Industries that rely on precise elemental analysis. Malvern Panalytical, a leader in analytical technology, has recently introduced Revontium, a groundbreaking XRF (X-ray fluorescence) instrument designed to bridge the gap between benchtop and floor-standing models.
In this interview, Lieven Kempenaers, Ph.D., the Product Manager XRF at Malvern Panalytical, talks to AZoM about this exciting innovation and the market needs it address.
Could you please tell us more about your background and work at Malvern?
My background is in chemistry. I have a PhD in chemistry from the University of Antwerp in Belgium. I started at Panalytical (now Malvern) 20 years ago as an application specialist for XRF instruments. Over time, I advanced to product management, where I currently control benchtop XRF instruments such as the Epsilon 1 and Epsilon 4.
Malvern Panalytical at Analytica 2024
Malvern Panalytical at Analytica 2024 on Vimeo
What is Revontium? What makes this product so exciting?
Revontium is a small XRF instrument that bridges the gap between tabletop and floor-standing models. It employs energy-dispersive technology, which significantly benefits consumers across various industries.
Image Credit: Malvern Panalytical
Why did you choose to introduce this product? What market gaps or opportunities have you identified?
Several years ago, we acquired extensive feedback from clients from various businesses and areas.
Many people encounter difficulties with elemental analysis, and while several technologies are available, each has its limitations. The most prominent worries were about sustainability, running expenses, space, and simplicity of use. Revontium was created in response to these needs to address these pain areas.
Revontium’s key markets are building materials, mining, medicines, battery production, polymers, and plastics, particularly recycling. Revontium’s skills will benefit these areas the most.
What specific difficulties does Revontium address? How does it improve users’ daily operations?
Revontium addresses the fundamental issues that we discovered. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, the equipment provides non-destructive testing, allowing clients to reuse samples following examination. Its small footprint and ability to operate in isolated areas without specialist equipment make it extremely useful in mining. It is reliable enough to be used on-site without requiring a central laboratory.
Ease of use is always crucial. How has Revontium been built to serve various users?
Today, laboratories frequently use a wide range of instruments, making it difficult for operators to grasp these technologies. To address this, we created intuitive and user-friendly software. For example, we used a color-coded system akin to traffic lights—green, yellow, and red—to indicate whether findings were acceptable or required attention. This simplifies the operator’s decision-making process.
Where do you view Revontium’s greatest global growth opportunities?
Growth potential varies per market. We foresee considerable mining interest in South America, Australia, and Africa. Europe, the United States, China, and India are critical markets for medicines.
How does Revontium compare to similar products on the market?
Revontium stands out for its great performance and small design. Its tiny physical and environmental footprint is a significant advantage. The system operates on normal energy and requires no additional resources, such as gasses or cooling, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
New Compact XRF spectrometer, Revontium!
How does Revontium support sustainability efforts in the industries it serves?
Many clients prioritize sustainability and frequently ask how we can help them with their efforts. Revontium uses little energy, lowering operating expenses, and does not require external cooling, gases, or acids, reducing waste. The technology is clean, and its small footprint contributes to ecological goals.
About Lieven Kempenaers, Ph.D.
Dr. Lieven Kempenaers, Ph.D is a product manager XRF based in Malvern Panalytical’s Almelo office. He specializes in XRF instrumentation, including the Epsilon 1 and Epsilon 4 instruments. With over 20 years’ experience of working with benchtop XRF instruments.
Lieven has a particular interest and expertise in improving energy-dispersive XRF spectroscopy (EDXRF). He believes in helping to advance the development of XRF technology and providing solutions to the challenges Malvern Panalytical’s customers face with XRF, ICP and AAS analysis techniques that each have their pain points.
About Malvern Panalytical
We draw on the power of our analytical instruments and services to make the invisible visible and the impossible possible. Through the chemical, physical, and structural analysis of materials, our high-precision analytical systems support our customers in creating a better world. We help them improve everything from the energies that power us and the materials we build with, to the medicines that cure us and the foods we enjoy. We partner with many of the world’s biggest companies, universities, and research organizations. They value us not only for the power of our solutions, but also for the depth of our expertise, collaboration, and integrity. We are committed to Net Zero in our own operations by 2030 and in our total value chain by 2040. This is woven into the fabric of our business, and we help our employees and customers think about their part in creating a healthier, cleaner, and more productive world. With over 2300 employees, we serve the world, and we are part of Spectris plc, the world-leading precision measurement group.
We are Malvern Panalytical. We’re BIG on small.™
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Malvern Panalytical.
For more information on this source, please visit Malvern Panalytical.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited (T/A) AZoNetwork, the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and Conditions of use of this website.