Follow these steps to connect the X-MET8000 series to a PC and then login.
Follow these steps to back up the configuration of the X-MET8000 series.
Metals are usually homogeneous, and the results are an accurate representation of the metal. It is necessary to remove any coating or paint and measure it separately, so that it does not affect the results.
Follow these steps to do an energy calibration. Use the Check sample(s) for the measurement. It is not necessary to set a measurement time, or any other parameters. The measurement takes about 110 s.
Follow these steps to add a grade to a grade table, add analytes to the new grade, and set limits for an analyte.
Add A Grade
Add Analytes To The Grade
The Modify Grade Analyte - screen appears.
Yes but it is not recommended. To maintain accurate readings, it is better to leave the unit running in an idle state, this enables the X-ray tube to remain stable.
After a long period of being switched off, the X-ray tube will need to warm up again to the optimum temperature. Just leave the instrument switched on in an idle state for at least two hours and then run a spectrum calibration test.
Yes, but it is not recommended. To maintain accurate readings, it is better to leave the unit running in an idle state - this enables the X-ray tube to remain stable.
From the home screen click on SPECTRUM. You now have the option to save the spectra as a .sp file (used in SmartLink) or as a .bmp (Bitmap) image, which can then be loaded into a software such as MSWord or Paint.
You should conduct a spectrum calibration once a day before performing calibrations or taking readings, especially if the unit has been turned off. Spectrum calibrations should be done more frequently when using applications where the peaks of the coating and base are very close together. Certain applications will prompt you to perform a spectrum calibration before beginning a measurement session.
To create a calibration curve. This will allow you to test and verify that the instrument is measuring correctly.
Keep standards in their provided cases and in clean dust free environments.
We recommend that they get recalibrated once a year.
To certify that the value on the standard is true and to verify that there are no tears or damage to the foil/standard.
To correct for any peak shift or low electronic noise and verify that the instrument is ready for daily use.
No, it is not recommended due to possible health risks and possible corrosion to the machines hardware.
The amount of X-ray backscatter is minimal and well below the allowable limit.
There are three possible reasons and solutions for this:
Please contact the technical support. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service
Please check that the table is clear and that there are no obstructions. Please contact the technical support. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service
An interruption to the voltage or current has occurred. Please note the error on your screen and/or take a screen capture of the error and send it to the technical support. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service . Please include the instrument type and serial number.
Please check that all the LED icons are active and/or that the brightness level is not set to the minimum.
Please contact technical support. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service. Please have the old code available. This code can be accessed by opening the SmartLink software and going to “Help”, “About SmartLink” and this would display the 17 characters code.
Check or replace the bulbs under the lamp cover, these are parts of the safety circuit.
Follow these steps to backup the database:
It is common practice to define a quality control sample that is run on a routine basis to confirm instrument stability. If this quality control sample reads outside of acceptable limits, the first course of action would be to restandardize. If you still feel that your analysis results are incorrect: Please check to ensure that your sample preparation procedure is being followed, the correct calibration is being used for your sample, there haven't been any recent power outages, or there haven't been any recent modifications to your calibration. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact your local support location which you can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service to order cups and film.
Yes, any dirt or ripples on the film can affect the results.
There is no recommended standard interval to restandardize a calibration. However, it is common practice to define a quality control sample and run it on a routine basis to confirm instrument stability. If this quality control sample reads outside of acceptable limits, the first course of action would be to re-measure it to confirm results. If still outside of limits, then restandardize.
Navigate to the portion of the software that prompts you to restandardize the calibration. It will then ask you to measure a number of Setting Up Samples (SUSs) to complete the restandardization. In most cases a SUS is a glass bead sample that was supplied with the analyzer. The SUSs would have been measured at the time that the instrument was originally calibrated. What makes a restandardization effective is that the SUS did not change over time, so the measurement results from the time of restandardization are being compared to the measurement results when the instrument was originally calibrated. Once the SUSs are measured, a correction factor is applied to the curve in order to correct it back to original values.
Please contact your local Hitachi High Tech Analytical Science representative. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
First, contact technical support to obtain an RMA for the service. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service . Once you have an RMA, pack up your Lab-X along with any SUS’s that came with the analyzer in a suitable shipping container. Make sure before you mail the package that the RMA number is clearly visible on the outside of the packaging. Once your unit is repaired we will return it to you and provide you with tracking information so that you know when to expect your Lab-X to return.
It is recommended for best performance and stability to always leave your analyzer switched on. If you must shut it down for longer than one hour, it is recommended to allow the instrument a warm up period prior to measuring any samples, typically up to two hours. To know if the instrument is ready, measure a QC sample. If the results are within acceptable limits, then you can start your analyzes programme.
The pull-down is accessed by dragging the status bar on the user interface down with finger. From there you can quickly toggle Wi-Fi on or off.
First you need to register for an ExTOPE Connect account – find out more here. Once you sign up, you’ll receive a password and you’ll be prompted to enter your device’s serial number. If you’re an existing user you simply need to follow the same steps, but select the option to add a device to an existing ExTOPE Connect account. Simply enter the account information and serial number of your device.
The quickest way print your Vulcan analysis results to where you need them is to connect your Vulcan to the internet and add your Bluetooth printer. If you do not have a Bluetooth printer you can simply save results to a USB stick and download them to a PC for printing.
The quickest way get your Vulcan analysis results to where you need them is to connect your Vulcan to the internet and activate your ExTOPE connect cloud service account. You can find out more about ExTOPE Connect here. You also have the option to save results to a USB stick and download them to a PC.
Vulcan can provide analysis with minimal sample preparation, but for the best results on rusty or coated samples we recommend you lightly sand them with high quality (non-silicone-based) sanding paper and wipe clean to remove oil, fingerprints or residue. Click here to see how to get the best measurement results from your Vulcan.
Please check that your Vulcan battery is fully charged. Charging the battery takes around 4-5 hours and you get around 8-10 hours of battery life with typical usage. Your Vulcan pack contains two batteries to ensure no interruptions to your work routine. It takes about 30 seconds for your Vulcan to turn on. You’ll need to put in your PIN code to access your Vulcan. The default PIN code is “1111”. If your battery is charged and your Vulcan still will not activate please contact us.
If you’re getting readings you feel are not correct, firstly check that your Vulcan is clean and that your sample has been correctly prepared. Click here to see how to get the best measurement results from your Vulcan.
We recommend you clean the measurement window from dust and burn residue daily. Vulcan can provide analysis with minimal sample preparation, but for the best results on rusty or coated samples we recommend you lightly sand them with high quality (non-silicone-based) sanding paper and wipe clean to remove oil, fingerprints or residue. If you still think your Vulcan might not be giving correct readings, use the check sample provided in your instrument pack to take a reading and compare it to the sample certificate. If your Vulcan is new we recommend that you store a check sample reading to check against in future. If the check sample does not read properly, please contact our technical support to review further troubleshooting options.
When it’s suspected that the analyzer is not performing as it should, it’s important to first make sure that instrument is properly standardised and calibrated. Please refer to the user manual for appropriate procedures. Once the instrument is verified, the next step is to measure a known check sample to determine how it’s reading. If the check sample doesn’t read properly, please contact our technical support team to review further troubleshooting options.
It’s best practice to clean the electrode between every burn. However, if this isn’t feasible, cleaning should at least be performed in between different samples. The cleaning of the spark stand insert depends on the number of analysis, the instrument type and the material to be analyzed. Typically, the instrument has a presentable counter for this function. Our installation and customer service team are happy to give further recommendations.
Spark analyzers use a tungsten electrode which is extremely wear resistant. Mobile OES analyzers may also be used in an arc mode where electrodes, depending on the application, are made from either silver or copper. Since in this mode the electrodes are affected by the plasma, they will wear out. You should only replace the electrode, when it shows signs of significant wear. When the electrode gets worn, in some cases it can be ground to make a new tip. Please ensure that the electrode has a 90-degree angle, if grinded. If the electrode is too small after grinding, so that the appropriate electrode spacing cannot be achieved, then it’s time to replace it.
There are multiple reasons a bad burn may occur. The most common cause of a bad burn is bad argon supply. In this case either the argon bottle is empty, and no argon is flowing in the spark stand, or in some cases you can get a bad bottle of argon that causes poor burns. When argon is an issue, the burn will look smoky white with minimal sample penetration of the burn. The second most common reason for bad burns is improper sample preparation. If the surface is not clean and ground (recommended grid size 40 - 80), then often the sample doesn’t burn properly. The third reason might be, that your sample contains cracks or inclusions. In this case try another position on the sample to burn or take a new sample. Another important factor is to ensure that the sample completely covers the spark stand or probe tip opening, and the flush function has been activated. This allows argon to purge appropriately.
Argon grade 4.8 or higher should be used for analysis. 5.0 is recommended when trying to determine nitrogen content.
Best would be a daily visual check, the bottles are marked with a minimum level. Refill water if necessary.
Daily checks should be performed on a known quality control sample prior to measuring any unknown material. If this result doesn’t meet your specifications, a recalibration is recommended. If you still cannot pass your quality control sample after a recalibration, please contact the technical support team.
First, make sure that the instrument as well as any computers or monitors attached are plugged in properly. Next check that all of the power switches are in the “On” position. Next you can check to make sure that there is sufficient power being supplied to the electrical outlet. If all of these check out, please contact the technical support team to review further troubleshooting options.
Restandardization is a drift correction that involves measuring the Setting Up Samples (SUSs) that were measured as part of the calibration. Once they have been measured they correct for any change in the position of the calibration line, both in terms of background or sensitivity change.
Make a note of the error message (or take a picture), and contact your local support center to further information on the error message. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
Remove both sample cup and safety window from the analysis port or tray. Check whether the sample has been retained within the secondary (safety) window. If it has, then you can continue with further analyzes. If there is any possibility that the liquid has gotten into the interior of the unit, immediately switch the instrument off, and isolate it from mains power supply. Contact the service department at Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science or your local Hitachi service representative.
It is good practice to turn off the helium supply when it is not needed. If helium is needed for analysis and you forget to turn the helium supply back on, the instrument will detect helium is not flowing and display a message to inform the user.
Backup contains the analyzer's configuration, calibrations, and saved results. It is good practice to create a backup on a regular basis, and before you make any changes to calibrations. Backups are saved on a USB memory stick.
Backups contain the analyzer's configuration, calibrations, and saved results. It is good practice to create a backup on a regular basis, and before you make any changes to calibrations. You should save backups on a USB memory stick. Note: the Creating Backup function is only available to Manager and Service users.
Note: Results for all samples analyzed are stored in the on-board computer memory. Thousands of results are saved before the oldest results are overwritten by new results. It is good practice to backup and export analysis results on a regular basis.
Use a dedicated screen wipe, or a soft microfibre cloth.
Yes, please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for assistance. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
Yes, we have a variety of options available depending on what you are looking for. Please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for assistance. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
Please view our listing of consumables on our website or contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for assistance. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
Any time you run into an issue, we are here to help. Please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for assistance. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
A preventative maintenance is a routine check on your equipment to ensure that it is still operating to manufacturers standards. We also clean, run diagnostics, safety checks, and if applicable perform radiation tests on your equipment to keep it running for the future.
Please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for assistance. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
Our typical recommendation is to get a preventative maintenance on a yearly basis. However if you run a substantial amount of samples, have your instrument in a pretty dusty environment, or your quality program calls for a more frequent check, we do have options to obtain a preventative maintenance more frequently or on your schedule.
After a calibration is completed, you should measure assayed samples (not used as calibration standards) against this calibration to verify accuracy.
Longer term, you can use one of these known samples as a quality control (QC) check sample, and measure it at regular interval to ensure instrument stability and continuous accuracy.
If your results' accuracy are not good enough, please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for assistance. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
This is determined by your own quality control requirements. A QC sample is typically run once a day to confirm the analyzer is stable. More stringent QC procedures involves the analysis of a QC sample at the start and end of every batch of samples measured.
Contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for assistance and return of the analyzer. The correct disposal of product will help save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment, which would otherwise arise from inappropriate waste handling. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of waste, in accordance with national legislation.
The secondary safety window serves multiple purposes. It ensures that samples are centered and in the same position above the analysis head and also prevent accidental leaks from sample cups when fitted with film.
The X-ray fluorescence technique is a comparative, rather than an absolute, method of analysis. Sample preparation is a key part of taking a successful analysis of your sample. The more homogeneous a sample is, the more accurate and repeatable the analysis results will be. Anything that contains the sample during the analysis should be free of any dirt, finger prints, or wrinkles as these could affect the results. It is also important to be consistent and prepare all samples of the same type in the same way.
To test for instrument precision, place a sample of material into the instrument and analyze it ten times in a row without removing it from the instrument. Calculate the standard deviation of these measurements for the instrument repeatability (precision). To test for sample presentation error, place a sample of material into the instrument and analyze it ten times in a row, removing it from the instrument and replacing it back into the sample port for each analysis. Calculate the standard deviation of these measurements for the error introduced by sample presentation. To test for sample preparation error, prepare ten identical samples of the same material using the intended sample preparation procedure. Analyze all ten samples in a row. Calculate the standard deviation of these measurements for the error introduced by sample preparation. To test for sample thickness error, analyze a sample, then double the thickness of the sample by either stacking an identical solid sample on it, or increasing the depth of the liquid or powder sample in the sample cup and analyze again. An increase in the signal implies that the original sample was not thick enough for the X-ray penetration depth, and samples must be made thicker, or of constant thickness.
It is recommended to check your secondary safety windows on a routine basis to ensure there is no dirt, fingerprints, or wrinkles. If the film still appears to be clean and wrinkle free it is ok to continue the usage. For oil samples, it is recommended to replace every time.
If you are using fully disposable cups, we recommend that you do not clean and re-use them. This prevents cross-contamination and ensure optimum results accuracy.
If using Hitachi High-Tech's Aluminium cups, you can clean them in a mild detergent, and dry them with a tissue. It is also recommended to replace the o-rings from time to time, and apply a small amouunt of grease on the o-rings to ensure they do not stretech the film and tear it. Inners and lids should not be cleaned and re-used to prevent sample cross-contamination.
It is recommended to always use film with your secondary safety windows when your samples are liquid, powder, or anything that could potentially leak into the analyzer. Make sure you use the same film for the safety window and the sample cup.
The film to use depends on the nature of the samples you are testing, and of the required performance (especially limits of detection). Please contact your local Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science representative for guidance. You can find your local contact here: https://hha.hitachi-hightech.com/en/support/service.
You can find instrument model and serial number on a label at the rear of the instrument. These will be needed in any enquiries and correspondence relating to the instrument so we can better identify and support your instrument.
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