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The AVA-SSD XRF Core Scanner

The AVA-SSD XRF Core Scanner was developed for automated chemical analysis of cores or other

long, flat samples. It uses X-Ray fluorescence to find the elements present in the sample. An X-ray

tube produces a beam that illuminates a spot on the surface of the sample. A detector captivates

part of the X-rays irradiated by the illuminated spot. Elements can be recognized by the specific

wavelength of the fluorescent X-rays that they produce. All elements from magnesium to uranium

can be measured except silver and rhodium, because silver is used in the collimator and the anode of

the X-ray tube is made from rhodium.

AVA-SSD XRF Core Scanner

The spot size can be varied allowing for high and low resolution analysis. The width (in cross core

direction) can be varied between 2 mm and 15 mm and the length (in down core direction) between

0,1 mm and 10 mm. Any spot on a surface of 100 mm width and 1600 length can be automatically

found and analyzed.

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Detection limits are very low for this instrument. For example the detection limit of lead (Pb) is less

than 10 ppm if lead is part of an alloy. If pieces of lead are surrounded by a matrix of non-metal

elements the detection limit is still much better.

The instrument is very robust and solid as it was originally built for rapid analysis on board of a ship.

The scanner fits into a 20 ft sea container which can be furnished as a mobile laboratory. The

dimensions are approx. scanner dimensions 3.4 m x 0.8 m x 1.65 m and the weight is about 1250 kg.

A complete core of 1 m length can be analyzed in 100 sequential steps of 1 cm within 15 minutes.

Measuring head with X-ray tube on the right and detector on the left. The sample is a split soft

sediment core taken from the sea floor (sample covered with a thin foil to prevent befouling of the

sensor head).

Line scan camera

The scanner can also make an optical image of the sample using a high resolution line scan camera

for undistorted pictures of the surface. A color analysis of each pixel can be done and stored on the

computer for future comparisons. XRF data can be plotted on the optical image of the sample.

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XRF plots on the optical image of the core

It is easy to select areas of interest for XRF scanning using the optical image.

It is also possible to change the white light source to a UV lamp. Color variations in the visible light

then provide information about the minerals that are present in the sample.

Magnetic susceptibility

The magnetic properties of the sample can also be analyzed using a magnetic susceptibility sensor

that scans the surface.

Magnetic susceptibility sensor

The scanner is easy to operate requiring no expert knowledge for routine analysis. It needs only a

limited amount of maintenance. The software is easy to use and takes care of it all.

Innovation

General:

Regular contact with our users helps us to get feedback that we use to further develop our scanners.

As a result each scanner is delivered with state-of-the-art technology. AVA-SSD is a flexible SME and

it can design special scanners for special needs. We are open to enter new areas of industry and

science. Send us one of your samples and we will analyze it free of charge. The results will be

discussed with you fairly.

Gold Scanning:

By using stronger X-Ray tubes and detectors for gold we see possibilities in penetrating deeper (10 to

20mm). If this works and cores can be sliced in the length we see a fast, reliable instrument to

determine a most optimal sampling strategy with a very short ROI.

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XRF Spectra in several consecutive measurement points

DOWN CORE