May 22 2008
PANalytical has introduced a series of new petrochemical standard sets for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy that make reliable and accurate calibration a simple, convenient and cost effective procedure. The standard sets are made to PANalytical specifications by VHG Labs, the internationally renowned supplier of certified standards and reference materials. Sets are available for: wear metals, lubrication oils, sulfur in diesel fuel and sulfur in oil.
Each set provides a complete calibration solution, with everything required from calibration setup to instant performance testing for quality assurance. They contain: standards in 50 ml bottles, consumables, a calibration template and a performance testing sample for independent verification of the calibration.
PANalytical’s Taco van der Maten, Product Manager XRF, commented: “Petrochemical calibration standards are very difficult to produce. When preparing wear metals in solution for example, the organometallic chemistry must be just right or the metals will precipitate out of solution. VHG labs are leading experts in this field, with over 25 years of experience as a trusted supplier of reference standards.”
The certified performance testing sample included in each set gives an instant confirmation of calibration quality, extremely valuable as proof of compliance with ISO standards or other regulations. PANalytical’s sulfur analysis standard sets, for example, are ideal for demonstrating compliance with the EU’s stringent legislation for sulfur in fuel. Currently, EU Directive 98/70/EC restricts sulfur levels to 50 ppm, from January 2009, Directive 2003/17/EC will bring the limit down to 10 ppm.
The standards can be used with most XRF instruments but were designed specifically for use with PANalytical’s dedicated XRF systems, such as the MiniPal 4 Sulfur and the Axios-Petro. Both instruments are configured to meet the needs of XRF analysis in the petrochemical industry.