X-ray Fluorescence

MSCL core logging & XRF spectroscopy
Geotek’s range of Multi-Sensor Core Logger systems enable automated, co-registered collection of non-destructive data from multiple sensors along whole or split cores. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers can now be integrated into new or existing MSCL systems, providing automated collection of geochemical data, co-registered with complementary geophysical data. Elemental analyses can be used directly in environmental studies or indirectly as proxies for changes in sediment or rock mineralogy.

Horses for courses
MSCL users have a choice of XRF spectrometers to integrate onto their tracks: an Innov-X handheld spectrometer or a Geotek high-resolution spectrometer. The Innov-X handheld XRF is an excellent tool for screening cores, and can also be used in its original handheld mode on samples or outcrops. The handheld spectrophotometer has a round window 10mm in diameter. The new Geotek spectrometer, currently being tested (specifications at bottom of page), has a resolution of 1-10mm with a slit geometry; a Geotek spectrometer with a resolution of 0.1-10mm is under development.

Integration of the Innov-X handheld XRF
The handheld Innov-X XRF spectrometer is a versatile instrument for any laboratory that does field research. Mounting the Alpha or Delta handheld XRF units on the MSCL is a simple and reversible process, so the units can be returned to handheld operation at any time. When mounted on the MSCL, the XRF sensor is counterbalanced with an adjustable weight so the instrument only lightly touches the surface when working with soft, plastic-wrapped split core. The Geotek software receives the elemental analyses from embedded Innov-X code, displaying and exporting them alongside data collected simultaneously from other sensors.

Standard track, benchtop, or multiple tray MSCL units
The Innov-X handheld XRF sensor can be mounted on three different Geotek track configurations.
The MSCL-S is the standard track, which is designed to measure both whole and split cores, and is compatible with all sensor types. The most compact unit is the MSCL-XZ, a bench-top system that makes measurements on split cores only. Laboratories that require a high-throughput of split core should consider the MSCL-XYZ, which can take nine 1.5-metre long sections of core at once (or a mining rock core tray), for many hours of automated logging. Custom track configurations can also be designed and built for specific applications.

Other compatible sensors
XRF data can be collected simultaneously with other split-core data, such as colour spectrophotometry and magnetic susceptibility. Split-core data can be easily co-registered with data collected on whole core (gamma density, P-wave velocity, magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, natural gamma spectrometry). Geoscan IV linescan images or MSCL-XCT X-ray images can also be registered to XRF data with confidence.

Provisional sensor specifications for Geotek spectrometer

• X-ray source: 15W/50kV, Rh anode allowing sulfur detection, air-cooled
• X-ray detector: Canberra Silicon Drift Detector, 15mm2 or 80mm2, FWHM: ~160eV Mn Kα
• Spectral analysis: WinAxil, Canberra
• Elements detected: Mg to U
• Downcore resolution: 10, 5, 2, 1 mm
• Crosscore slit width: 5, 10, or 15 mm
• Scan time: 15 min/m at 10 mm sampling, 6 sec count time

Sensor specifications for Olympus Innov-X handheld
Olympus Innov-X handheld (http://www.olympus-ims.com/en/xrf-xrd/delta-handheld/delta-mining/)

For further information please contact us.