High Resolution Benchtop EDXRF  Introduced at the 2012 Gulf Coast Conference 

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. (USA) introduced a new low cost, high resolution benchtop Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) elemental analyser, the Rigaku NEX QC+, at the 2012 Gulf Coast Conference (GCC) in Galveston, Texas. On exhibit Booth #1004, the compact NEX QC+ delivers rapid quantitative determination of sodium (11Na) to uranium (92U) in solids, liquids, powders and alloys and is compliant with the ISO 13032 method (Application Note #1272) for determination of ultra-low sulphur in diesel (ULSD).

Derived from the NEX QC elemental analyser that was introduced in 2011, the NEX QC+ was likewise designed for routine quality control applications. The new instrument is differentiated by a high-resolution Peltier cooled Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) that, together with a 50kV X-ray tube, delivers exceptional short-term repeatability and long-term reproducibility with excellent elemental peak separation. This high voltage capability (50 kV), along with multiple automated X-ray tube filters, provides a wide range of applications versatility and low limits-of-detection (LOD). Like the NEX QC, it has an intuitive smartphone style touch screen interface for easy operation and a built-in printer for convenience.

A silicon drift detector (SDD) affords extremely high count rate capability with excellent spectral resolution. This enables the Rigaku NEX QC+ to deliver the highest precision analytical results in the shortest possible measurement times. The unique engineering feature of a SDD is the transversal electrical field generated by a series of ring electrodes that forces charge carriers to 'drift' to a small collection electrode. Current generation SDD detectors, with the field effect transistor (FET) moved out of the radiation path, represent the current state-of-the-art in conventional EDXRF detector technology.

Options for the NEX QC+ include fundamental parameters, an automatic sample changer, a sample spinner and helium purge for enhanced light element sensitivity. Applications for the NEX QC span a broad spectrum of analytical needs and industries. In addition to the ULSD application, the new Rigaku NEX QC+ offers superior performance for the valuation of automotive catalysts (Application Note #1254).