New Application Brief Details At-Line Micronutrient Analysis Using ED-XRF Spectroscopy

The ability to conduct at-line micronutrient analysis using ED-XRF spectroscopy at the point of production is detailed in a new application brief from Spectro Analytical Instruments, available to download at http://xrf.spectro.com/micronutrient.

The brief, ‘At-Line Micronutrient Analysis Using ED-XRF Spectroscopy at the Point of Production’, details the significant advantages of at-line elemental analysis for product quality control and consistency in micronutrient analysis, while maximising production throughput.

Both the recent use of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and alternate colorimetric methods for manufacturing quality control purposes present drawbacks for producers, according to the paper. These include the need to transport samples from the production line to a laboratory for analysis, and the lengthy time that is required for extensive sample preparation.

In contrast, the advantages of at-line elemental analysis are many. The foremost benefit, according to the brief, is that with a new-generation portable ED-XRF spectrometer, elemental analysis can performed directly on a sample and usually with little preparation, at the production line or anywhere in the plant.

In addition, the use of a new, carefully-selected ED-XRF instrument in performing at-line elemental analysis can deliver the level of accuracy previously found only in the laboratory. Moreover, the paper notes, employing at-line elemental analysis can help boost production throughput, reduce costs, and provide the manufacturing process with far more flexibility than ever before.

As a guide, the brief also provides a series of critical factors for readers to consider when specifying and comparing various at-line ED-XRF spectrometers for micronutrient analysis.

The new application brief, ‘At-Line Micronutrient Analysis Using ED-XRF Spectroscopy at the Point of Production’, is available for download at http://xrf.spectro.com/micronutrient.