Rigaku NEX QC EDXRF for Analysis of Iron in Aluminum

Austin, TX. June 27, 2012.

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. today announced a new empirical method for the analysis of iron in aluminum. Application Note #1237 demonstrates the performance and versatility of the Rigaku NEX QC energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyzer for qualitative screening of low and high grade aluminum,

Commercial production of aluminum begins with the separation of aluminum oxide from the iron oxide in bauxite, the primary source of aluminum. The alumina, silica and iron content of the ore samples help determine purity and alloy quality, thus playing a significant role in the selection of a bauxite mine site.

The concentration of iron is also particularly important during the smelting process to control the grade of the aluminum produced. The levels of iron are therefore closely monitored in the QA/QC process, which requires a simple and fast analysis in order to maintain the optimum product output. The Rigaku NEX QC is designed to be an ideal tool for the non-destructive measurement of iron and other elements in aluminum.

For this application, data were collected from disk samples approximately 8 cm diameter and 1 cm thick, cut from an extrusion billet cylinder. Three assayed standards were used for calibration. Each standard was measured once using a 100 second analysis time. The results show NEX QC provides excellent performance for the measurement of iron in aluminum. Spectral results also show the versatility of the analyzer for qualitative screening of low and high grade aluminum, as well as the capability to screen for other elements in the process.

A copy of this report may be requested at: www.rigakuedxrf.com/edxrf/app-notes.html?id=1237_AppNote

About Rigaku

Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on life sciences and general purpose analytical instrumentation. With hundreds of major innovations to its credit, Rigaku and its subsidiary companies are world leaders in the fields of small molecule and protein crystallography, X-ray spectrometry and diffraction, X-ray optics, as well as semiconductor metrology. Rigaku employs over 1,100 people globally and its products are in use in more than 70 countries – supporting research, development, production control and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial community. Visit www.rigakuedxrf.com.