Portable XRF Analyzer Calibration

[Mrs.successful29]

Hello!

I am looking to see if anyone can shed some light on what the requirements are, if any, for calibrating a portable XRF Analyzer (Niton Gun) .
My company has 2 different types; one a bit older and one newer. The newer one has a standard and the older one's standard cannot be located. In the last few years, we have had auditors ask us when do we calibrate them, what is the process for calibrating them etc. and we have not had a clear answer as we were under the impression this type of equipment does not require calibration.

Anyone know if the analyzer's require calibration and if so what is the proper way to do so?

Thanks,

 

[optomist1]

Hi Mrs.successful29,

I have no experience with a florescence analyzer...however, suggest you contact the manufacturer as a first step?

 

[ChrisM]

Niton themselves will inform you about the calibration requirements, and it's best to get information or a statement from them to show your auditor. Their information should be used by yourselves when determining what calibration interval to set. It may depend on useage, fixed period of time and/or other factors. The company I was with just over a year ago was seriously looking at getting one of their XRF analysers and we had a very good demonstration at our site by one of their highly knowledgeable technical guys (UK)

 

[Hendi]

The devices consist of a source (typically a x-ray tube which ages and can get leaky or a radionuclid that decays more or less quickly.) and a detection system - filters, diffractors, energy detector - that may also degrade by use, age and abuse. If you use the standard for both units, they should in theory agree in certain limits on its composition. If they don't agree well you can show to management that they actually might need tender loving care.

 

[Hendi]

Also, there might be some local regulations that your government wants someone to look at your radiation sources, sometimes.

 

[Mikishots]

Hello!

I am looking to see if anyone can shed some light on what the requirements are, if any, for calibrating a portable XRF Analyzer (Niton Gun) .
My company has 2 different types; one a bit older and one newer. The newer one has a standard and the older one's standard cannot be located. In the last few years, we have had auditors ask us when do we calibrate them, what is the process for calibrating them etc. and we have not had a clear answer as we were under the impression this type of equipment does not require calibration.

Anyone know if the analyzer's require calibration and if so what is the proper way to do so?

Thanks,

The question: does your process require the analyzer to be calibrated?

If so, all Niton XRF analyzers come equipped with a built in check sample, allowing the operator to perform a detector calibration. The detector calibration is not a daily requirement like you often see with other manufacturers XRF equipment. With most other portable XRF equipment the operator must test an external coupon in order for the analyzer to operate. You won't see this with the Thermo Scientific XRF equipment - this is one of the reasons why they're so popular.