AXT Install Australia's First High Speed Simultix 14 XRF Spectrometer

AXT has recently installed the first Rigaku Simultix 14 high-speed Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer (WDXRF) at BHP Billiton's nickel operation.

This system is now up and running 24/7 characterizing ore samples to supporting their mining operation.

The Simultix 14 is a high-throughput, high-precision system for elemental analysis, suited to measuring light to heavy elements from beryllium to uranium. It is a highly advanced system that features full automation and has been designed to meet the most stringent precision and throughput laboratory requirements while maintaining analytical flexibility and versatility. BHP have optioned their system with the 48 position auto sample changer to increase its ability to run unattended.

Rigaku have engineered in many smart features that have resulted in a fully automated, high performance instrument with a relatively small footprint. These features include state-of-the-art high frequency circuits, highly efficient heat exchanger, faster vacuum system and high speed sample loading system.

These performance features make the Simultix 14 an ideal process control instrument that can be easily integrated into your workflow to improve quality and throughput.

The system is also extremely flexible with a maximum of 40 channels. Other options include automated background correction and sequential light and heavy element goniometer.

The Simultix 14 is the latest evolution of the Simultix family of multi-channel simultaneous XRF analyzers, benefiting from more than 30 years of experience. This high-performance system has been designed to meet the increasing needs of industries such as steel and cement manufacturing.

Speaking about this particular installation, AXT's Managing Director Richard Trett said, "while installing this high-end XRF system, the first in Australia is a great achievement, it is more pleasing to know that Australian mining is still alive and willing to invest in solutions like the Simultix 14 to maintain quality and efficiency. We hope to work with more Australian miners to improve quality control for their operations."

AXT represent Rigaku in Australia selling their WDXRF, XRD, CT and NDT product lines. They also have agencies for numerous other synergistic manufacturers around the world enabling them to offer tailored solutions for industry and academia.