X-MET8000 Expert Geo for the rapid field analysis of chromium ores
Chromium is present in nature in a variety of minerals, with the one that can be economically mined being chromite (iron chromium oxide FeCr2O4). Sources of chromite occur abundantly in South Africa, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, Turkey and India. The products resulting from the mining and refining of chromite are ferrochromium and chromium metal. Chromium is highly resistant to corrosion and stable at high temperatures. That’s why it is widely used in the production of stainless steel, superalloys, nichrome, and in chromium plating.
The quality and type of chromite (high-chromium, high-iron, or high-aluminium chromite) vary amongst regions and influence the ore’s value and processing costs.
Traditionally chromite is analysed by wet chemistry techniques. Samples are often sent to an off-site laboratory (sometimes based in a different country), and results can take weeks to return and be acted upon.
The dealers who are buying the ore on site need a rapid answer, as immediate payment is expected. The requirement for a rapid, simple analysis (carried out by non-laboratory staff) at each mine makes field-portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry the ideal analytical technique. Field-portable XRF can also be used during the production process to analyse ore concentrates, tailings, etc.
SUMMARY
Designed to withstand the harshest environments, the X-MET8000 Expert Geo provides the superior performance required for geochemical analysis throughout the mining process. It is portable, easy to use, and helps make process decisions onsite fast. By considerably reducing the number of samples sent to a laboratory, the X-MET helps you save both time and money.
ORDERING INFORMATION MINIMUM REQUIRED:
X-MET8000 Expert Geo. Includes the compact and rugged carrying case, a wrist strap and lanyard, 2 Li-ion batteries, a battery charger, a USB cable to connect to a PC/laptop, 5 replacements thin film windows, Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity, and the user manuals.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Sample cups (P/No. 51-4106018 for a bag of 100)
4μm polypropylene film (P/No. 54-L73 for a roll of 100 m)
Benchtop stand (P/No. 54-4106313)
Holster (P/No. 54-4106296) for hands-free transportation in the field
X-MET pole (P/No. 54-6008597) for improved ergonomics when measuring many samples at ground level
Bipod (P/No. 54-6007786) for hands-free analysis when using long measurement times
The full application note is available to download now: