Epsilon 4 Pre-installation manual
Version number: 4
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.
Features
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
