Your Quick Guide to Fast Quantitative XRD Analysis

By Michelle Wright - 6 November, 2019

XRD Drives Fast Quantitative Mineralogy Results

XRD analysis can be a time-consuming task if you don’t have the right tools to do the job. With that said, we’d like to introduce you to our next-generation TERRA™ II and BTX™ III mobile XRD analyzers.

Our XRD instruments offer outstanding speed and increase productivity without the need for a technical expert. The result is faster mineralogy results and phase analysis.

Here, we're highlighting our XRD features that drive faster results and demonstrate just how easy it is get those results.

5 Ways Olympus XRD Drives Fast Quantitative Mineralogy Results

Our next-gen XRD analyzers streamline your workflow from sample prep to reporting with powerful features:

SwiftMin^® software: Get automated mineral/phase ID and quantification in real time directly on the analyzer to make faster decisions
Intuitive user interface: Preset calibrations, easy data export, automatic data transfer, wireless capabilities, and a single dashboard view help to streamline your daily routine
Improved X-ray detector: Updated X-ray detector hardware runs faster and offers more intensity, leading to lower limits of detection (LODs)
Unique vibrating sample holder: Quickly collect and prepare your sample with only 15 mg of material needed
Mobility: Easily transport the mobile, lightweight analyzers for rapid feedback at any location—whether you need it for well logging, horizontal drilling, geological research, mining, or another application

The analyzers are available in two mobile styles:

The TERRA II analyzer provides portable XRD results with a battery life up to six hours and a rugged, weatherproof case
The BTX III analyzer offers the same analytical performance in a compact, benchtop design

No matter which analyzer you choose, running a test is easy.

5 Steps to Fast Quantitative XRD Analysis

You can run a test in just a few simple steps:

1. Prep your sample.

First, turn the sample into a powder. Sample prep is as easy as giving the material a quick crush. Accessories are included with the analyzer to make sample collection and preparation as simple as possible.

2. Sieve your sample.

Run your sample through a sieve or portable mill. Olympus XRD instruments only require powders to be as fine as 150 microns.

3. Shake your sample.

Use the spatula to place your sample in the vibrating sample holder. Our unique sample holder ensures your sample is free of preferred orientation effects.

4. Start your test.

Press the Start Acquisition button on your instrument to begin your test. As the sample processes, view the X-ray diffraction pattern in real time by connecting the XRD analyzer to your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other wireless device.

You can modify the settings to automatically transfer data after a preset amount of time or when you hit stop.

5. See results.

The diffraction pattern is now ready for report. You can also edit results before running the report.

Olympus XRD Combines Speed with Precision

By following the five steps listed above you can easily achieve faster quantitative XRD analysis than with conventional XRD systems. And while we know how important speed is to you, our instruments provide the precision and repeatability you need as well.

Since our XRD analyzers lack moving parts, we offer more precise, reliable results compared to conventional systems, which need to be realigned periodically to compensate for worn gear optics. As a result, you can make decisions quickly and with confidence.

Learn more about the TERRA II and BTX III XRD analyzers.