To make an XRF sample, follow these steps:
1. Confirm the sample requirements of the XRF spectrometer: Determine the size of the sample that the spectrometer accepts. Common sizes for round XRF pellets are 32 mm or 40 mm diameter. Note if any user intervention is required for the pellet ejection step.
2. Mill the sample into a fine powder: Grind the sample into a fine powder with a grain size of less than 75 um. This ensures optimal distribution and evenness of the X-ray fluorescence sample, leading to better accuracy, repeatability, and consistency of results.
3. Prepare liquid samples: If you have liquid samples, pour the liquid into a cup and use a suitable film as a seal. Choose a film that provides enough support and transmission while keeping the sample free of contaminants.
4. Prepare solid samples: Solid samples can be prepared as pressed pellets or fused beads. Pressed pellets are commonly used and produced by grinding the sample to a grain size of less than 75 um. If the sample does not bind during pressing, a wax binder can be added in a proportion of 20-30% to assist with binding.
5. Mix the powdered sample with a binder/grinding aid: In a grinding or mixing vessel, mix the fine powdered sample with a binder or grinding aid. This helps to bind the particles together during pressing. The choice of binder can vary depending on the sample and its characteristics.
6. Pour the mixture into a pressing die: Transfer the mixture into a pressing die. The die size should match the desired pellet size. The mixture should be evenly distributed within the die.
7. Press the sample: Apply pressure to the pressing die to compress the mixture and form a pellet. The pressing pressure typically ranges between 15 and 35 tons. This pressure ensures the pellet is compact and homogeneous.
8. Analyze the pellet: Once the pressing is complete, the resulting pellet or tablet is ready for XRF analysis. The pellet should be of appropriate thickness for accurate analysis.
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