allow geologists and mining companies in early and late stage exploration, as well as in mining operations, to accurately determine, measure and evaluate the elemental composition of geological samples from magnesium to uranium, within seconds. The resulting data enables mining companies to locate on site and in real time the most viable resources. Soil mode is designed to enable regulatory bodies, such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, and environmental laboratories to detect and quantify heavy metals. Users of the Niton XL5 analyser can measure low levels of environmental pollutants, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, arsenic, nickel, copper, chromium and zinc.
The Niton XL5 analyser is designed to allow users to observe increased analytical performance and lower limits of detection (LODs) over legacy Thermo Scientific Niton XRF analysers. New accessories also include the Thermo Scientific mini test stand, which is lightweight, collapsible and designed to improve portability, and the Thermo Scientific soil guard and backscatter shield.
“The mining and soil analysis industries are increasingly challenged to determine the content of materials quickly and onsite in order to decrease the need for costly, time-consuming lab analysis,” said Julie Planchet, vice-president/general manager, field and safety instruments for Thermo Fisher. “Adding mining and soil modes brings the power and accuracy of the Niton XL5 analyser to new potential users while increasing its flexibility for our existing customers.”
The Niton XL5, the newest analyser in the Niton product line, is designed to improve upon the capabilities of the Thermo Scientific Niton XL3 handheld XRF analyser. Weighing 1.3kg with a compact, ergonomic design, the Niton XL5 is intended to reduce operator fatigue, while providing fast and accurate results. In addition to embedded GPS, the newest software update to the Niton XL5 will also include Bluetooth GPS. Additionally, the new update is designed to allow users to adjust the analyser based on results of reference samples, and enter their own calfactors in order to increase the accuracy of analysis.
