Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence technique for detecting the level of arsenic in a sample of water or body fluid. Arsenic and lead are expected to fluoresce in a first energy band and lead is expected to also fluoresce separately in a second energy band. An excitation path directs x-rays toward the sample; a first detection path detects x-ray fluorescence of the first energy band from the sample; and a second detection path detects x-ray fluorescence of the second energy band from the sample. The level of arsenic can be obtained by analyzing the x-ray fluorescence from both detection paths, and using a constant which relates the level of lead in the second energy band to the level of lead in the first energy band. The excitation path and each detection path may each include a monochromating optic to transmit the desired x-ray energy band, e.g., a doubly curved optic.

Abstract: A fuel analysis system and method wherein an x-ray source emits x-rays at an energy level below but proximate the absorption edge of sulfur. A monochromator is in the optical path between the source and a fuel sample for directing x-rays at a single energy level at the fuel sample to limit excitation of any sulfur in the fuel sample. A detector is responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample and an analyzer is responsive to the detector and configured to determine the amount of silicon and aluminum in the sample.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for presenting a sample to a radiation interface of an analysis engine employing x-ray, neutron ray, gamma ray or particle-beam radiation to analyze the sample. A protective barrier, transparent to the radiation, and separating the sample from the engine, is moveable relative to the radiation interface, using a barrier movement system. The barrier in one embodiment is a film movable over a cavity in which the sample placed, and moveable with a system of reels to provide and retrieve a generally continuous supply of film over the cavity. The cavity may form a portion of a sample path through which the sample is moveable. If the sample path is pressurized, the film maintains the pressure during analysis of the sample by the analysis engine.

Abstract: A system, including a particulate matter analyzer and collecting filter, provides a method of analyzing and collecting samples from fluids, such as collecting particulate matter from air. A mass measuring unit and composition analyzing unit can be provided for either simultaneous or immediately consecutive measurements within a single instrument. The filter material can have an antistatic electricity characteristic and can be impregnated with reference material to enable calibration of the composition analyzing unit.

Abstract: The method for screening binding between a target binder and potential pharmaceutical chemicals involves sending a solution (preferably an aqueous solution) of the target binder through a conduit to a size exclusion filter, the target binder being too large to pass through the size exclusion filter, and then sending a solution of one or more potential pharmaceutical chemicals (preferably an aqueous solution) through the same conduit to the size exclusion filter after target binder has collected on the filter. The potential pharmaceutical chemicals are small enough to pass through the filter. Afterwards, x-rays are sent from an x-ray source to the size exclusion filter, and if the potential pharmaceutical chemicals form a complex with the target binder, the complex produces an x-ray fluorescence signal having an intensity that indicates that a complex has formed.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence measuring system and related measuring methods are disclosed, the system using X-ray energy at a level of less than 80 KeV may be directed toward a material, such as coal. The energy fluoresced may be detected (10) and used to measure the elemental composition of the material, including trace elements. The material may be moving or stationary.

Abstract: X-ray fluorescence analysis is used to determine wear of machine parts on a component-specific basis. The individual wetted wear surfaces of the machine are provided with a signature tagant composition, and as the components wear, the amounts of each tagant in the lubricating fluid are determined by the x-ray fluorescence analysis. An analysis system tracks the amounts of the tagants in the lubricating fluid, and with information of the signature tagant composition of each wear surface, calculates wear rate information for each of the wear surfaces. This component-specific wear information is then used in scheduling maintenance and predicting failures of the machine.

Abstract: A technique for analyzing fluids by means of x-ray fluorescence applicable to any fluid, including liquids and gases, which emit x-ray fluorescence when exposed to x-rays. The apparatus includes an x-ray source (82) including an x-ray tube (64) having improved heat dissipating properties due to a thermally-conductive, dielectric material (70, 1150). The x-ray tube also includes means for aligning (100, 2150, 2715) the tube with the source housing whereby the orientation of the x-ray beam produced by the source can be optimized, and stabilized over various operating conditions. The method and apparatus may also include an x-ray detector having a small-area, for example, a PIN-diode type semiconductor x-ray detector (120), that can provide effective x-ray detection at room temperature. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

Abstract: A device, system and method for detecting and measuring concentrations of elements in fluids comprises: flowing a fluid through a central flow interelectrode gap of an ionic preconcentration cell separating an upper high specific surface area electrode from a lower high specific surface area electrode of the ionic preconcentration cell by a predetermined interelectrode gap width; and applying a voltage differential between the upper high surface area electrode and the lower high surface area electrode while the fluid is flowing through the central flow interelectrode gap. As such, this cell that utilizes its inherent capacitance for double layer formation to extract ultra-trace levels of ionic contaminants from fluids in order to enhance detection by x-ray fluorescence analysis.

Abstract: To provide a sample retainer for X-ray fluorescence analysis, which is used in pretreating a liquid sample and then in X-ray fluorescence analysis of contents of such liquid sample, can sufficiently improve the limit of detection by suppressing the background and, also, allowing the fluorescent X-rays of a high intensity to be emitted uniformly, the sample retainer 5 comprises a ring-shaped pedestal 2; a hydrophobic film 3 of a thickness smaller than 10 ?m and having a peripheral portion 3a held by the pedestal and also having a transmitting portion 3b for passage of X-rays therethrough; and a sheet-like liquid absorbent element 4 applied to the transmitting portion 3b of the hydrophobic film 3 and having a thickness within the range of 1 to 100 ?m; wherein a liquid sample 1 is adapted to be dispensed dropwise onto and dried on the liquid absorbent element 4b with contents of the liquid sample 1 consequently retained thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides method, system and device for determining trabecular bone structure and strength by digital topological analysis, and offers, for the first time, a demonstration of superior associations between vertebral deformity and a number of architectural indices measured in the distal radius, thus permitting reliable and noninvasive detection and determination of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. A preferred embodiment provides imaging in three dimension of a region of trabecular bone, after which the 3D image is converted into a skeletonized surface representation. Digital topological analysis is applied to the converted image, and each image voxel is identified and classified as a curve, a surface, or a junction; and then associated with microarchitectural indices of trabecular bone to quantitatively characterize the trabecular bone network. The invention is applicable in vivo, particularly on human subjects, or ex vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are an X-ray fluorescence (SRF) spectrometer and method for on-site and in-line determination of contaminant elements in lubricating oils and in fuel oils on board a marine vessel. An XRF source block 13 contains two radionuclide sources 16, 17 (e.g. Cd 109 and Fe 55), each oriented 180 degrees from the other to excite separate targets. The Cd 109 source 16 excites sample lube oil flowing through a low molecular weight sample line 18. The Fe 55 source 17 excites fuel oil manually presented to the source beam inside a low molecular weight vial 26 or other container. Two separate detectors A and B are arranged to detect the fluorescent x-rays from the targets, photons from the analyte atoms in the lube oil for example, and sulfur identifying x-rays from bunker fuel oil for example. The system allows both automated in-line and manual on-site analysis using one set of signal processing and multi-channel analyzer electronics 34, 37 as well as one computer 39 and user interface 43.

Abstract: The invention concerns an X-ray analysis system for controlling the humidity of a sample, a method for its operation as well as a humidifying apparatus itself. The analysis system has means for dividing a gas flow stream into two portions and for emerging a membrane humidifier tube, containing one of the gas flows, in a water bath in which the gas passing through that tube is moisturized to a desired degree. The two gas flows are subsequently reunited at a controlled temperature to provide for combined moisturized gas at a desired temperature and humidity. The gas is then sprayed onto the sample and an excess moisturize gas vented from the chamber to maintain a moisturize gas sample without condensation of water on or near the sample.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence device and method are disclosed. The device includes a source block containing an X-ray source, a substantially X-ray transparent fluid flow path through the source block and proximate the X-ray source, and an X-ray detector separated from the X-ray source by the source block. First and second openings are provided in the source block between the X-ray source and the flow path and between the flow path and the detector respectively. In operation, source X-rays pass through the first opening and through the flow path. A portion of the source X-rays interact with a fluid in the flow path to create a fluid fluorescence response. The remainder of the source X-rays pass into a noise reduction cavity of the source block. The detector receives the portion of the fluid fluorescence response passing through the second opening and produces an output indicative of the presence and amount of selected components in the fluid.

Abstract: The use of semiconductor nanocrystals as detectable labels in various chemical and biological applications is disclosed. The methods find use for detecting a single analyte, as well as multiple analytes by using more than one semiconductor nanocrystal as a detectable label, each of which emits at a distinct wavelength.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence device and method are disclosed. The device includes a source block containing an X-ray source, a substantially X-ray transparent fluid flow path through the source block and proximate the X-ray source, and an X-ray detector separated from the X-ray source by the source block. First and second openings are provided in the source block between the X-ray source and the flow path and between the flow path and the detector respectively. In operation, source X-rays pass through the first opening and through the flow path. A portion of the source X-rays interact with a fluid in the flow path to create a fluid fluorescence response. The remainder of the source X-rays pass into a noise reduction cavity of the source block. The detector receives the portion of the fluid fluorescence response passing through the second opening and produces an output indicative of the presence and amount of selected components in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which one or more taggants that are intrinsically located—or extrinsically placed—in an article or product, such as carpet. The taggants are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or verify the article or its point of manufacture. The taggants are manufactured as part of the article or the taggant is placed into a coating, label, or otherwise embedded within the article for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence, thus determining the unique elemental composition of the taggant within the article.

Abstract: A method for measuring bonding agent content and distribution in a composite product that includes bonding agent and cellulosic material. The method involves using a bonding agent that includes electronegative functional groups and an X-ray active cationic label bonded with the functional groups in the manufacture of the composite product. The cellulosic material is exposed to X-rays to generate a characteristic fluorescence signal from the label. The X-ray fluorescence of the label is measured to determine the amount and distribution of the label in the cellulosic material and thereby the amount and distribution of the bonding agent in the composite product. The present invention also provides a bonding agent composition useful for determining the distribution of the bonding agent in a composite product comprising a bonding agent containing electronegative functional groups and a label compound that includes positively charged ions to emit characteristic fluorescence when exposed to X-rays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the phase volume fractions for a multiphase oil well effluent is disclosed. The apparatus measures multiple energy gamma ray attenuations through the effluent mixture, and the method determines the phase volume fractions from these measurements when the mixture is under inhomogeneous flow conditions. The apparatus includes a pipe section with a Venturi through which the mixture flows. A source of radiation transmits rays at two or more energy levels through the mixture. A solid state detector measures the transmitted attenuation count rates. A low absorption window of a truncated cone shape is preferably incorporated in lieu of the pipe wall in the area of the detector. The method comprises measuring ray attenuation, in the two-energy example, at one high energy emission line, to differentiate between the gas and liquid components, and at a relatively lower energy emission line, to differentiate between the oil and water phases within the liquid component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals associated to a compound, wherein the nanocrystals have a characteristic spectral emission, wherein said spectral emission is tunable to a desired wavelength by controlling the size of the nanocrystal, and wherein said emission provides information about a biological state or event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals associated to a compound, wherein the nanocrystals have a characteristic spectral emission, wherein said spectral emission is tunable to a desired wavelength by controlling the size of the nanocrystal, and wherein said emission provides information about a biological state or event.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described which is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more of these semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring metallic impurities within a fluid by X-ray fluorescence in which a sample stream flowing at a constant flow rate is passed through a microporous filter. The microporous filter contains substantially no metallic impurities and is configured to adsorb the particulate solid phase and vapor phase of the compounds. Excitation of the metallic compounds by X-ray produces an X-ray florescence having an intensity that can be measured. The change in intensity is compared with that produced by a calibrated inflow of a standard gas sample to derive the impurity concentration. In a preferred embodiment, the filter is housed within a chamber having a window that is preferably fabricated from Beryllium so as not to appreciably attenuate the X-rays.

Abstract: A luminescent semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described which is capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation (luminescing) in a narrow wavelength band and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation--when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source (of narrow or broad bandwidth) or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule.

Abstract: A compact X-ray fluorescence spectrometer system dedicated to in-line, real-time analysis of wear metal particles in a lubricant used in a lubricating system that comprises a sample chamber, an X-ray source assembly, and an X-ray detector assembly. The sample chamber is substantially composed of a non-metallic material and has a cylindrical shape. The sample chamber is adapted for in-line connection to the lubrication system of the machine such that the sample chamber provides a passageway through which the lubricant flows. The sample chamber has an X-ray transparent window formed therein that allows the passage of X-rays so that the presence of wear metal particles can be detected in the lubricant. A high intensity, relatively small spot incident X-ray source assembly is configured to provide a source of X-rays directed toward the sample chamber such that said X-rays pass through the window in the sample chamber and contact the lubricant flowing therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an equipment for determining the content of an element from a flowing sample mass (1) by utilizing x-ray fluorescence, in which method the sample mass (1) is irradiated with x-ray or gamma radiation; the radiation emitted by the sample mass is detected; an energy-dispersive radiation spectrum of the radiation emitted by the sample mass is determined; and the content of the element is determined from the measured radiation spectrum on the basis of the intensity of the radiation spectrum window characteristic of this element.

Abstract: An apparatus for the analysis of a solution by X-ray fluorescence.This apparatus includes means (12, 14) for the excitation and analysis of the solution, means (4) for receiving the solution and an element (6) integral with the receiving means and positioned opposite an area of the receiving means which is transparent to the X-radiation, the element when it is excited, emitting an X-radiation distinct from that emitted by the solution, which allows any measurement drift that is liable to occur to be corrected during the analysis.Application to the analysis of solutions containing actinides.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the Sulfur component contained in oil includes an X-ray tube having a target made of Titanium or Scandium, a filter made of Titanium or Scandium for filtering said X-ray radiated from the X-ray tube, a measurement cell for introducing a sample to be measured therein, and a detector for detecting fluorescent X-rays radiated from the sample. According to the invention, the X-ray tube has a target made of Titanium or Scandium and the X-rays generated from the X-ray tube are filtered by the filter, which is made of Titanium or Scandium, so that the background of the X-rays for the measurement against the fluorescent X-rays of the Sulfur is reduced and therefore even a small amount of Sulfur contained in the sample can be correctly detected.

Abstract: A method of measurement of abnormal wear debris and particulate contamination in machine components by oil analysis comprising the steps of:passing oil through a filter of selected pore size such that the filter entraps most larger abnormal wear particles and excludes most smaller normal wear particles;placing the filter in an x-ray spectrometer; andconverting the measured x-ray intensities of the particles trapped in the filter to a quantitative value indicating the species and concentration of abnormal wear particles and contamination particles in the oil.

Abstract: A sample cup for holding a speciman to be analyzed by x-ray spectroscopy, comprises an enclosure having at least one wall and two open ends. The sample cup also includes sample support means removably attached to each of the two open ends and sample loading means located on the at least one wall for filling the sample cup with the speciman to be analyzed.

Abstract: A double open-ended sample holder for sample material for X-ray spectroscopic analysis including a cylindrical body containing the sample material and having top and bottom open faces. An analytic film is mounted tautly across the lower face, and a microporous film positioned across the upper face cell passes gases generated by X-rays striking the sample material but does not pass harmful particle materials contained in the cell. Upper and lower rings mounted to the cylindrical body secure the lower and upper films to the body. A handling support connected to the top securing ring provides a grip for a tool used in the process of remotely raising or lowering the sample holder relative to placement into or removal from an X-ray cassette. The handling support is spaced from the microporous film so that gases generated in the cell are allowed to escape across the microporous film at a maximum rate of evacuation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the application of on-line or inprocess elemental analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and in particular to improvements in the field of continuously analyzing flowing dry powder samples from processes such as raw mix cement, iron ore, slag, mineral concentrates, concentrator feeds, phosphate, food products and similar materials.

Abstract: A fluorescent X-ray analyzer having a source of X-rays and a detector for measuring fluorescent X-rays utilizes a sample cell having an inner and outer cell frame that captures an X-ray transmissive member. The inner cell frame has a lower surface co-planar with a sample measuring surface defined by the X-ray transmissive member. A sample cell stand assembly includes an outer cell frame member and an inner cell frame member with respective apertures. An X-ray transmissive member extends across the central apertures. The inner stand frame member contacts the inner cell frame member to provide a fixed distance relationship between the detector and the sample measuring surface.

Abstract: Analyzing sludgy materials by exposing the flowing material in continuous action to x-ray radiation and by measuring the radiation thus created in the said material, according to the invention, the radiation emitted from the material is measured with respect to the intensities of both x-ray fluorescence radiation and x-ray diffraction radiation, and these intensities are combined in order to form a parameter which describes the proportions of the partial components in a given compound combination. Moreover, the detectors employed in the measurement of the radiation intensities are placed at the same cross-sectional plane of the analyzer.

Abstract: The ash content of coal suspended in a slurry is determined by bombarding a sample of the slurry flowing past a window of a measuring chamber with radiation from an annular nucleonic source, such as Cm-244, for emitting radiation within the range of about 7 to about 30 KeV and causing the sample to emit both backscattered and iron fluorescent x-rays. These x-rays are detected by a radiation detector which produces first and second electrical signals representative of the intensity of each. The density of the sample flowing from the measuring chamber is measured, such as by a nucelonic density gauge, to produce an electrical signal representative of the density and the ash content is determined from the detected intensities of the backscattered and iron fluorescent x-rays and the sample density.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting heavy metals in an oil sample which radiates X-rays from a target type X-ray tube through an iron filter and then upon a sample cell containing the oil to be measured therein and detects fluorescent X-rays excited in the oil by an energy dispersion type fluorescent X-ray detector.

Abstract: A system and a method for mounting a thin transparent film across the open face of a sample holder for X-ray spectroscopic fluorescence analysis. The system includes a flexible, tapered cylindrical ring member snap-mounted over a matching tapered portion of an annular wall of the holder body which presses a first portion of the skirt of the film against the tapered annular wall. An outer cylindrical closure sleeve snap-mounted to the annular wall presses additional portions of the film skirt against the annular wall. A rim flange of the closure sleeve holds the ring member in position. An optional O-ring snap-mounted to the annular wall of the holder body presses another portion of the film skirt to the holder body. The method includes sliding the ring member over and snap-mounting it to the holder body followed by passing the closure sleeve over the ring member and snap-mounting it to the holder body so as to position and tauten the film in stages.

Abstract: A disposable sample holder with a handling support for X-ray spectroscopic analysis of harmless or noxious powders, slurries, liquids, or gases, which includes a handling support for safe handling of the sample holder by either local or remote means. The handling support includes a stem extending from the surface of a cap or outer cover for the holder and a gripping member surmounting the stem. The handling support is designed for local tool handling by an operator or for remote handling by a controlled robot mechanism. Optionally, the handling support is provided with a septum through which a liquid, volatile, or gaseous sample material may be loaded into a closed sample holder by insertion of a hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A cell for introducing fluid to be examined into a radiation path. The cell is constructed of metallic back and face plates, the back plate has a cavity for the fluid while the face plate presents a cavity with a thin layer of metal defining an aperture for X-rays.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of each of two salts in a liquid medium is disclosed. Sound velocity, X-ray absorption and temperature information are used to determine the respective concentrations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for X-ray spectrum analysis of flowing material, and particularly where the material has two phases such as a suspension. A flow of gas or floats are used to separate the flowing material from an X-ray window in a casing containing an X-ray source and detector, which casing is located directly in the stream of flowing material. The gas flow provides a protective curtain across the window. An electrode structure is moveably mounted adjacent to the window and enables the solid state phase to be deposited for separate analysis of the solid and liquid phases of the flowing material.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring the elemental contents of a slurry ndependent of the slurry density and slurry composition, by utilizing X-ray fluorescence analysis. The apparatus includes a measuring chamber with a slurry flow channel and a first measuring window disposed on one side of the channel and a second measuring window disposed on the other side of the channel. A first source of primary radiation and a target are disposed behind the second measuring window. A detector is disposed behind the first measuring window. An annular source of primary radiation is provided around an open passage formed by a collimator between the detector and the first measuring window. The collimator collimates the primary radiation and the target radiation as well as the X-ray radiation excited by the first source and the annular source.

Abstract: The pressure of a gas in a closed vessel can be non-destructively read by irradiating the closed vessel with x-rays. The irradiated gases in the vessel emit x-rays characteristic of various gases within the vessel. The characteristic x-rays, which pass out of the vessel, are discriminated and their intensity count converted to a pressure reading.

Abstract: The salt content of a fluid in a pipeline or container in petroleum producing or refining operations is determined by obtaining a measure of water cut of an oil-water-free gas fluid mixture. The conductivity of the fluid is measured by radio frequency (RF) induction techniques, while the density of the fluid is measured and related to the liquid phase fraction of the fluid using gamma radiation techniques. The conductivity and liquid phase fraction are then used to determine salt content of the liquid phase.