Last Updated on March 7, 2022 by rabiamuzaffar
Specialized scientific equipment can be used to analyze materials and determine their elemental makeup. Different versions of the equipment can measure one element, two, or a whole range of them in sequence.
Here are some key facts about Multi-Element Sequential Analysis and the type of equipment that can perform this complex task.
WDXRF
The primary driver behind this kind of equipment is Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence, or WDXRF. This is a method of elemental analysis that measures X-ray intensity to determine the composition of a particular sample.
You can read a more in-depth overview of WDXRF, but the process basically works like this:
- The machine uses X-rays to excite a sample
- Excited elements emit radiation of a particular wavelength
- The equipment detects the radiation
- Based on the wavelength, the machine determines which element is present
Various tools and additions to the equipment can allow the machine to get a more detailed analysis, read a wider range of elements, or speed up the analysis.
Most WDXRF machines have a range of elements they can detect. Elements too light or too heavy may be difficult or impossible for the particular machine to detect and analyze.
Most types of substances can be analyzed by a WDXRF machine. This includes solids, liquids, powders, and thin films.
This process is used to measure concrete, tooth enamel, food, and many other chemical and elemental ingredients across a wide range of subjects and fields.
Sequential Analysis vs. Single Element
The biggest difference here is simply how many elements can be analyzed at once. Some machines will only search for and read one element at a time, while others are equipped to handle the analysis of multiple elements.
Segmental sequential analysis in regards to WDXRF technology is actually rather simple. (An online search of the term “sequential analysis definition” brings up a statistical concept that, while fascinating, has little relation to elements or chemistry.)
With WDXRF, Multi-Element Sequential (MES) simply means that the machine will analyze a number of elements one at a time in a predetermined sequence. With a WDXRF machine sold at a scientific equipment supplier like cianflone.com, you can preset up to five elements for the machine to scan. For each trial, a sequential analysis will work through each of the elements one at a time.
A Fixed Single-Element (FSE) machine will only be able to scan for one particular element, after which you will need to reset everything and have it look for a different element. This can be time-consuming, particularly if you need to analyze a wide range of elements in your sample. There are also Dual-Element (DE) WDXRF machines that can handle the analysis of two elements at once.
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