Abstract: An on-line X-ray fluorescent monitoring system uses a probe having an X-ray transmitter and a fluorescent X-ray detector placed adjacent a recessed chamber in a coal feed line having an X-ray transparent window. Pulverized coal traveling through the coal feed line collects in the recessed chamber and rests against the X-ray transparent window where it is bombarded by excitation X-rays from the transmitter. The probe receives fluorescence from the X-ray excited coal and transmits the data to a data acquisition and control means for analysis and use. A pressurized air tube is provided at the base of the recessed chamber for blowing accumulated pulverized coal out of the recessed chamber and back into the feed line, thereby allowing a new sample portion of pulverized coal to settle into the recessed chamber for analysis. The on-line analyzer can also be used to determine concentrations of other elements of interest in the pulverized coal, such as iron, chlorine, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a target analyte diffused in a wall of a metal member provides a sample of the metal member which is cut to progressively reduce a wall thickness of the sample from zero at a first point on the sample to a selected depth at a second point on the sample. An x-ray analyzing system having an analyzing slot is moved past the sample between the first and second points. Data from the x-ray analyzing system during the translation of the sample is collected to analyze the analyte content.