500-960-user-guide-xlt797z-v4.2

NITON XLt 797Z

ALLOY AND PLASTICS ANA-LYZER

USERS GUIDE

Part Number 500-960

Version 4.2

Thermo Electron Corporation Portable Elemental Analysis

900 Middlesex Turnpike, Building 8Billerica, Massachusetts 01821 USA

Voice: (800) 875-1578 +1 (978) 670-7460 Fax: +1 (978) 670-7430Email: [email protected] web: http://www.niton.com

Copyright Thermo Electron Corporation 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.

All Rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, read or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of Thermo Electron Corporation.

NITON XLt, 797Z Series, and SpectraView are trademarks of Thermo Electron Corporation.

The information in this Users Guide is furnished for informational purposes only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Thermo Electron Corporation. Thermo Electron Corporation assumes no liability for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in this book.

XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer Users Guide XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer

Produced in the United States of America

Registration: Thermo Electron Corporation manufactures the XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer under the authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in accordance the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 21 CFR 1002-10 with Radioactive

! Warning: Do not attempt to use this instrument without first reading and understand-ing the entire Users Guide!

YOUR NITON XRF ANALYZER .................................................. IUnpacking and Assembling Your NITON XLt XRF Analyzer ............. iThe NITON XLt XRF Analyzer Overview............................................ iiThe Control Panel ................................................................................... iiInstrument Startup .................................................................................. ivScreen Contrast....................................................................................... vi

RADIATION SAFETY ..................................................................... 1Typical Radiation Doses in milliREM (NCRP, 1987) ........................... 3How to Use Your NITON XLt Safely.................................................... 5X-ray Tube Safety................................................................................... 6Monitoring Your Radiation Exposure .................................................... 7Procedures for Instrument Loss or Damage IN THE USA .................... 8Procedures for Instrument Loss or Damage OUTSIDE THE USA ....... 9XLt Radiation Dose Profile - Stainless Steel Substrate.......................... 10XLt Radiation Dose Profile - Wood Substrate ....................................... 11XLt Radiation Dose Profile - Aluminum Substrate................................ 12XLt Dose Profile - In-Beam Measurements & Max. Measured Trigger Finger Dose Rate....................................................... 13View of the Underside of the XLt Analyzer Showing Proper Placement of Radiation Label ..................................................... 14

THE MENU SYSTEM ..................................................................... 1

The Main Menu ...................................................................................... 2The Mode Menu ..................................................................................... 4The Utilities Menu.................................................................................. 6 The Data Menu ...................................................................................... 9The Data Menu - Second Page ............................................................... 13The View Libraries Menu....................................................................... 14The Common Setup Menu...................................................................... 15The Calibrate Menu ................................................................................ 17The Erase Menu...................................................................................... 19The Serial Output Menu ......................................................................... 21The Set Protocol Menu ........................................................................... 22The Hardware Setup Menu..................................................................... 24The Filter Menu ...................................................................................... 26The Filter Time Menu............................................................................. 27The Filter Match Number Menu............................................................. 29The P.E.R.F.E.C.T. System .................................................................... 31

ALLOY TESTING ........................................................................... 1The Alloy Menu...................................................................................... 2The Chemistry Mode Menu.................................................................... 4The Signature ID Mode Menu................................................................ 6The Store Signature Menu ...................................................................... 7The SuperChem Menu............................................................................ 9Super Teach Menu.................................................................................. 11Super Identify Menu ............................................................................... 15All Alloys Test Menu ............................................................................. 20Cu/Zn/Pb Test Menu .............................................................................. 23Ta/Hf/Re Test Menu ............................................................................... 25Match Signature Test Menu.................................................................... 27Analyzing Metal Alloy Samples............................................................. 29The Data Entry Screen............................................................................ 31Setting Up Custom Bar Codes................................................................ 33Navigating the Data Entry Screen .......................................................... 34The Virtual Keyboard ............................................................................. 35The Results Screen ................................................................................. 36Match Number ........................................................................................ 38Analysis and Sorting of Aluminum Alloys ............................................ 39

Introduction ..................................................................................... 39Performance..................................................................................... 39Measurement Results Table: XLt (Tube Source)............................ 40

PB PAINT MODE .......................................................................... 1

Using Pb Paint Mode .............................................................................. 1

THIN SAMPLE TEST MODES ......................................................... 1Using Thin Sample Test Modes ............................................................. 1

BULK SAMPLE TEST MODES ....................................................... 1

Using Bulk Sample Test Modes ............................................................. 1The Bulk Sample Mode Menu................................................................ 2Plastics Analysis Mode........................................................................... 4Analyzing Bulk Samples ........................................................................ 12The Data Entry Screen............................................................................ 19Setting Up Custom Barcodes.................................................................. 21Navigating the Data Entry Screen .......................................................... 22The Virtual Keyboard ............................................................................. 23NITON Plastics Test Platforms .............................................................. 24NITON RCRA Verification Response Sample ...................................... 25

PRECIOUS METALS MODE ........................................................... 1

Using Precious Metals Mode.................................................................. 1

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES ........................................ 1Battery Pack and Battery Charger .......................................................... 1

Replacing The Battery Pack ............................................................ 3Recharging The Battery Pack.......................................................... 4

Maintenance, Cleaning and Repairs ....................................................... 6Storing and Transporting Your NITON XLt 797Z Analyzer................. 9

APPENDIX A ................................................................................. IX-ray Emission Energies, Arranged by Element, by Atomic Number... i

APPENDIX B.................................................................................. IIIX-ray Emission Energies Arranged Alphabetically by Element ............ iii

APPENDIX C.................................................................................. VSpectraView............................................................................................ v

APPENDIX D ................................................................................. VIIISummary of Warnings............................................................................ viii

APPENDIX E.................................................................................. XSummary of Cautions ............................................................................. x

APPENDIX F .................................................................................. XIIIWelding Mask Accessory Kit................................................................. xiii

APPENDIX G ................................................................................. XIXAPPENDIX H ................................................................................. XXGLOSSARY .................................................................................... XXII

Introduction:YourNITONXRFAnalyzerIntroduction YOUR NITON XRF ANALYZER

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING YOUR NITON XLT XRF ANALYZER

Inspect the shipping carton for signs of damage such as crushed or water damaged packaging. Immediately notify the shipping company and Thermo Electron Corporation, in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460, if there is any visible damage to the ship-ping container or any of its contents.

Open the packing carton. If your instrument is not packed in its carrying case, please call Thermo Electron Corporation imme-diately, in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or out-side the United States, at +1-978-670-7460.

Verify the contents of the shipping container against the enclosed packing list. If there are any discrepancies between the actual contents of the shipping container and the enclosed pack-ing list, please notify Thermo Electron Corporation immedi-ately, in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460.

Open the carrying case and visually inspect the instrument for damage before removing it from the case. Call the shipper and Thermo Electron Corporation if you find any damage to the case or its contents.

Save the shipping carton and all packing materials. Store them in a safe, dry area for reuse the next time that you ship the instrument. NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideIntroductioni

Introduction:YourNITONXRFAnalyzerTHE NITON XLt XRF ANALYZER OVERVIEW

The NITON XLt Analyzer is a single unit, hand held, high perfor-mance portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analyzer.

THE CONTROL PANEL

The control panel is located on the instruments top housing, directly below the LCD touch screen (see Figure I-2). The control panel consists of a 4 way touch pad and two control buttons, one on each side. Using either the control panel or the touch screen (with or without the NITON standard touch screen stylus accessory, that clips in the XLt battery pack) you may navigate through all of the instruments screens and menus. You can control the movement of the screen cursor by pressing the four way control pad in one of four directions to highlight each of the menu options. The enter but-ton on the right side of the four way touch pad is used to select highlighted menu options. The on/off/escape button both controls the power to the instrument and serves as an "escape" button. When the on/off/escape button is pushed and immediately released, it

Top View

Rear View Front View

Bottom View

Side View

Control panel

Stylus

LED lights Trigger

LCD touch screen

Measurement window

Battery pack/handle

Figure I-1

Proximity Sensor

RearInterlock

NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideIntroductionii

Introduction:YourNITONXRFAnalyzerfunctions as an "escape", and brings you back to the Main Menu from the current screen in the menu system.

Push and hold the on/off/escape button for at least 3 seconds to turn the instrument on. A 'beep' will sound as the power comes on. Push the on/off/escape button and hold it down for about 10 seconds to shut off power to the instrument from any screen in the menu sys-tem. The instrument will 'beep' as it shuts down.

You also have the option of operating the instrument, including navigating the menu system, by using the built in touch screen with or without the stylus. To select a menu option with the stylus, tap on the icon once. The touch screen icons have the same functionality as the four way touch pad, the on/off/escape button, and the enter button. This User's Guide will refer to the process of choosing a course of action by selecting an icon from a menu, either using the touch screen or using the control panel buttons, as selecting.

Selecting the Return icon works everywhere throughout the User Interface to bring you back to the previous menu from the current menu in the menu system. Use the on/off/escape button to return to the Main Menu.

LCD touch screen

On/off/escape button

Clear/enter button

4-way touch pad

Figure I-2NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideIntroductioniii

Introduction:YourNITONXRFAnalyzerINSTRUMENT STARTUP

To turn on the instrument, depress the on/off/escape button on the control panel for approximately 3 seconds, until you hear a beep.

On startup, the screen will be replaced by a Restart screen (see Fig-ure I-3) which will automatically count down from 9 to 0 in incre-ments of one second.

When the Restart is complete, the Restart Screen will be replaced by the Logon screen (see Figure I-4). Tap anywhere on this screen to access the virtual touch pad:

Figure I-3

Figure I-4NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideIntroductioniv

Introduction:YourNITONXRFAnalyzerSelect your 4 digit security code, followed by the enter (E) key. The temporary password assigned by default is 1-2-3-4, followed by the E key. After you have completed the log on procedure, the word "SUCCESS" will appear on the bottom of the screen, then the Main Menu will appear:

Check the date/time. The time should be set correctly for accurate and verifiable record keeping (see Set Time and Date on page 2-7).

Your analyzer can be stored safely in temperatures of up to 122F (50C) and is designed to operate at temperatures of up to 122F (50C). You will not be able to take a measurement if the instrument overheats. If it is hot to the touch, you should allow it to cool before testing.

Figure I-5NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideIntroductionv

Introduction:YourNITONXRFAnalyzerSCREEN CONTRAST

To adjust the contrast of your instruments touch screen display, press and hold the left and right ends of the 4 way Touch Pad until a beep sounds. After the beep, you may press the up portion of the 4 way Touch Pad to darken the screen, and the down portion to lighten the screen. When you have the display adjusted so that it is best for you, press the Enter button to save the current setting. NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideIntroductionvi

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyChapter 1 RADIATION SAFETY

The NITON XLt Analyzer was designed so that virtually no mea-surable radiation external to any part of the instrument can escape when the shutter is closed. The NITON XLt analyzer contains an x-ray tube, which emits no radiation at all unless the user turns the x-ray tube on.

Your exposure to radiation is determined by three factors: time, dis-tance, and shielding. Human exposure to radiation is typically mea-sured in REMs, or in one-thousandths of a REM, called milliREMs (mREM).

For a given source of radiation, three factors will determine the radiation dosage you receive from the source:

1. Duration of ExposureThe longer you are exposed to a source of radiation the more radiation strikes your body and the greater the dose you receive. Dosage increases in direct proportion to length of exposure.

2. Distance from The Source

The closer you are to a source of radiation, the more radiation strikes you. The dosage increases in inverse-squared relation to your distance from the source of radiation. For example, the radiation dose one inch from a source is nine times greater than the dose three inches from the source, and 144 times greater than the dose one foot (12 inches) from the source. For another example, the radiation dose one meter from the source of radia-tion is 100 times lower than the dose at 10 cm from the source of radiation. Keep your hand and all body parts away from the front end of the instrument when the shutter is open to minimize your exposure.

3. ShieldingYour instrument emits no radiation at all unless the x-ray tube is turned on, and virtually no radiation with the x-ray tube on and the internal shutter closed, as during calibration. When the x-ray tube is on and the shutter is open, as during a measurement, NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter11

Chapter1:RadiationSafetythe instrument emits a directed radiation beam of approximately 90 mREM/hr intensity at 1 foot (0.9 mSv/hr at 30.48 cm). Always hold your instrument so that you avoid the radiation beam.

Note: Wearing a dosimeter badge does not protect you against radia-tion exposure. A dosimeter badge measures your exposure.

Note: Pregnant workers may want to take special precautions to reduce their exposure to radiation. Qualified scientists have recom-mended that the radiation dose to pregnant women should not exceed a total of 500 mREM/gestation period. See U.S. NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 "Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure".

The Table 1-1 lists typical radiation doses encountered in daily life and lists the annual occupational radiation dosage limits for adults set forth in 105CMR 120.200NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter12

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyTYPICAL RADIATION DOSES IN MILLIREM (NCRP, 1987)

Table 1-1

Average total dose in US (annual) 360 mREM (3.6 mSv)

Average worker exposure (annual) 210 mREM (2.1 mSv)

Average exposure for underground miner (annual)

400 mREM (4.0 mSv)

Exposure for airline crew (1,000 hours at 35,000 ft)

500 mREM (5.0 mSv)

Additional from living in Denver at 5300' (annual)

25 mREM (0.25 mSv)

Additional from 4 pCi/l radon in home (annual)

1,000 mREM (10.0 mSv)

Typical chest x-ray 6 mREM (0.06 mSv)

Typical head or neck x-ray 20 mREM (0.2 mSv)

Typical pelvis/hip x-ray 65 mREM (0.65 mSv)

Typical lumbar spine x-ray 30 mREM (1.3 mSv)

Typical upper G.I. x-ray 245 mREM (2.45 mSv)

Typical barium enema x-ray 405 mREM (4.05 mSv)

Typical CAT scan 110 mREM (1.10 mSv)

Minimum detectable dose on a standard film badge

5 mREM/QTR (0.05 mSv)

Annual occupational dosage limits:

Maximum allowable for the gen-eral public (annual)

100 mREM (1.0 mSv)

Annual Occupational Dose Limits for Adults:

Whole body 5,000 mREM/yr (50 mSv)

For a pregnant worker (during ges-tation period)

500 mREM (5.0 mSv)

For a minor 500 mREM (5.0 mSv)

Eye dose equivalent 15,000 mREM (150 mSv)

Shallow dose equivalent to the skin or any extremity or organ

50,000 mREM (500 mSv)NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter13

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyAs noted above, the allowable limit in the U.S. for occupational exposure is 5,000 mREM/year (50 mSv/year) for a whole-body and 50,000 mREM (500 mSv) for shallow penetration of extremities. Extremity exposure from a properly used NITON XRF instrument will be less than 100 mREM per year, (1.0 mSv per year) even if the instrument is used as much as 2,000 hours per year, with the shutter open and the tube energized continuously.

NOTE: NCRP is the National Council on Radiation Protection and Mea-surementsNITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter14

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyHOW TO USE YOUR NITON XLT SAFELY

The NITON XLt was designed to be as safe as possible. However, we strongly recommend that you follow these precautions to insure your safety and the safety of those around you.Open the shutter only to do a test. The shutter can only be opened after the user has logged on to the instrument using the password.

During testing, a strong beam of radiation is continuously emitted through the kapton window at the front of the instrument (see Fig-ure 1-1). There will be some radiation at the front and top-front of the instrument. There is negligible radiation at the handle of the instrument.

WARNING!

Always treat radiation with respect. Do not hold your instru-ment near the Kapton window during testing. Never point your instrument at yourself or anyone else when the shutter is open.

Horizontal reference

24

Direction of x-ray beam

Figure 1-1

!NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter15

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyX-RAY TUBE SAFETY

Note: Under no circumstances should the x-ray tube be on when the instrument is not in use!!!

The 3 warning lights on your instrument will blink on and off whenever the x-ray tube is on, and those lights will continue to blink as long as the x-ray tube is on.

Warning!

In the highly unlikely event that the x-ray tube remains on when the trigger is not depressed, disconnect the battery pack immediately to turn off the x-ray tube, and call Thermo Elec-tron Corporations Service Department in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460 or your local Authorized NITON Service Center.


Chapter1:RadiationSafetyMONITORING YOUR RADIATION EXPOSURE

There is no measurable radiation from a NITON XLt analyzer when its x-ray tube is turned off.The maximum dosage to which you are exposed when properly operating your NITON is 0.09 mREM/hr on the fingers of the hand holding the instrument, with the x-ray tube on and the shutter open.

As an additional precaution to ensure that your radiation exposure is always minimal, NITON recommends that you determine and follow your state or countrys specific regulations concerning radia-tion monitoring.

Your state or country may have specific regulations concerning radiation monitoring. A dosimeter badge is usually worn close to the parts of your body that are most sensitive to radiation, including your reproductive organs and your eyes. These badges are available from many companies. Two companies offering dosimeters in the USA are:

Landauer, Inc.

2 Science RoadGlenwood, IL 60425-9979.

Proxtronics5795-B Burke Centre HighwayBurke, VA 22015

These companies are listed for information purposes only. NITON does not endorse the services of these companies.

NITON recommends you ask your radiation dosimeter badge sup-plier for a quarterly schedule. Monthly schedules are also available.

NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter17

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyPROCEDURES FOR INSTRUMENT LOSS OR DAMAGE IN THE USA

If your instrument is lost or stolen, call:

1. The Office of Radiological Safety for your states Dept. of Health.

Telephone:___________________________________

2. Ken Martin, C.I.H of Thermo Electron Corporation.

3. If your instrument is lost or stolen, notify your State Police Department:

Note: Please fill in the phone numbers on these pages today. Keep copies where you can find them in case of an emergency.

Table 1-2: During Regular Business Hours

Calling from within the USA (800) 875-1578(toll-free)

Calling from outside the USA +1-978-670-7460

Table 1-3: During Evenings and Weekends

CALL ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE A RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY

Person Phone NumberMobile Phone

Number

Calling from Any-where

Ken Martin +1 (617) 923-6312 +1 (617) 901-3125NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter18

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyPROCEDURES FOR INSTRUMENT LOSS OR DAMAGE OUTSIDE THE USA

If your instrument is lost or stolen, immediately notify:

1. The proper authorities for your location.

Telephone:___________________________________2. Ken Martin, C.I.H. of Thermo Electron Corporation

3. If your instrument is lost or stolen, notify your local Police Department:

Telephone: ___________________________________

Note: Please fill in the phone numbers on these pages today. Keep copies where you can find them in case of an emergency.

Table 1-4: During Regular Business Hours

Calling from within the USA (800) 875-1578(toll-free)

Calling from outside the USA +1-978-670-7460

Table 1-3: During Evenings and Weekends

CALL ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE A RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY

Person Phone Number Mobile Phone Number

Calling from Any-where

Ken Martin +1 (617) 923-6312 +1 (617) 901-3125NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter19

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyXLt RADIATION DOSE PROFILE - STAINLESS STEEL SUBSTRATE

.

Notes: Not to scale

Dose rate measurement taken 360 degrees perpendicular to instru-ment front end

Viewed window (rectangle) placed in contact with substrate

Handle not shown

Profile conducted by: Anthony L. Honnellio, Corporate RSO, 14 March 02

Instrument used for measurement:

0.022mr/hr@30cm (0.22 Sv/hr)

0.028mr/hr@30cm (0.28 Sv/hr)

0.020mr/hr@30cm (0.20 Sv/hr)

0.30mr/hr@5cm (3.0 Sv/hr)

0.015mr/hr@30cm (0.15 Sv/hr)

0.060mr/hr@5cm (0.60 Sv/hr)

0.080mr/hr@5cm (0.80 Sv/hr)

0.015mr/hr@30cm (0.15 Sv/hr)

0.045mr/hr@5cm (0.45 Sv/hr)

0.016mr/hr@30cm (0.16 Sv/hr)

0.017mr/hr@30cm (0.17 Sv/hr)

0.013mr/hr@30cm (0.13 Sv/hr)

Figure 1-2a

Model S/N Last Cal Cal Due

Bicron microREM

C235J 2 July 01 02 July 02NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter110

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyXLt RADIATION DOSE PROFILE - WOOD SUBSTRATE

Notes:

Not to scale



Handle not shown


Instrument used for measurement

0.35mr/hr@30cm (3.5 Sv/hr)


0.35mr/hr@30cm (3.5 Sv/hr)

1.9mr/hr@5cm (19 Sv/hr)

0.32mr/hr@30cm (3.2 Sv/hr)

1.22mr/hr@5cm (12.2 Sv/hr)

1.70mr/hr@5cm (17.0 Sv/hr)

0.32mr/hr@30cm (3.2 Sv/hr)


0.25mr/hr@30cm (2.5 Sv/hr)

0.22mr/hr@30cm (2.2 Sv/hr)

0.28mr/hr@30cm (2.8 Sv/hr)

Figure 1-2b


Bicron microREM


Chapter1:RadiationSafetyXLt RADIATION DOSE PROFILE - ALUMINUM SUBSTRATE

Notes:

Not to scale



Handle not shown


Instrument used for measurement:

0.030mr/hr@30cm (0.30 Sv/hr)

0.038mr/hr@30cm (0.38 Sv/hr)

0.020mr/hr@30cm (0.20 Sv/hr)


0.015mr/hr@30cm (0.15 Sv/hr)

1.38mr/hr@5cm (13.8 Sv/hr)


0.025mr/hr@30cm (0.25 Sv/hr)


0.025mr/hr@30cm (0.25 Sv/hr)

0.018mr/hr@30cm (0.18 Sv/hr)

0.015mr/hr@30cm (0.15 Sv/hr)

Figure 1-2c


Bicron microREM


Chapter1:RadiationSafetyXLt DOSE PROFILE - IN-BEAM MEASUREMENTS & MAX. MEA-SURED TRIGGER FINGER DOSE RATE

Notes: Not to scale

In-beam dose rates are maximum detected dose rate measurements within collimated beam


Instrument used for in-beam measurement:

In-beam dose rate at 5 cm. 1.93 r/hr (19.3mSv/hr)

Maximum detected dose rate to the trigger finger region of operator: 0.09 mr/hr (0.90 Sv/hr)

In-beam dose rate at 100 cm. 2.8 mr/hr (0.028 mSv/hr)

In-beam dose rate at 30 cm. 90 mr/hr (.9 mSv/hr)

Figure 1-3


Kiethliey; 36150 59113 05 July 01 05 July 02NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter113

Chapter1:RadiationSafetyInstrument used for trigger area measurement:

Trigger area reading taken on wood and plastic substrates to maxi-mize Compton dose contribution.

VIEW OF THE UNDERSIDE OF THE XLt ANALYZER SHOWING PROPER PLACEMENT OF RADIATION LABEL


Bicron microREM

C235J 2 July 01 02 July 02

Figure 1-4NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter114

Chapter2:TheMenuSystemChapter 2

THE MENU SYSTEM

The NITON XLt Menu System enables you to perform critical tasks, including taking readings and viewing and moving data, with a minimum number of steps. Menus are presented as small pictures called icons which, when selected, will do one of three things:

1. Toggle between two different functions or views, such as turn-ing backlighting on or off.

2. Present a subsidiary or sub-menu which will allow you access to more choices.

3. Present a screen which allows you to view data, edit data, or control the instrument.

Icons which appear on your NITON instrument screen display in light gray (grayed out) represent features which are not enabled, and therefore cannot be selected. In order to enable features on your NITON instrument which are currently not enabled, please contact Thermo Electron Corporation in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460, or your local Authorized NITON Service Center.

Icons which appear on your NITON instrument screen display with a diagonal line through them represent features which are currently turned off. When an icon with a diagonal line through it is selected, the diagonal line through that icon will automatically be erased, and the feature corresponding to that icon will automatically become enabled.NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter21

Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE MAIN MENU

All NITON XLt instruments functions are accessible from the Main Menu and subsidiary menus. Each of the instrument func-tions represented by an icon on the Main Menu screen (Test, Mode, Utilities, Data, and Common Setup) may be selected by choosing the appropriate icon. When one of these Main Menu icons is selected, the function specific sub-menu appropriate to that icon will be displayed.

In order to test samples in the previously used test mode, simply select the Test icon. Your NITON XLt analyzer will operate in the testing mode that is currently selected. Choose an appropriate test mode for the samples you are testing by selecting a mode from the Mode Menu.

Access the Mode Menu by selecting the Mode icon from the Main Menu screen. The instrument will remember the last mode used on the instrument, and will use that mode by default unless another mode is selected.

Access the Utilities Menu by selecting the Utilities icon from the Main Menu screen. The Utilities Menu enables you to view instrument specifications; set the date and time; auto-calibrate the instrument electronics and the touch screen display; and update and maintain entry passwords and user profiles.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemAccess the Data Menu by selecting the Data icon from the Main Menu screen. The Data Menu allows you to view readings, and allows you to view the alloy library and stored signatures.

Access the Common Setup Menu by selecting the Common Setup icon from the Main Menu screen. The Common Setup Menu allows you to turn on or off the liquid crystal display back-light, turn on or off the integrated bar code scan engine, and to enable or disable the printer.

Return to the Logon screen by selecting the Logoff icon. The Logon Screen logs you out and allows you to login again, prevent-ing casual unauthorized access to your analyzer.NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter23

Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE MODE MENU

The Mode Menu enables you to select any one of the sample test modes that have been installed on your NITON XLt analyzer.

Select the Alloy icon to access any one of the alloy testing modes. The Alloy Modes enables you to test metal alloys for chemical composition and/or alloy identification. The Alloy Testing Modes are detailed in Chapter 3 of this User's Guide.

Select the PB Paint icon to access the Pb Paint Mode. The Pb Paint Mode allows you to determine lead (Pb) loading in paint samples in units of mg/cm2, and to determine if paint samples are above or below the user-defined action level for lead in the shortest time possible. The Pb Paint Mode is detailed in chapter 4 of this Users Guide.

Select the Thin Sample Mode icon to access the Thin Sample Mode Menu, where you may choose a thin sample testing mode appropriate to the samples you will be testing. The Thin Sample Testing Modes allow you to analyze thin samples, such as dust wipes and air filters, and coatings for elemental analysis. The Thin Sample Test Modes are detailed in Chapter 5 of this User's Guide.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemSelect the Bulk Sample Mode icon to access Bulk Sample Mode. The Bulk Sample Mode allows you to analyze soil, mining, and other thick samples for metallic composition and/or contamination. The Bulk Sample Mode is detailed in Chapter 6 of this Users Guide.

Select the User Definable Mode icon to access User Definable Mode. The User Definable Mode allows you to create your own protocols and methods for your own use. The User Definable Mode is detailed in Chapter 7 of this Users Guide.NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter25

Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE UTILITIES MENU

To access the Utilities Menu, select the Utilities icon from the Main Menu display. The Utilities Menu enables you to view your NITON instrument specifications, set the date and time, auto-cali-brate your NITON's detector or touch screen display, Rotate the dis-play on the LCD screen, or change the communication (baud) rate for the RS-232 port.

Select the Calibrate icon to access the Calibrate Menu. The Cali-brate Menu allows you to calibrate the detector or to calibrate the touch screen.

Select the Specs icon to display the instrument's specifications. These specifications include your NITON XLt 's serial number, software and firmware versions, temperature, bias, and data copro-cessors. Press the enter button to return to the Utilities Menu.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemSelect the Date & Time icon to set the date and time as needed for different time zones, daylight savings time, or any other reason. The date and time are factory preset prior to shipping. The format used is month/day/year - MM/DD/YY, and hour/minute - HH/MM, for the 24 hour clock.

When the Date & Time icon is selected, the Date & Time screen comes up on your XLt's LCD Screen. Initially, the first character of the month is highlighted in reverse video (white on black), as in the sample display shown here. To change a character, select the digit you want to replace the character with from the virtual numeric keypad displayed on the screen, then select the Enter (E) character from the virtual numeric keypad. Your NITON XLt will then accept the entry and automatically advance to the next digit. To skip a character, simply select the Enter (E) character from the virtual numeric keypad without selecting a replacement character.

For example, on the sample display, if you wish to change the "06" of the month to "07", the display appears with the first character (0) highlighted. Select the Enter (E) character to skip the zero. The "6" will now be highlighted. Select the "7" digit from the virtual numeric keypad, then select the Enter (E) key from the virtual numeric keypad. The change is accepted and the next digit is high-lighted. Continue to select the Enter (E) symbol from the virtual numeric keypad to skip over the remaining characters of the date and time until the last character is reached. When you select the Enter (E) key from the virtual numeric keypad to confirm the last

Numeric keypad

Highlighted numeral

TimeDate


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemcharacter, the word "SUCCESS" will appear beneath the Date field, and you will be returned to the Main Menu. The date is given in month/day/year format.

The instrument will automatically return you to the Main Menu when the entry is complete.

Select the Current Baud Rate icon to change the communications rate for the RS-232 port. Selecting the Current Baud Rate icon will toggle the communications rate between 115 kbaud and 38 kbaud. The default 115 kbaud rate may be too fast for some older computers, and dropping the rate to 38 kbaud will insure proper communications between your PC and your NITON XLt Analyzer.

Select the Rotate Screen icon to toggle the orientation of the screen between right side up and upside down. NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter28

Chapter2:TheMenuSystem THE DATA MENU

To access the Data Menu, select the Data icon from the Main Menu display. The Data Menu enables you to access readings and libraries, for viewing or manipulation.

Select the View Data icon in order to view previously taken test result readings. When the View Data icon is selected, the Results screen of your most recent test is shown on the LCD display.

Using the buttons on the control panel, you may view different readings or additional data for different readings. Pressing the "Up" position on the 4-way touch pad of your NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer will display the standard screen analysis. Pressing the "Down" position on the 4-way touch pad will display a com-

Figure 2-5a


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemplete scrolling elemental chemistry listing. Each press of the Down position scrolls the screen down to the next element.

Pressing the "Left" position on the 4-way touch pad of your NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer will display the previous read-ing, or if the first reading is currently displayed, the last reading. Pressing the "Right" position on the 4-way touch pad will display the next reading, or if the last reading is currently displayed, the first reading. The NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer can store up to 3000 readings.

You can also look at the complete x-ray spectra for each reading stored in your NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer's mem-ory.

For any reading result, simply use the on/off/escape button to gain access to the screen buttons at the bottom of the screen. Selecting RETN (Return) will take you to the previous menu. Selecting DATA will show the Data Entry parameters for the Reading. Selecting SPTR (Spectrum) will show a graphed spectrum of this reading, called SpectraView. SpectraView can be a useful tool for rapid, qualitative analysis of sample chemistries. See Appendix C: SpectraView for details.

Pressing the DATA screen button while viewing the reading spec-trum will access the parameter data for the reading. In this scrolling screen, you can see the parameters input into the Data Entry Screen describing the conditions of the reading test target, the inspector taking the reading, and other data concerning the reading.

Figure 2-7aNITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter210

Chapter2:TheMenuSystemThis is the first section of the Settings Screen. There are three parameters in this section: Sample, Heat, and Lot.

This is the second and last section of the Settings Screen. There are three parameters in this section: Batch, Misc, and Note.

Select the Erase icon to access the Erase Menu. The Erase Menu allows you to erase your data.

Figure 2-7a

Figure 2-7bNITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter211

Chapter2:TheMenuSystem Caution

Never turn off the instrument while data is being erased!

WARNING!

Do not attempt to take measurements while downloading read-ings! This will generate an error requiring a system reset, and may corrupt your stored readings, requiring all stored readings to be erased.

Select the View Libraries icon to access the Library View Menu. The Library View Menu allows you to view data in the Grade Library as well as the Superlib and Superstds libraries.

Select the View Signatures icon to view data saved as reference sample signatures in Signature ID Mode. When the View Data icon is selected, the Results screen of your most recent test is shown on the LCD display.

Select the More icon to access the second page of the Data Menu.

!


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE DATA MENU - SECOND PAGE

To access the Data Menu Second Page, select the More icon from the Data Menu display. The Data Menu enables you to access readings and libraries, for viewing or deleting.

Select the View SuperChem icon in order to view your SuperChem data. The SuperChem View icon allows you to view your SuperChem Mode data, and also allows you to delete indi-vidual readings.When the View Data icon is selected, the Results screen of your most recent test is shown on the LCD display.

Select the View SuperPrec icon in order to view your SuperPrec data. The View SuperPrec icon allows you to view your Super-Prec Mode data, and also allows you to delete individual SuperChem standards.When the View Data icon is selected, the Results screen of your most recent test is shown on the LCD dis-play.

Figure 2-5bNITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter213

Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE VIEW LIBRARIES MENU

To access the View Libraries Menu, select the View Libraries icon from the Data Menu. The View Libraries Menu enables you to view reference data from your analyzers libraries.

Select the View Grade Library icon to view your Grade Library, which is set by NITON. The entries in the Grade Library serve as a reference for chemistry based analysis. The library entries allow the analyzer to work properly out of the box without needing time-consuming pre-analysis. Please refer to the NDT User Guide for information on modifying the Grade Library.

Select the View SuperStds icon in order to view your SuperStds Alloy library.

Select the View Additional Library icon in order to view your Additional Library alloys, which you may have uploaded to your XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer with the NDTl utility. If you have not uploaded an additional library, the View Additional Library icon will be grayed-out and the View Additional Library function will be unavailable.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE COMMON SETUP MENU

To access the Common Setup Menu, select the Common Setup icon from the Main Menu display. The Common Setup Menu gives you access to various NITON XLt instrument functions, including touch screen display backlighting and the built in bar code scanner

Select the Hardware Setup icon to access the Hardware Setup menu. The Hardware Setup Menu allows you to toggle the dis-play backlight on or off, toggle the built-in bar code scanner on or off, set up the analyzer to use a welding mask, or access the Hot-foot Mode.

Select the Set Protocol icon to bring up the Set Protocol menu. The Set Protocol Menu allows you to.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemSelect the Set Cal Factors (Ind Bulk) icon to bring up the Set Cal Factors Menu. The Set Cal Factors Menu allows you to correct for the presence of certain light elements in a Bulk Mode test matrix which may influence the readings, even though they are not quanti-fied by the analyzer. This feature is not required for the analysis of alloys with your NITON Alloy and Plastics analyzer. For more information on this feature, please contact NITON's Customer Service Department in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460 or your local Authorized NITON Service Center.

Select the Serial Output icon to access the Serial Output Menu. The Serial Output Menu allows you to download data across a serial line or a Bluetooth wireless connection from your instrument to a computer, printer, or other computing device.NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter216

Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE CALIBRATE MENU

To access the Calibrate Menu, select the Calibrate icon from the Utilities Menu. The Calibrate Menu enables you to re-calibrate the instrument's touch screen display interface and to automatically re-calibrate your instrument's sample analysis electronics.

Select the Calibrate Detector icon to re-calibrate the instrument's electronics. As soon as the icon is selected, calibration will begin. The instrument is programmed to calibrate for a specific, predeter-mined period in order to ensure proper operation of your NITON XLt analyzer in the field. The instrument calibration screen will be displayed until calibration is complete. After the calibration has fin-ished, the calibration results will be displayed. Press the on/off/escape button or the Return icon to return to the Main Menu. In order to insure good test results, it is essential that you calibrate your NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer's detector if a check sample test reveals discrepancies in the reading.

Select the Calibrate Touch Screen icon to re-calibrate the instru-ment's touch screen display. This procedure establishes the display boundaries for the touch screen interface. When the Calibrate Touch Screen icon is selected, the display will show the message: "Calibrate Touch Screen". There will be a small cross in the upper left-hand corner of the display. Tap on this cross with the stylus, and the cross will disappear and reappear in the lower left-hand corner of the screen. Tap on the cross again, and it will reappear in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Tap on the cross again and it will reappear in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Tap on the


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemcross once more, and the Logon Screen will appear. Logon as nor-mal, and you will be presented with the Main Menu


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE ERASE MENU

To access the Erase Menu, select the Erase icon from the Data Menu. The Erase Menu enables you to delete data from your ana-lyzer, allowing you to gain storage space for more recent data. You should only erase data which you have already transferred to per-manent storage, or when requested to do so by NITON service per-sonnel.

Select the Erase All Data icon to erase all data, including signa-tures and SuperChem reference readings, from your analyzer. Selecting the Erase All Data icon will bring up a confirmation screen (see Figure 2-13) asking you Are you sure? with options to select YES or NO. Selecting YES will erase all reading data from your analyzer. Selecting NO will return you to the Erase Menu.

Select the Erase Readings icon to erase all accumulated test read-ings from your analyzer. Selecting the Erase Readings icon will bring up a confirmation screen (see Figure 2-13) asking you Are you sure? with options to select YES or NO. Selecting YES will erase all test reading data from your analyzer. Selecting NO will return you to the Erase Menu.

Select the Erase Signatures icon to erase all accumulated alloy sig-natures from your analyzer. Selecting the Erase Signatures icon will bring up a confirmation screen (see Figure 2-13) asking you Are you sure? with options to select YES or NO. Selecting YES will erase all signature data from your analyzer. Selecting NO will return you to the Erase Menu.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemSelect the Erase SuperChem icon to erase accumulated SuperChem reference readings from your analyzer. Selecting the Erase SuperChem icon will bring up a confirmation screen (see Figure 2-13) asking you Are you sure? with options to select YES or NO. Selecting YES will erase all SuperChem refer-ence reading data from your analyzer. Selecting NO will return you to the Erase Menu.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE SERIAL OUTPUT MENU

Select the Download Regions icon to toggle the configuration of the serial port to the task of exporting Regions data to your com-puter.

Select the Download Spectra icon to toggle the configuration of the serial port to the task of exporting Spectral data to your com-puter.

Select the Printer icon to toggle the configuration of the serial port to the task of sending your data to the printer. Enabling the Printer icon will disable Live Serial Output.

Select the Live Serial Output icon to toggle the serial post to the task of sending continuous data updates to an external device. Live Serial Output is very useful for online applications with continuous monitoring of a product stream. Enabling Live Serial Output icon will disable the Printer.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE SET PROTOCOL MENU

For NITON XLt analyzers equipped with more than one output fil-ter, the Set Protocol Menu enables you to directly enable or disable any source, control the time that a source irradiates the sample before auto-switching to another source, and select the chi-squared deviation cutoff for auto-switching between sources.

Select the Enable Sources icon from the Set Protocol Menu to bring up the Filter Menu. From the Filter Menu, you may choose exactly which of the filters contained in your NITON XLt analyzer will be used for sample testing.

Select the Source Switch on Time Only icon from the Set Proto-col Menu to toggle Time Switch Only Mode on or off. In Time Switch Only Mode, the NITON XLt analyzer will ignore the match number and only switch filters according to the time interval you set in the Source Auto-Switch Time menu.

Select the Source Auto-Switch Time icon from the Set Protocol Menu to display the Filter Time Menu. The Filter Time Menu enables you to set the number of seconds each enabled source is allotted before auto-switching will occur when needed during sam-ple testing. Your NITON XLt analyzer will auto-switch from one filter to another when the testing time for that filter is greater than or equal to the time you have chosen, the match number for that fil-ter is lower than the match number you have set, and the identified


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemalloy is flagged as needing the switch in the NITON Alloy Library.

Select the Source Auto-switch Match Num. icon from the Set Protocol Menu to display the Filter Match Menu. The Filter Match Menu enables you to set the chi-squared deviation (match number) below which the instrument will auto-switch to the next enabled filter during alloy sample testing.

Select the Set Maximum Measurement Time icon from the Set Protocol Menu to display the Max Time Screen. The Max Time Screen allows you to set a cap on the maximum time any sample is allowed to be analyzed. This allows you to set up a sample in a NITON Test Stand for a reading without having to time the reading manually. In the field, the maximum measurement time feature also allows you to control measurement time in noisy or otherwise dis-tracting environments.

The Max Time Screen displays a virtual touchpad, similar to the ones used for logging on and setting the clock. At the top left is the name of the screen. At the bottom left is the current measurement time in seconds. Select C to clear the current maximum measure-ment time, then key in the time you want to use as a measurement cap with the number keys. Select E to enter the time, and the maximum measurement time will be reset to the new value.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE HARDWARE SETUP MENU

The Hardware Setup Menu enables you to toggle various options on or off, as well as select certain hardware dependant modes.

Select the Backlight icon to toggle the built in touch screen display backlight off and on. Select the Backlight icon to turn the backlight off. The display will then show the Backlight icon with a slash through it. Select the Backlight icon with a slash through it to turn the backlight on. The display will then show the Backlight icon without a slash through it.

Figure 2-17

Backlight ON Backlight OFF


Chapter2:TheMenuSystem Caution

Enabling the backlight will reduce your battery pack operating time, requiring more frequent recharges.

Select the Scan Engine icon from the Set Protocol Menu to toggle the Data Entry Screens on or off. If the Data Entry Screens are currently enabled, you can select the Scan Engine icon to disable data entry. The display will then show the Scan Engine icon with a slash through it. If the Data Entry Screens are currently disabled, you can select the Scan Engine icon to enable data entry. The dis-play will then show the Scan Engine icon without a slash through it.

Select the Welding Mask icon from the Set Protocol Menu to adjust for the presence or absence of a welding mask. Welding Mask Mode requires additional hardware and special calibration. Welding Mask Mode should not be used without the welding mask hardware to ensure proper analysis, as the calibration adjusts to compensate for the changed geometry when using the welding mask. When the Welding Mask icon is displayed with a diagonal line through it, Welding Mask Mode is disabled. Selecting the Welding Mask icon will toggle Welding Mask Mode between an enabled state and a disabled state. When changing from Welding Mask Mode to normal use and back, remember to enable or disable Welding Mask Mode as appropriate.

Some nations have laws or regulations which prohibit use of this feature. In this case, the feature will be disabled before shipping.

Note: If the Welding Mask Icon is grayed out contact Thermo Electron Corporation or your local NITON Sales representative to have Welding Mask mode installed on your instrument.

Select the Proximity Start Button icon from the Set Protocol Menu to toggle the use of the front proximity button. This enables the proximity button to be used to start taking a sample on contact. Selecting the Proximity Start Button icon again turns the proxim-ity button off.

Some nations have laws or regulations which prohibit use of this feature. In this case, the feature will be disabled before shipping.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE FILTER MENU

The Filter Menu enables you to select exactly which filters will be activated during sample testing. Testing modes auto-switch between filters, based on the testing time and the match number parameters set for the instrument. You may disable a filter if you know that the samples you are testing do not need that filter for dis-crimination.

Select the Enable Cd/Tube icon to toggle the x-ray tube between the enabled and disabled states. When the x-ray tube is disabled, the Enable Cd/Tube icon will appear on the Filter Menu display with a black diagonal line running through the icon. When the x-ray tube is enabled, there is no diagonal line through the icon.

Select the Enable Filter icon to toggle the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. tube out-put filtering system between the enabled and disabled states. When the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. tube output filtering system is disabled, the Enable Filter icon will appear on the source display with a black diagonal line running through the icon. When the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. tube output filtering system is enabled, there is no diagonal line through the icon.

Selecting the Enable Am241 icon will toggle the 241Am source between the enabled and disabled states. The Enable Am241 icon is disabled on Niton XLt analyzers.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE FILTER TIME MENU

Select the Source Autoswitch Match Time icon from the Set Pro-tocol Menu screen to display the Filter Time Menu. Selecting appropriate icons from the Filter Time Menu enables you to change the number of seconds that are allotted to each filter before your NITON XLt analyzer auto-switches to the next filter during sample testing.

Your NITON XLt analyzer will auto-switch from one filter to another when the testing time for that filter is greater than or equal to the time you have chosen and the match number for that source is lower than the match number you have set.

Select the Configure Filter 1 icon to bring up the Filter Time Configuration Screen for Filter 1. The Filter Time Configuration Screen allows you to set the number of seconds Filter 1 is used before auto-switching to the next enabled filter during testing.

Select the Configure Filter 2 icon to bring up the Filter Time Configuration Screen for Filter 2. The Filter Time Configuration Screen allows you to set the number of seconds Filter 2 is used before auto-switching to the next enabled filter during testing.

Select the Configure Am241 icon to bring up the Source Time Configuration Screen for the 241Am source. The Configure Am241 icon is disabled on the NITON XLt Analyzer.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemThe Filter Time Configuration Screen enables you to select the number of seconds each filter will be used during a sample analy-sis.The current Mode is displayed in the upper left hand corner. In the center, the display screen is dominated by a virtual numeric key-pad. At the bottom left of the screen is the number of seconds the selected filter is allotted during testing (Example: 20.4.)

To change the configuration for the selected filter, clear the current number with the Clear key C, then change the number using the virtual numeric keypad, selecting the digits in order, then select enter (E). For example, to change the time from 20.4 seconds to 10.5 seconds: select C, then select "1", then select "0", then select ".", then select "5", then select "E". The filter measurement time setting will be changed, and you will return to the previous menu.

Current Mode

Source seconds allotted

Enterkey

Clearkey


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE FILTER MATCH NUMBER MENU

Select the Source Autoswitch Match Number icon from the Set Protocol Menu screen to display the Filter Match Number Menu. Selecting appropriate icons from the Filter Match Number Menu enables you to change the match number each filter must reach before your NITON XLt analyzer auto-switches to the next source during sample testing.

Your NITON XLt analyzer will auto-switch from one filter to another when the match number for that filter is lower than the match number you have chosen and the time for that filter is greater than or equal to the time you have set.

Select the Configure Filter 1 icon to bring up the Filter Time Configuration Screen for the Filter 1 source. The Filter Time Configuration Screen allows you to set the match number the Fil-ter 1 reading is compared to before auto-switching to the next enabled filter during testing.

Select the Configure Filter 2 icon to bring up the Filter Time Configuration Screen for the Filter 2 source. The Filter Time Configuration Screen allows you to set the match number the Fil-ter 2 reading is compared to before concluding the reading.


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemSelect the Configure Am241 icon to bring up the Source Time Configuration Screen for the 241Am source. The Configure Am241 icon is disabled on the NITON XLt Analyzer.

The Filter Match Number Configuration Screen enables you to select the match number each filter will be compared to during a sample analysis. The current Mode is displayed in the upper left hand corner. In the center, the display screen is dominated by a vir-tual numeric keypad. At the bottom left of the screen is the match number the selected filter is to be compared to during testing (Example: 2.0).

To change the configuration for the selected filter, clear the current setting with the Clear key C, then change the number using the virtual numeric keypad, selecting the digits in order, then select enter (E). For example, to change the match number from 2.0 sec-onds to 3.0: select C, then select "3", then select ".", then select "0", then select "E". The filter match number setting will be changed, and you will return to the previous menu.

Current Mode

Source match number

Enterkey

Clearkey


Chapter2:TheMenuSystemTHE P.E.R.F.E.C.T. SYSTEM

The P.E.R.F.E.C.T. System - Programmable Excitation by Regula-tion of Filters, Energy, Current, and Time - is an focused excitation system which uses a combination of methods to preferentially excite light elements and dampen heavier elements, thus lowering the Limit of Detection on lighter elements such as chromium and titanium.

The P.E.R.F.E.C.T. System is only available for NITON XLt analy-sers.NITONXLt797ZSeriesAlloyandPlasticsAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter231

Chapter3:AlloyTestingChapter 3 ALLOY TESTING

Prior to testing alloy samples, you must select an alloy testing mode for your NITON XLt analyzer. Select the alloy test mode that is best suited to the analytical and practical requirements of the testing you are doing. There are several different alloy analysis modes, so the proper selection is important in assuring that the analysis fits your needs.NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter31

Chapter3:AlloyTestingTHE ALLOY MENU

To access the Alloy Menu, select the Alloy icon from the Mode Menu. The Alloy Menu enables you to select the analysis mode best suited to the type of analysis you need to perform.

Select the Chemistry Mode icon from the Alloy Menu screen to access the Chemistry Mode Menu. From the Chemistry Mode Menu, you may choose the most appropriate subtype of Chemistry Mode analysis to use for the alloy samples you are testing, you may also set various alloy testing protocols. Alloy chemistry test modes provide both a chemical composition analysis and a grade identifi-cation based on a chemical match to the specified minimum and maximum concentration percentages set for each alloy grade stored in your NITON XLt analyzer's alloy grade library.

The alloy chemistry test modes are especially useful when you are measuring widely varying material and alloys for which no refer-ence samples exist. In all of the Alloy Chemistry testing modes, your NITON XLt Alloy and Plastics Analyzer will show the chem-istry of each sample, even if no library specification match is found. You can often identify alloy grades based on the chemical composi-tion displayed on your NITON XLt analyzer.

Select the Signature ID Mode icon from the Alloy Menu screen to display the Signature ID Mode Menu. This menu allows you to obtain and store the spectral signatures, or fingerprints, of refer-ence samples with known composition, and to identify unknown alloy samples by direct comparison to these stored spectral signa-

Figure 3-1NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter32

Chapter3:AlloyTestingtures. Using the Signature ID Mode Menu, you can build and store your own custom library in excess of 250 alloy reference sig-natures.

Choose Signature ID Mode when the samples you are testing:

1. Are not listed in the preprogrammed grade library, i.e. pro-duce No Match when tested in Alloy Chemistry Mode and you have access to known samples that can be used to build reference signatures for comparison.

2. Differ by very small amounts of one or more elements and cannot be separated easily in Alloy Chemistry Mode due to overlapping element specification ranges (minimum/maxi-mum concentration values in the Grade Library) and you have access to known samples that can be used to build ref-erence signatures for comparison.

3. Are not an exact match to any alloys in the grade library and you have access to known samples that can be used to build reference signatures for comparison

Select the SuperChem Mode icon from the Alloy Menu screen to display the SuperChem Mode Menu. Use this mode to create a custom library of alloys, specifically matched to your needs and your XRF Analyzer. For more information about SuperChem Mode see The SuperChem Menu on page 3 - 9.

Select the Threshold Mode icon from the Alloy Menu screen to display the Threshold Mode Menu. At the time this User's Guide was published, the Threshold Mode was not available on the NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer. For more informa-tion on this feature, please contact NITON's Customer Service Department in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460 or your local Authorized NITON Service Center.

Select the Precious Metals Mode icon from the Alloy Menu screen to set your analyzer into Precious Metals Mode and initiate a test. The Precious Metals Mode is available only on NITONs Infiniton TM and XLt analyzer configurations. NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter33

Chapter3:AlloyTestingTHE CHEMISTRY MODE MENU

To access the Chemistry Mode Menu, select the Chemistry Mode icon from the Alloy Menu. The Chemistry Mode Menu enables you to choose the proper type of alloy chemistry-based analysis for your test requirements.

Select the All Alloys icon from the Chemistry Mode Menu to access the All Alloys Chemistry Testing Mode. Using All Alloys Chemistry Testing Mode on your NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer allows you to determine the chemistry of the sample when you dont know anything in advance about the com-position of the sample. Once All Alloys Chemistry Testing Mode is selected, The NITON XLt analyzer automatically goes to the All Alloys Test Menu, ready for testing.

Select the Alloys with Cu/Zn/Pb icon from the Chemistry Mode Menu to access the Cu/Zn/Pb Chemistry Mode. In Cu/Zn/Pb Chemistry Mode, all other programmed elements are active in addition to Cu/Zn/Pb (e.g. Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zr, Nb, Mo, W, etc.). Cu/Zn/Pb Chemistry Mode is recommended if you know, without a doubt, that your sample alloy contains Cu, Zn, and/or Pb and not Ta, Hf, or Re. When your NITON XLt analyzer is operating in Cu/Zn/Pb Chemistry Mode, the NITON XLt analyzer will not measure concentrations of Hf, Ta, or Re in a sample. Once Cu/Zn/Pb Chemistry Mode is selected, The NITON XLt analyzer auto-matically goes to the Cu/Zn/Pb Test Menu, ready for testing.


Chapter3:AlloyTesting Caution

In Alloys with Cu/Zn/Pb Mode, the NITON XLt 797Z Analyzer will not measure Hafnium (Hf), Tantalum (Ta), or Rhenium (Re), whether or not any or all of these elements are present in a sample.

Select the Alloys with Ta/Hf/Re icon from the Chemistry Mode Menu to access the Ta/Hf/Re Mode. In Ta/Hf/Re Chemistry Mode, all other programmed elements are active in addition to Ta/Hf/Re (e.g. Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zr, Nb, Mo, W, etc.). Ta/Hf/Re Chemistry Mode is recommended if you know, without a doubt, that your sample alloy contains Ta, Hf, and/or Re and not Cu, Zn, or Pb. When your NITON XLt analyzer is operating in Ta/Hf/Re Chemistry Mode, the NITON XLt analyzer will not measure con-centrations of Cu, Zn, or Pb in a sample. Once Ta/Hf/Re Chemis-try Mode is selected, The NITON XLt analyzer automatically goes to the Ta/Hf/Re Test Menu, ready for testing.

Caution

In Alloys with Ta/Ha/Re Mode, the NITON XLt 797Z Analyzer will not measure Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), or Lead (Pb), whether or not any or all of these elements are present in a sample.

Select the Switch Library icon from the Chemistry Mode Menu to switch between the standard alloy library and any additional alloy libraries you have uploaded with the NDTl utility. The Switch Library icon is grayed-out - unavailable - by default until you upload an additional alloy library. Once you have uploaded an addi-tional alloy library, the Switch Library icon is no longer grayed-out and the Switch Library function becomes available

!

!NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter35

Chapter3:AlloyTestingTHE SIGNATURE ID MODE MENU

To access the Signature ID Mode Menu, select the Signature ID Mode icon from the Alloy Menu. The Signature ID Mode Menu enables you to build new reference alloy signatures, manipulate (add, delete, and rename) alloy signatures in the Signature Library, and test samples to see if they match signatures in the Sig-nature Library.

Select the Match Signature icon from the Signature ID Mode Menu to put your NITON XLt analyzer into Match Signature Mode. When Match Signature Mode is selected, Your NITON XLt analyzer will automatically go the Match Signature Test Menu, ready for testing.

Select the Store Signature Mode icon from the Signature ID Mode Menu to put your NITON XLt analyzer into the Store Sig-nature Mode Menu. The Store Signature Mode Menu allows you to build an alloy signature, or return to the previous menu.

Selecting the Edit Signatures icon enables you to edit the names of the alloy signatures. At the time this User's Guide was published, the Edit Signature Mode Menu was not available on the NITON XLt 797Z Alloy and Plastics Analyzer. For more information on this feature, please contact NITON's Customer Service Depart-ment in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460 or your local Authorized NITON Service Center.


Chapter3:AlloyTestingTHE STORE SIGNATURE MENU

To access the Store Signature Menu, select the Store Signature icon from the Signature ID Mode Menu. The Store Signature Menu enables you to use the Virtual Keyboard or initiate the bar code scanner to input test data and subsequently build an alloy sig-nature, or return to the previous menu.

Select the Data Entry icon from the Store Signature Menu to pre-pare to initiate a Store Signature mode sample measurement. Type the name of the alloy reference sample directly into the instrument using the Virtual Keyboard. The designation you choose will be attached to the next Store Signature test you perform. You may also use the standard accessory alloy-name bar code sheet to input the names of alloys for the Match Signature alloy library. When using the bar code scanner, scan in the bar coded name of each alloy reference sample you teach to your NITON XLt Analyzer using the standard accessory bar code sheet found in the case of your NITON XLt analyzer, or print your own with a bar code font. The name you put in will be attached to the next alloy signature you build.

After the data entry is complete, take a 60 second measurement of the reference sample you have named. The instrument will build a signature of this reference sample to compare against unknown samples in Match Signature Mode.


Chapter3:AlloyTesting Caution

When teaching your NITON XLt analyzer a new alloy signature in Match Signature Mode, the measurement must be taken for at least a full 60 nominal seconds, as displayed on the NITON XLt analyzer's touch screen display.

!NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter38

Chapter3:AlloyTestingTHE SUPERCHEM MENU

To access the SuperChem Mode Menu, select the SuperChem Mode icon from the Alloy Menu. SuperChem Mode gives you the flexibility to create a custom library of alloys, specifically matched to your needs and your XRF Analyzer. In some cases, this mode produces the most accurate alloy readings, but requires that you create a library before taking any readings. In SuperChem mode, the XRF Analyzer only identifies the alloys that you have previ-ously added to your library.

This mode is designed to facilitate discriminating between closely related alloys. For instance, discriminating between 316 SS and 317 SS in a QC or process control setting is an ideal application. This mode is not well suited to classifying heterogeneous items of unknown composition.

SuperChem Mode works by a combination of signature match and chemical composition of a known reference sample. The reference sample is analyzed, and its chemical composition values are set to zero. SuperChem Mode allows you to set those values to the known composition of your particular certified reference. When matching against this reference, the counts per second for each ele-ment in the test sample are matched against the counts per second for each element in your certified reference, and the chemistry of the test sample is extrapolated from the known data of the refer-ence.


Chapter3:AlloyTestingSelect the SuperChem Test icon from the SuperChem Mode Menu to put your NITON XLt analyzer into Super Identify Mode. When Super Identify Mode is selected, your NITON XLt analyzer will automatically go to the Super Identify Menu, where you may begin testing samples in Super Identify Mode.

The SuperChem Test icon will not be available until you first cre-ate a library with SuperChem Teach Mode.

Select the SuperChem Store icon from the SuperChem Mode Menu to put your NITON XLt analyzer into Super Teach Mode. When Super Teach Mode is selected, your NITON XLt analyzer will automatically go to the Super Teach Menu, where you may begin testing samples in Super Teach Mode.

Select the Precious SuperChem Test icon from the SuperChem Mode Menu to put your NITON XLt analyzer into Precious Super Teach Mode. When Precious Super Teach Mode is selected, your NITON XLt analyzer will automatically go to the Precious Super Teach Menu, where you may begin testing samples in Super Teach Mode.

The Precious SuperChem Test icon will not be available until you first create a library with Precious SuperChem Teach Mode.

Select the Precious SuperChem Store icon from the SuperChem Mode Menu to put your NITON XLt analyzer into Precious Super Teach Mode. When Precious Super Teach Mode is selected, your NITON XLt analyzer will automatically go to the Precious Super Teach Menu, where you may begin testing samples in Super Teach Mode.NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter310

Chapter3:AlloyTestingSUPER TEACH MENU

To access the Super Teach Menu, select the SuperChem Stare icon from the SuperChem Mode Menu. The Super Teach Menu enables you to use the Virtual Keyboard or initiate the bar code scanner to input test data to teach your analyzer a SuperChem sig-nature, or return to the previous menu.

Select the Data Entry icon from the Super Teach Menu to enter the name and elemental percentages of the alloy into the analyzers memory. There are three methods of data entry:

From a drop down list from a library established by the NDTl program on your computer and downloaded to the analyzer.

By keying the name and elemental percentages of the alloy directly into the analyzer with the Virtual Keyboard.

By scanning in a bar code using the built in bar code scanner.

The name you select will be the name of the next alloy SuperChem signature you teach.


Chapter3:AlloyTestingAfter the data entry is complete, take a 60 second measurement of the reference sample you have named. The instrument will build a signature of this reference sample to compare against unknown samples in SuperChem Mode.

While your NITON XLt Alloy and Plastics Analyzer is analyzing the alloy, you will see a screen similar to Figure 3-7 above. The screen shows the counts per second for that element, and the default

Reading Number

Test Time in Seconds

Test Mode

Sample Name

Percent of ElementNumber of counts per element

Element detected Figure 3-7NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter312

Chapter3:AlloyTesting(zero) percentage of that element in this alloy. However, if the name of the sample matches one of the.

When you stop the reading, the screen changes to a new configura-tion showing the alloy elements in one column and a second col-umn filled with zeros. The zeroes are the default percentages of elements actually contained in the sample. By selecting a blank per-centage, you may edit the composition percentages to conform pre-cisely to the certified values of your particular reference.

There are three scrollable screens (Figure 3-8 a, b, c) listing each element used in the instruments alloy analysis. Use the 4-way touch pad to move through the listing, and the enter button to select the element you wish to edit. Entering the percentages is done through an interface similar to the one used to log in, as described below and as shown in Figure 3-9.

NOTE: All constituent element percentages for a SuperChem alloy must add up to approximately 100%. If an element is listed as Bal-ance, that elements concentration must be determined and entered into the SuperChem Teach data entry screen. If a certification does not equal 100%, then the remaining concentration of unmeasurable elements must be summed and entered as Al.

Figure 3-8a b cNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter313

Chapter3:AlloyTesting

Again, you can use the 4-way touch pad to navigate and the enter key to select, or use the LCD touch screen. First, always select the C button to clear the entire percentage to a blank state. Otherwise the numbers you input will be appended onto the default percentage (zero). Selecting the

Chapter3:AlloyTestingSUPER IDENTIFY MENU

To access the Super Identify Menu, select the SuperChem Iden-tify icon from the SuperChem Mode Menu. The Super Identify Menu enables you to use the Virtual Keyboard or initiate the bar code scanner to input test data, and subsequently identify a sample from a SuperChem signature, or return to the previous menu.

Select the Data Entry icon from the Super Identify Menu to pre-pare to initiate a SuperChem sample measurement. Type the name of the alloy sample directly into the instrument using the Virtual Keyboard. The designation you choose will be attached to the next SuperChem Identify test you perform. You may also use the NITON bar code scanner and the standard accessory alloy-name bar code sheet and scan in the bar coded designation of the sample you wish to test. You can print your own with a bar code font.

After the data entry is complete, take a measurement of the test sample. The instrument will compare the signature of this unknown sample against that of the reference sample in SuperChem Mode.

Figure 3-10aNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter315

Chapter3:AlloyTestingWhile your NITON XLt Alloy and Plastics Analyzer is analyzing the alloy, you will see a screen similar to Figure 3-10b above. This screen will be displayed on your NITON XLt s display until a matching reference sample is found

Reading Number


Test Mode

Alloy Name (or No Match)

Figure 3-10bNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter316

Chapter3:AlloyTestingWhen the analyzer identifies the alloy, the screen changes to a new configuration (Figure 3-10c) showing the elements detected to be present in this alloy, the detected percentages, the confidence num-ber (the lower the better), and the two sigma error. The 2 Sigma Error means that it is 95% certain that the actual value varies no more than this amount from the reported value. Therefore, in this example, it is 95% certain that Ni is between 13.64% and 9.76% (11.70 plus or minus 1.94)

Reading Number


Test Mode

Sample Name

2 Sigma ErrorPercentage of Element

Element detected

Confidence Number

Figure 3-10c

of Closest MatchNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter317

Chapter3:AlloyTestingThe analysis will continue until you stop it, with the analysis get-ting more refined as time goes on. When you stop the reading, the screen stops updating and stays the same, as in Figure 3-10d.

Reading Number


Test Mode

Sample Name

2 Sigma ErrorPercent of Element

Element detected

Confidence Number

Figure 3-10d

of Closest MatchNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter318


If the XRF Analyzer determines that the sample that you are testing does not match any of the samples that you have specified in your library, it displays No Match. as in Figure 3-10e, above.

Figure 3-10eNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter319

Chapter3:AlloyTestingALL ALLOYS TEST MENU

To access the All Alloys Test Menu, select the All Alloys icon from the Chemistry Mode Menu. The All Alloys Test Menu enables you to use the Virtual Keyboard or initiate the bar code scanner to input test data, then run a sample test in All Alloys Mode, or to return to the Main Menu.

Select the Data Entry icon from the All Alloys Test Menu to pre-pare to initiate an All Alloys mode sample measurement. Type the name of the sample directly into the instrument using the Virtual Keyboard. The designation you choose will be attached to the test you perform. You may also use the NITON bar code scanner and the standard accessory alloy-name bar code sheet and scan in the bar coded designation of the sample you wish to test. You can print your own with a bar code font.

After the data entry is complete, take a measurement of the test sample. The instrument will test the chemistry it detects against the chemistries in the NITON Alloy Library to find the best match.

Figure 3-11aNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter320

Chapter3:AlloyTestingIn Figure 3-11b above, the reading is showing a Possible Match with 15Mn-17Cr. The readings for Ni and Cr are marked with an asterisk after the element name, which indicates that they are out of spec. The other elements are in spec, but further testing time is indi-cated to see if there is a better match, or to see if the out of spec ele-ments can be better quantified.

Figure 3-11bNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter321


Figure 3-11c above shows the same reading after 81 seconds of nominal reading time. The match number now shows it is a Proba-ble Match, and none of the elements listed are out of spec.

Figure 3-11d above shows a SpectraView screen. This screen shows the spectrum of a reading qualitatively. See Appendix C for details.

Figure 3-11c

Figure 3-11dNITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter322

Chapter3:AlloyTestingCU/ZN/PB TEST MENU

To access the Cu/Zn/Pb Test Menu, select the Alloys with Cu/Zn/Pb icon from the Chemistry Mode Menu. The Cu/Zn/Pb Test Menu enables you to use the Virtual Keyboard or initiate the bar code scanner to input test data, then run a sample test in Cu/Zn/Pb Mode, or to return to the Main Menu.

Select the Data Entry icon from the Cu/Zn/Pb Test Menu to pre-pare to initiate a Cu/Zn/Pb mode sample measurement. Type the name of the alloy sample directly into the instrument using the Vir-tual Keyboard. The designation you choose will be attached to the next Cu/Zn/Pb test you perform. You may also use the NITON bar code scanner and the standard accessory alloy-name bar code sheet and scan in the bar coded designation of the sample you wish to test. You can print your own with a bar code font.

After the data entry is complete, take a measurement of the test sample. The instrument will test the chemistry it detects against the


Chapter3:AlloyTestingchemistries in the NITON Alloy Library to find the best match. In all other respects, the Cu/Zn/Pb Mode works in the same manner as the All Alloys Mode.NITONXLt800SeriesAlloyAnalyzerUsersGuideChapter324

Chapter3:AlloyTestingTA/HF/RE TEST MENU

To access the Ta/Hf/Re Test Menu, select the Alloys with Ta/Hf/Re icon from the Chemistry Mode Menu. The Ta/Hf/Re Test Menu enables you to use the Virtual Keyboard or initiate the bar code scanner to input test data, then run a sample test in Ta/Hf/Re Mode, or to return to the Main Menu.

Select the Data Entry icon from the Ta/Hf/Re Test Menu to pre-pare to initiate a Cu/Zn/Pb mode sample measure

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