New empirical method for the analysis of finished cement from Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc.

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. has announced a new empirical method for the analysis of finished cement. Application Note #1273 demonstrates the capabilities of the Rigaku NEX QC+ energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer for quality control during the cement production process. The report includes complete information regarding sample preparation, method calibration and repeatability.

XRF spectroscopy is an established technique used in cement plants around the world for quality control (QA/QC) throughout the manufacturing process. During the entire production and processing cycle, oxide composition of the cement material must be reliably monitored to ensure optimal process control, monitor physical characteristics of the cement and enable profitability.

EDXRF spectrometry is a regularly employed screening and quality control tool used to ensure proper composition of incoming feedstocks and raw meal mixture balances during the addition of gypsum and throughout the manufacturing process. Cement plants also routinely maintain EDXRF analysers for backup to carry out basic measurements when the main WDXRF system is in use or undergoing maintenance.

For the published method, each sample is prepared by grinding the material to a fine, dry, homogeneous powder and producing a 5 g hydraulically pressed pellet using 20 t pressure for 30 seconds. Empirical calibrations were built using a set of 8 NIST certified SRMs. Using the empirical approach, ‘alpha corrections’ are then employed to automatically compensate for variations in X-ray absorption and enhancement effects within the sample due to the independent variations in element concentration, thereby yielding an accurate model characterising the cement type.

Analysis was carried out using the new Rigaku NEX QC+ high resolution benchtop EDXRF analyser. The NEX QC+ spectrometer employs next generation silicon detector technology and is specifically designed for routine quality control applications. It is engineered to deliver superior calibrations and has the necessary precision for the most challenging measurements.

The results show that the Rigaku NEX QC+ analyser’s rapid quantitative elemental analysis capabilities can provide cement plants with a reliable and rugged system for quality control measurements, even for more demanding applications where analysis time or sample throughput is critical.

A copy of the report may be requested here.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/product-news/21072014/rigaku-new-empirical-method-for-analysis-of-finished-cement-64/