ARL OPTIMX Powder
NEDSTAAL combines routine quality control and versatile elemental analysis using one instrument: Thermo Scientific ARL OPTIM’X XRF Analyzer

"A very important factor in the choice of the equipment was the analytical flexibility—high concentrations, traces, universal calibration, analyses of ores, steel-grades and slags—in combination with a low cost of ownership..."
Dr. Antoine Verkooijen, Manager, Laboratory & Quality, Nedstaal

Nedstaal BV

Nedstaal (Alblasserdam - The Netherlands) is a high-quality and innovative steel company that specializes in the production of fast, customized supplies (small batches) in semi-finished products. It works constantly to improve both its products and its production process in order to guarantee a high quality level. Nedstaal is a reliable, flexible and highly customer-oriented supplier. More info about Nedstaal can be found on www.nedstaal.nl .

The challenge

According to Dr. Antoine Verkooijen, Manager, Laboratory & Quality, Nedstaal, a very important factor in the choice of elemental analysis instrument was the analytical flexibility—high concentrations, traces, universal calibration, analyses of ores, steel-grades and slags — in combination with a low cost of ownership (analysis speed was less critical). An additional desired benefit was the data transfer of complete results to Nedstaal’s LIMS-system for routine analysis.

The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ OPTIM’X is a WDXRF (Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence) spectrometer with resolution typically 10x better than even high-end EDXRF (Energy Dispersive-XRF) systems. The background/signal-noise ratio is significantly better especially for lighter elements, and therefore better facilitates complex matrix analysis such as ores, slags and steel-grades.

Another key feature was Thermo Scientific™ OptiQuant™, a standard-less universal calibration program allowing Nedstaal to meet the needs of different elemental analysis challenges without difficult sample preparation such as time-consuming and complicated wet-chemistry analysis. Experience in sample preparation (homogeneity, surfacing, etc.) remains important, however, for obtaining good qualitative data by X-ray fluorescence; therefore, the support of an XRF supplier with such expertise was also very beneficial.

Results

NEDSTAAL BV has many customers in the automotive, railway and shipbuilding industries throughout Europe, meaning that QC-demands are very high. Due to the stability of the ARL OPTIM’X XRF spectrometer, Nedstaal is meeting these needs quite comfortably. Since the installation of the ARL OPTIM’X in October 2007, an SPC setup has been additionally implemented also confirming very good performance.

Typical routine analysis with the ARL OPTIM'X

  • Steel-grade samples: surfaced by grinding or milling
  • Slag samples: cast in steel rings
  • Ores samples: pressed in pellets
  • Steel-grade samples: surfaced by grinding or milling
  • Slag samples: cast in steel rings
  • Ores samples: pressed in pellets
 

Conclusion

The long-term stability and reliability of the ARL OPTIM’X have made a very strong impression on the laboratory staff, and are making Nedstaal another very satisfied ARL OPTIM’X user.