Nouvelles applications pour l'assainissement de sol
Published: 05/12/2011 10:19:00
Communiqué de presse, Décembre 1er.
In situ and rapid real-time determination of elemental pollutants is a relatively recent achievement in XRF technology, allowing to collect with high efficiency data form hazardous waste sites or under-utilized industrial sites. Field-portable XRF (FPXRF) has become a powerful tool to identify known and unknown elements in accordance with local regulations. Compared to traditional laboratory techniques, remediation costs are dramatically reduced by savings in time due to the (virtually) instant results, even with a much larger quantity of samples taken.
With a considerable experience in analyzing complex ore matrices and custom-specific modeling services, AppliTek was able to configure its ED-XRF analyzer EXAMINER for use in soil mapping and remediation. The benchtop type analyzer can be set up at the site and prepared for easy throughput of collected samples. Sample preparation is done by collecting loosened and homogenized soil samples and put in preferably sample cups or, for convenience, in plastic bags.
When validated with laboratory results, an excellent agreement is evident for heavier elements such as vanadium (V), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr) that originate typically from heavy and primary industries. Metals which are naturally present in non-contaminated soil, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), are also included in the new “Soil” database. Fast pollutant profiling for heavy metals and their levels is possible, allowing fast decision making and easier project planning. If necessary, the non-destructive nature of the analysis allows to have samples sent to a laboratory for validation. The EXAMINER has been benchmarked with the relevant NIST standards, and provide a very good agreement with the reference method used at NIST. Extensive benchmarking data is available.
The EXAMINER is a versatile analytical ED-XRF platform bridging features of several existing designs, from portable (pistol type) ones to laboratory units. An autonomy of no less than 15 hours allows for ongoing measurements or screening without having to change or charge batteries. The hardware flexibility of the tube-based ED-XRF analyzer allows a transformation in a matter of seconds into a true portable, handheld analyzer.
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