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Fusion instruments for analytical sample preparation are typically divided by their heating methods (i.e. gas or electric). Either technology can be used to prepare samples as homogenous glass beads for x-ray fluorescence (XRF) or as heterogeneous solutions for inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. In fact, the differences between gas and electric fusion are largely superficial. Fusion instruments should, therefore, be judged based on the individual merits of distinct products such as the fusion throughput, levels of automation, and its energy efficiency.

The xrFuse 2 belongs to our proprietary range of electric fusion instruments which is suitable for intermediate throughput XRF and ICP sample preparation. In this blog post, we will explore the specifications of the xrFuse ...

Rob McConnell, Technology Division General Manager, talks about the reason we use ‘expensive’ ceramics in our fusion machines.  Rob is a ceramics engineer and has been with XRF Scientific for over 10 years:

We have been developing electric furnaces for over 20 years now, initially the Modutemp range and more recently the xrFuse range of fusion machines.  One of the problems we faced in the past was finding a material to use for the platinum crucible and mould holders that didn’t contaminate the sample.  Initially we used Inconel for our fusion furnaces, which worked reasonably well, however over time the material can break down, and contamination can occur with over-use of the holders.

Around 6 years ago we discovered a special high tech ...

Sample preparation is an essential yet time-consuming aspect of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. It typically requires sample materials to be ground to fine consistencies in a multi-step homogenization process and separated into small powder samples of unerring uniformity. These individual samples are then dosed with one or more chemical reagents designed to facilitate fusion of sample particles at high temperatures.

The Importance of Flux Measurement

Borate flux is the primary agent in XRF sample preparation. Pure lithium tetraborate (Li₂B₄O₇) is occasionally used to dissolve mineral oxides at temperatures exceeding 1000°C (1832°F), but borate salts are rarely used in isolation for fusion flux. Typically, a mix of ...