Abstract: A melting work device and a melting work method by which work can be easily performed on a melting furnace without a worker approaching the melting furnace. A melting work device performs work on a melt obtained by melting a material in a melting furnace. The melting work device has a drive mechanism; and a plurality of work tools that are operated by the drive mechanism; wherein the drive mechanism is able to move the work tools in an arbitrary direction at an arbitrary location above the melting furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, comprising: a detector configured to determine a number of photons of one or more characteristic X-rays emitted by a chemical element in the electrolyte and received by the detector, within a period of time; a processor configured to determine a concentration of the chemical element in the electrolyte based on the number; a controller configured to replenish the chemical element into the electrolyte or configured to stop electroplating with the electrolyte, based on the concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of polymer materials on the basis of the fluorescence decay time of the intrinsic fluorescence of the polymer materials for definite sorting in a completely separated manner. The invention further relates to marking with fluorescent dyes, which, because of the specific fluorescence decay times of the fluorescent dyes, can further increase the sorting reliability by means of redundancy and can be used to identify particular batches.

Abstract: A system and method of sample cell arrays for performing small-angle X-ray scattering on solutions containing biomolecules and/or other solutes. The sample cell array includes sample cells having a cylindrical cross-section and side walls that are thin compared with their diameter, and preferably made of a compliant material. The cylindrical cells are attached to top and bottom substrates, each with a high transmittance X-ray window, with their axis perpendicular to the respective substrate. The cells are loaded with buffer and buffer+biomolecule solution from an initially open top end. A top substrate (with a sealing cap and the X-ray window) is pushed down onto the cylindrical cells. On cooling to cryogenic temperatures, the thermal contraction of the sample relative to the sample cells does not cause large stresses to develop in the sample once it solidifies and cause sample cracking.

Abstract: Sample holder for a material testing device, said sample holder comprising: —a holder body having an end face defining a plane; —a sample plate arranged at said end face of the holder body and arranged to receive a sample; —a clamping arrangement. According to the invention, said clamping arrangement comprises a clamping ring comprising:—a cylindrical portion sized to fit over said holder body; —an annular flange extending inwardly from an extremity of the cylindrical portion; —a plurality of resilient tongues extending inwardly from said annular flange; —a plurality of helical slots distributed around the cylindrical portion and each arranged to interact with a corresponding stud provided on said holder body, each helical slot comprising a plurality of notches provided at the edge of the slot situated away from the flange.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence analyzer including an X-ray tube for emitting incident X-rays in the direction of a first optical axis. A slurry handling unit is configured to maintain a constant distance between a sample of slurry and the X-ray tube. A first crystal diffractor is located in a first direction from the slurry handling unit. The first crystal diffractor includes a first crystal and a first radiation detector configured to detect fluorescent X-rays diffracted by the first crystal at a first energy resolution. A second crystal diffractor is located in a second direction from the slurry handling unit. The second crystal diffractor includes a second crystal and a second radiation detector configured to detect fluorescent X-rays diffracted by the second crystal at a second energy resolution.

Abstract: An X-ray source (10) for generating X-rays (11) is provided. The X-ray source (10) comprises an emitter arrangement (12) for generating electrons or for generating X-rays, at least one feedthrough (38) for supplying electrical power to the emitter arrangement (12), and an insulator (20) configured for isolating an electrical potential of the at least one feedthrough (38) from a ground potential. Therein, the at least one feedthrough (38) extends at least partly through the insulator (20), and at least a part of the insulator (20) is in thermal contact with at least a part of the emitter arrangement (12). Further, the insulator (20) comprises at least one cooling channel (28) formed completely in an interior volume (25) of the insulator (20) and configured to dissipate heat from the emitter arrangement (12), wherein a distance (29) between an outer surface (26) of the insulator (20) and the cooling channel (28) is at least as large as half of a thickness (27) of the cooling channel (20).

Abstract: A measurement head for making X-ray measurements on drilling fluid includes an inner pipe (30) having a outlet (32) and an outer pipe (34) around the inner pipe. Drilling fluid is pumped through the outlet refreshing the fluid at the outlet. The pump is then stopped. A height sensor (42) is then used to measuring the height of a meniscus of drilling fluid at the outlet (32). An X-ray head (50) including an X-ray source (52) and an X-ray detector (54) is then moved into a reproducible position above the meniscus of fluid above the outlet. The height sensor (42) may be fixed to a movable cover (40), to the X-ray head (50) or to some other part of the measurement head.

Abstract: A removable self-centring magnetically-clampable food-inspection pipe apparatus comprising: a food-inspection pipe with a through-bore having a tubular pipe body through which the through-bore passes, and a first connector part at each end of the pipe body defining first seating surfaces; and second connector parts which each define second seating surfaces and on which each first connector part is respectively slidably demountably seatable, one of the first and/or second connector parts having at least in part a magnetically-attractable material, and the other of the corresponding first and/or second connector parts having a plurality of magnetic elements equi-angularly spaced about a bore axis of the pipe body, poles of consecutive magnetic elements being opposite to each other, so that, as the food-inspection pipe is introduced laterally to the bore axis, the first and second connector parts slidably engage and self-centre the food-inspection pipe.

Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered by a film on one side of the plate. The holes are less than 500 micrometers across in one dimension where the film covers the holes. The film is translucent to x-rays. The present invention also includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered on one side of the plate by a detachable cover forming a water-tight seal against the plate. The cover is substantially free of the elements osmium, yttrium, iridium, phosphorus, zirconium, platinum, gold, niobium, mercury, thallium, molybdenum, sulfur, lead, bismuth, technetium, ruthenium, chlorine, rhodium, palladium, argon, silver, and thorium.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the determination of silicon levels in fuel mixtures, such as petroleum products. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions for use as standards in an x-ray analyzer for the measurement of silicon in various fuel mixtures, and to methods of using these compositions.

Abstract: A technique, including associated method and system, for on-line measurement of a trace element in a crude or heavy fuel stream for a refinery, including in one embodiment: providing at least one x-ray fluorescence (“XRF”) analyzer at a point for the refinery; analyzing the petroleum stream for chlorine using the analyzer; and providing results from the analyzer to refinery operators, to improve refinery operations. The analyzer may be a monochromatic wavelength XRF analyzer, wherein the analyzer focuses energy to/from the stream using an x-ray engine having at least one focusing, monochromating x-ray optic. The analyzer may be an MWDXRF or ME-EDXRF analyzer; and the trace element may be one or more of the following elements: S, Cl, P, K, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, As, Pb, and Se; and in one embodiment the stream is crude, and the trace element is chlorine.

Abstract: A detection apparatus for fine particles in a fluid includes: a flow cell which passes the fluid therein; an X-ray source which irradiates a side face of the flow cell with X-rays; an X-ray detector that detects the intensity of transmission X-rays that the X-rays which have been emitted from the X-ray source have been attenuated by due to the fine particles in the fluid; a fluorescent X-ray detector which detects fluorescent X-rays that are emitted by the fine particles in the fluid due to the X-rays which have been emitted from the X-ray source; and a data processing device which discriminates between fine particles and air bubbles in the fluid based on the fluctuation amount from each reference variable of the intensity of the transmission X-rays and the intensity of the fluorescent X-rays, and calculates the number and the particle diameter of the fine particles.

Abstract: An x-ray analysis system with an x-ray source for producing an x-ray excitation beam directed toward an x-ray analysis focal area; and a sample chamber for presenting a fluid sample to the x-ray analysis focal area. The x-ray excitation beam is generated by an x-ray engine and passes through an x-ray transparent barrier on a wall of the chamber, to define an analysis focal area within space defined by the chamber. The fluid sample is presented as a stream supported in the space and streaming through the focal area, using a support structure to guide the sample stream. The chamber's barrier is therefore separated from both the focal area and the sample, resulting in lower corruption of the barrier.

Abstract: In a sample cell that is sealed with an X-ray transmission sheet after a sample such as a liquid fuel or the like is contained therein, when an internal pressure is increased, a cup end surface is deformed so as to increase an internal capacity of the sample cell before the X-ray transmission sheet serving as a window part is expanded. The cup end surface is formed by folding a film-like material and, when the internal pressure of the sample cell is increased, the cup end surface is unfolded outwardly of the sample cell to increase the internal capacity of the sample cell. The increase in pressure is relieved by the increase in capacity, and the expansion of the X-ray transmission sheet is thereby prevented.

Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence apparatus for measuring properties of a sample fluid, the apparatus comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a test chamber disposed within the housing, the test chamber comprising an injection port in fluid communication with the inlet; a slide disposed within the test chamber, the slide comprising a sample cavity; and a test port; an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer disposed within the housing, and at least one motor operatively coupled to the slide of the test chamber. Also, a method of testing a fluid, the method comprising injecting a fluid through an injection port of a test chamber into a sample cavity of a slide; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to an intermediate position; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to a test position; and actuating an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer to sample the fluid within the sample cavity when the slide is in the test position.

Abstract: In solvent-assisted bitumen extraction, a native marker, for example: sulfur, nickel, vanadium, iron copper, or manganese, is used to control the solvent to bitumen ratio in a process stream such as a stream from a froth separation unit (FSU) and/or to measure hydrocarbon loss in a tailings solvent recovery unit (TSRU).

Abstract: A gas analysis device according to the present invention includes a flue-gas extraction pipe for extracting flue gas from a flue gas duct to which flue gas including both of NH4Cl and SO3 is fed, a collector that is provided in the flue-gas extraction pipe, for removing soot dust contained in the extracted flue gas, a roll filter that is provided in the flue-gas extraction pipe, for depositing both of NH4Cl and SO3 contained in the flue gas, and a measurement device for measuring both of NH4Cl and SO3 contained in the flue gas by irradiating a sample including both of NH4Cl and SO3 deposited by the roll filter with X-rays and detecting fluorescent X-rays generated from the sample.

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.

Abstract: A method of determining the feasibility of a proposed structure analysis process is disclosed. The process involved the electron beam excitation of x-rays from a multi-layered structure. The method comprises generating predicted x-ray data represents the x-ray excitation response of the multi-layered structure according to one or more sets of process conditions. The x-ray data are generated using structure data defining the structure and composition of the layers. The effects upon the x-ray data of changes to the structure data are then analyzed in accordance with one or more predetermined feasibility criteria, so as to determine the feasibility of performing the proposed structure analysis process upon the multi-layered structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered by a film on one side of the plate. The holes are less than 500 micrometers across in one dimension where the film covers the holes. The film is translucent to x-rays. The present invention also includes an apparatus for preparing samples for measurement by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The apparatus comprises a plate having one or more holes passing through the plate. The holes are covered on one side of the plate by a detachable cover forming a water-tight seal against the plate. The cover is substantially free of the elements osmium, yttrium, iridium, phosphorus, zirconium, platinum, gold, niobium, mercury, thallium, molybdenum, sulfur, lead, bismuth, technetium, ruthenium, chlorine, rhodium, palladium, argon, silver, and thorium.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream, to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The preferred embodiment coordinates the injection run with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. An additional benefit that enhances reproducibility is accomplished by forcing a consistent timing relationship between the injection run, the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery.

Abstract: A hand-held XRF analyzer including an x-ray source for emitting x-rays through a window to a sample. A detector behind the window is responsive to x-rays irradiated by the sample. A controlled volume about the x-ray source and the detector is maintained in a vacuum or a predetermined purge condition for a predetermined amount of time for increasing the sensitivity of the analyzer. A processor is responsive to the detector for analyzing the spectrum of irradiated x-rays and responsive to a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure change inside the controlled volume. The processor is configured to detect if the vacuum or the predetermined purge condition has been compromised.

Abstract: An x-ray analysis system with an x-ray source for producing an x-ray excitation beam directed toward an x-ray analysis focal area; and a sample chamber for presenting a fluid sample to the x-ray analysis focal area. The x-ray excitation beam is generated by an x-ray engine and passes through an x-ray transparent barrier on a wall of the chamber, to define an analysis focal area within space defined by the chamber. The fluid sample is presented as a stream suspended in the space and streaming through the focal area, using a laminar air flow and/or pressure to define the stream. The chamber's barrier is therefore separated from both the focal area and the sample, resulting in lower corruption of the barrier.

Abstract: A sample cup for retaining a sample material to be subjected to an x-ray spectrochemical analysis. The sample cup comprises a cell body of a cylindrical configuration having an open top end and an open bottom end and defining a hollow between the two open ends, the open top end having an outer wall and an inner wall encircling the open top end. The outer wall and the inner wall extend axially and are positioned in concentric relationship with one another and form an internal reservoir space therebetween.

Abstract: A first fuel and a second fuel are marked with a marker that can be detected quantitatively in a predetermined concentration range. The second fuel is marked with a binary marker. Decreased concentration of the quantitative marker, presence of a binary marker, or both may be indicative of a fuel that is altered (e.g., mixed, laundered, diluted, or adulterated). Testing a fuel includes testing the fuel for a presence of a first marker in the fuel in a predetermined concentration range, and testing the fuel for a presence of a second marker. The presence of the first marker in the predetermined concentration range and an absence of the second marker may be indicative that the fuel is unaltered. The presence of the first marker in the fuel in a concentration less than the predetermined concentration range or the presence of the second marker may be indicative that the fuel is altered.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening chemicals using micro x-ray fluorescence. A method for screening a mixture of potential pharmaceutical chemicals for binding to at least one target binder involves flow separating a solution of chemicals and target binders into separated components, exposing them to an x-ray excitation beam, detecting x-ray fluorescence signals from the components, and determining from the signals whether or not a binding event between a chemical and target binder has occurred.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The injection event is coordinated with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. Consistent timing with the injection event of the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery generates reproducible results.

Abstract: A sample cell insertion and removal apparatus for an analysis instrument, including a horizontally sliding frame; a sample cell carriage movably mounted to the sliding frame, the sample cell carriage including an area to hold a sample cell; wherein upon sliding into and out of the instrument, the sample cell carriage is moved horizontally and vertically into and out of an analysis position. This instrument may include a radiation shielded enclosure into and out of which the apparatus slides, and an x-ray analysis engine which transmits x-rays upwards towards the sample cell which projects from a bottom of the apparatus. The disclosed sample cell is especially suited for an x-ray analysis engine having a focal spot requiring alignment with the sample in the sample cell.

Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.

Abstract: A sample cell for an analysis instrument, having an outer body forming a sample reservoir therein; a directional fill valve disposed in an upper end of the outer body and forming an upper end of the sample reservoir, the fill valve for accepting a sample during filling, and preventing sample leakage while providing venting after filling; and a film covering a lower end of the outer body, and forming a bottom end of the sample reservoir, the film for presenting the sample to an analysis focal spot of the analysis instrument. The disclosed sample cell is especially suited for an x-ray analysis engine having a focal spot requiring alignment with the sample in the sample cell. At least one x-ray optic may be disposed in an excitation and/or detection path, requiring alignment to the focal spot, in e.g., a WDXRF or EDXRF system.

Abstract: In solvent-assisted bitumen extraction, a native marker, for example: sulfur, nickel, vanadium, iron copper, or manganese, is used to control the solvent to bitumen ratio in a process stream such as a stream from a froth separation unit (FSU) and/or to measure hydrocarbon loss in a tailings solvent recovery unit (TSRU).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the phase fraction of a fluid collected downhole is shown comprising an x-ray generator, a filter, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. The filter produces a radiation spectrum with a high energy portion and a low energy portion. Filtered radiation is passed through a sample fluid and the resulting attenuated radiation signal is used in calculating the phase fractions of oil, water, and gas in the sample fluid. In one embodiment, a second reference radiation detector measures the radiation directly from the x-ray generator and this measurement is used in normalizing the fraction result. The ratio of the high energy signal to low energy signal of the reference detector is used in controlling the input voltage of the x-ray generator thus ensuring a stable spectrum.

Abstract: There is provided a fluorescent X-ray analysis apparatus in which a detection lower limit is improved, and it is possible to quantify a trace aimed element having been contained not only in a sample whose main component is a heavy element but also in a sample whose main component is a light element. The fluorescent X-ray analysis apparatus possesses a sample base supporting the sample, an X-ray source irradiating a primary X-ray with a predetermined irradiation position being made a center, and a detector disposed toward the irradiation position and detecting a fluorescent X-ray generated from the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of materials using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). This invention discloses methods to draw the analyte of interest in a homogeneous matrix and subsequent analysis of these matrices, wherein the said matrices are preferably arranged in an array format. This invention is particularly applicable to analysis of Liquid samples arranged in an array format.

Abstract: A plurality of elements can be analyzed simultaneously with high sensitivity using a microchip. The microchip (1) comprises a substrate (30), a channel (23) formed in the substrate (30), and an analyzing part (10) consisting of a part of flat surface of the substrate (30), where the outlet of the channel (23) is formed as an opening (9c) and measurement object liquid overflowed from the opening (9c) stays on the flat surface of the substrate (30) to become a sample of analysis. The measurement object liquid is made to overflow as a sample of analysis to the analyzing part (10) using the microchip (1) and then the sample of analysis is preferably dried before a primary X-ray is made to enter under conditions of total reflection and fluorescent X-rays are detected.

Abstract: An x-ray analysis system with an x-ray source for producing an x-ray excitation beam directed toward an x-ray analysis focal area; and a sample chamber for presenting a fluid sample to the x-ray analysis focal area. The x-ray excitation beam is generated by an x-ray engine and passes through an x-ray transparent barrier on a wall of the chamber, to define an analysis focal area within space defined by the chamber. The fluid sample is presented as a stream suspended in the space and streaming through the focal area, using a laminar air flow and/or pressure to define the stream. The chamber's barrier is therefore separated from both the focal area and the sample, resulting in lower corruption of the barrier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening chemicals using micro x-ray fluorescence. A method for screening a mixture of potential pharmaceutical chemicals for binding to at least one target binder involves flow separating a solution of chemicals and target binders into separated components, exposing them to an x-ray excitation beam, detecting x-ray fluorescence signals from the components, and determining from the signals whether or not a binding event between a chemical and target binder has occurred.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a fluid sample by XRF includes the steps of: depositing the fluid sample onto a substrate, exposing the sample and the substrate to an x-ray emission, generating a first analytical signal responsive to the x-ray emission, providing an operable first reference material having a first extended position above the substrate and in communication with the x-ray emission, periodically extending the first reference material to its first extended position, generating a first calibration signal, providing an operable second reference material having a first extended position below the substrate and in communication with the x-ray emission, and periodically extending the second reference material to its first extended position and generating at least one second calibration signal. The first and second calibration signals are compared with predetermined values. The first and second reference materials also have second retracted positions.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for measuring the concentration of sulfur contained in a sample (S), by irradiating the sample (S) with primary X-rays from an X-ray tube (11), monochromating fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample (S) with a spectroscopic device, and detecting monochromated fluorescent X-rays with an X-ray detector. The spectrometer includes the X-ray tube (11) having a target with an element including chromium, an X-ray filter (13) disposed on a path of travel of X-rays between the X-ray tube (11) and the sample (S) and having a predetermined transmittance for Cr—K? line from the X-ray tube (11) and made of a material which is an element of which absorption edges do not exist between energies of S—K? line and Cr—K? line, and a proportional counter (18) having a detector gas containing a neon gas or a helium gas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening chemicals using micro x-ray fluorescence. A method for screening a mixture of potential pharmaceutical chemicals for binding to at least one target binder involves flow-separating a solution of chemicals and target binders into separated components, exposing them to an x-ray excitation beam, detecting x-ray fluorescence signals from the components, and determining from the signals whether or not a binding event between a chemical and target binder has occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing fluids by means of x-ray fluorescence. The method and apparatus are applicable to any fluid, including liquids and gases, having at least one component that emits 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 the thermal coupling of the x-ray tube with a thermally-conductive, dielectric material (70, 1150). The x-ray tube also includes means for aligning (100, 2150, 2715) the x-ray tube with the x-ray source housing whereby the orientation of the x-ray beam produced by the x-ray source can be optimized, and stabilized various over 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.

Abstract: A dual source tube XRF system and method wherein a first x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a first energy band at a sample and at least a second x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a second energy band at the sample. A detector is responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample after irradiation by the first and second x-ray sources. An analyzer is responsive to the detector and is configured to determine the amount of at least a first substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the first x-ray source and to determine the amount of at least a second substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the second x-ray source. A controller is responsive to the analyzer and is configured to energize the first and second x-ray sources either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: An ionising particle analyser comprises a source of ionising particles, a charged particle detector, and an ionisable gas located between the source and the detector. The analyser further comprises a charged particle impeding device located between the source and the detector. The charged particle impeding device is arranged to be maintained in a first configuration at a potential to impede the passage of charged particles and pass uncharged particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for detecting leaks in a stuffing box of a two-stroke engine. Blended cylinder oil is produced by blending base fluid, at least one additive and a metal source having a first concentration. The metal source includes metals other than calcium and transition metals. The engine is operated by supplying the blended cylinder oil and a fuel to the engine cylinder. The concentration of the metal source is monitored using x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (“XRF”) to obtain a second concentration of the metal source. The first concentration of the metal source is compared to the second concentration of the metal source.

Abstract: An x-ray source assembly and method of operation are provided having enhanced output stability. The assembly includes an anode having a source spot upon which electrons impinge and a control system for controlling position of the anode source spot relative to an output structure. The control system can maintain the anode source spot location relative to the output structure notwithstanding a change in one or more operating conditions of the x-ray source assembly. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

Abstract: An XRF system including an analyzer with a sample bottle holder, an x-ray source positioned to emit x-rays into a sample bottle placed in the holder, and a detector positioned to receive x-rays emitted by a sample in the sample bottle positioned in the sample bottle holder. A supply of sample bottles receivable in the sample bottle holder, each sample bottle including a first cap with the window therein for allowing x-rays to pass there through when the sample bottle is positioned in the holder, and a second cap without a window for transporting and storing the sample.

Abstract: A specific macromolecule crystal evaluating device according to the present invention is equipped with a sample detecting stage for detecting a protein crystal in a sample container, an X-ray measuring stage that is spaced from the sample detecting stage and carries out X-ray diffraction measurement of the protein crystal, a feeding unit for feeding the sample container from the sample detecting stage to the X-ray measuring stage, and a central processing unit for recognizing the position of the protein crystal on the basis of the information achieved in the sample detecting stage and controlling the feeding unit on the basis of the position information to position the protein crystal to a sample disposing portion of the X-ray measuring stage.

Abstract: A device for realizing an online element analysis for a substance (S) that is conveyed past or flows past a measuring station is provided with a device for conveying the substance to be measured, a measuring station with an X-ray source (10), and an X-ray fluorescence detector (20) with radiation inlet. To improve the tolerance to calibration errors and a changing height of the sample surface, at least one first X-ray conductor (30) extends from the radiation inlet of the X-ray fluorescence detector in the direction of the conveying device (51).