Fusion Monitors For X-Ray Fluorescence X Analysis

Modern analytical laboratories require tools to assess uncertainties at every step of the analytical process. Borate fusion combined with X-Ray fluorescence has often been demonstrated to be essential for the determination of major elements in cements, ores and a large number of other matrixes. However, drift and bias contributions from the fusion technique, burner position, fluxer to fluxer, mould effects and other contributors were difficult to assess and quantify. The Fusion Monitors from Claisse are introduced as a novel quality control approach to quantify and validate the correction of drift and bias related to the fusion technique. A Fusion Monitor for the analysis of cement is available for the first time and allows quick, easy and error-free monitoring of the complete XRF-fusion analytic process. Amongst other attributes, the ability of the Fusion Monitor to track a 1.5 % SiO2 drift over an 82 day period is demonstrated.