XRF spectrometer supports BHP nickel operation

Scientific equipment supplier AXT has installed a Rigaku Simultix 14 high-speed wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer at BHP Billiton’s nickel operation. The system is now up and running 24/7, characterising ore samples to support the mining company’s operations.

The Simultix 14 is a high-throughput, high-precision system for elemental analysis, suitable for measuring light to heavy elements from beryllium to uranium. It has been designed to cater for the needs of industries such as steel and cement manufacturing, meeting stringent precision and throughput laboratory requirements while maintaining analytical flexibility and versatility.

With smart features such as high-frequency circuits, an efficient heat exchanger, a fast vacuum system and a high-speed sample loading system, the spectrometer is a fully automated, high-performance instrument with a relatively small footprint. The process control instrument can be easily integrated into the user’s workflow to improve quality and throughput.

The system is also flexible, with a maximum of 40 channels and options including automated background correction and a sequential light- and heavy-element goniometer. BHP has optioned the system with the 48-position auto sample changer to increase its ability to run unattended.

AXT Managing Director Richard Trent said the installation of the first Simultix 14 in Australia was “a great achievement”.

He added that it is “pleasing to know that Australian mining is still alive and willing to invest in solutions like the Simultix 14 to maintain quality and efficiency” and that AXT hopes to “work with more Australian miners to improve quality control for their operations”.