Epsilon 4 - Food Spectrometer | Malvern Panalytical

Overview

Growing populations increase the need for better handling of our Earth’s resources. The Epsilon 4, an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer, is a powerful analytical tool to obtain useful elemental information to maximize crop growth and ensure product and environmental safety.

The latest advances in excitation and detection technologies in Epsilon 4 open possibilities for challenging applications that are traditionally performed by ICP and AAS. Switching from ICP to EDXRF significantly reduces the use of consumables, utilities and time.

Optional EPA IO-3.3 factory calibration: For easy adoption and implementation of the XRF method, Malvern Panalytical offers a factory calibration compliant with EPA IO-3.3 regulations for their Epsilon 4 benchtops. The spectrometer will be set up for the analysis of 46 elements, ranging from Na up to U. There is no need to invest in and acquire expensive and fragile standards.
The power of benchtop XRF: Combining the latest excitation and detection technologies and smart design, the analytical performance of Epsilon 4 approaches that of more powerful and floor-standing spectrometers. Selective excitation and careful matching of the X-ray tube output to the capabilities of the detection system underlie the system’s outstanding performance.
Fast and sensitive: Fast measurements are achieved by using the latest silicon drift detector technology that produces significantly higher intensities. Unique detector electronics enable a linear count rate capacity to over 1,500,000 cps (at 50% dead time) and a count rate independent resolution typically better than 135 eV for better separation of analytical lines in the spectrum. This allows the Epsilon 4 spectrometer to run at full power and therefore realizes a much higher sample throughput compared to traditional EDXRF benchtop instruments.
Reduce helium consumption: The high performance of Epsilon 4 enables many applications to be operated in air atmosphere, without longer overhead time and costs involved for helium or maintenance of vacuum system. When measuring in air, low-energy X-ray photons characteristic of sodium, magnesium and aluminium, are sensitive to variations in air pressure and temperature. Built-in temperature and air-pressure sensors compensate for these environmental variations, ensuring excellent results whatever the weather.

Low running costs

No need for expensive acids
No need for liquid nitrogen
No sample preparation, just place the sample directly into the spectrometer.
Expensive standards (like air filters) are not destroyed after the analysis and can be re-used as quality control or validation samples.
Low maintenance through high-quality X-ray tube and silicon drift detector

Accurate results

Powerful deconvolution algorithm in Epsilon software ensures accurate results even when element peaks are overlapping in the XRF spectrum
Blank subtraction in Epsilon software provides flexibility and accuracy when analyzing air filters with different backing material
Continuous rotation of the sample during measurement minimizes any errors caused by non-homogeneity and provides more accurate results

Value beyond compliance

Epsilon 4 is used to control nutrients in animal feed to keep cattle healthy and minimize manure-related greenhouse gases.

Other applications include the monitoring of elemental composition of particle matter in ambient air (EPA IO3-3) or of nutrients and salt content in food products.

Soil and fertilizer can be analyzed to optimize growth conditions and to ensure the absence of toxic elements according to ISO 18227, ISO 15309 and ASTM C1255.

Key applications

Epsilon 4 spectrometers can handle a large variety of sample types, weighing from a few milligrams to larger bulk samples. Samples can be measured as:

Solids
Pressed powders
Loose powders
Liquids
Fused beads
Slurries
Granules
Filters
Films and coatings

Specification

Sample handling

Sample capacity	10-position removable sample changer
Sample size	Spectrometer can accommodate samples (soils, liquids, solids and air filters) up to 52 mm in diameter
Features	Spinner is included for better accuracy of air filter analysis

X-ray tube

Features	Metal-ceramic side window for maximum stability 50 micrometers thin beryllium window for high sensitivity for light elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si)
Tube setting	Ag anode X-ray tube for best performance of P, S and Cl analysis

Detector

Detector type	High-resolution silicon drift detector (SDD), typically 135 eV @ Mn-Kα
Features	Max count rate of 1,500,000 counts/s at 50% dead time Thin-entrance detector window for high sensitivity

Software

Software	Elemental screening with Omnian standardless analysis solution Audit trail software option for enhanced data security in compliance with FDA 21 Cfr part 11 PASS/FAIL analysis with FingerPrint solution