Olympus has added to its line of handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysers for fast light element detection with the Vanta Element-S XRF instrument.

The new unit delivers fast light element detection at an affordable price, joining a family of cost-effective, entry-level Vanta Element XRF instruments, the company says.

The S model is equipped with a silicon drift detector (SDD) to analyse light elements like magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), sulphur (S) and phosphorus (P) in alloys.

Ideal for precious metals, the Vanta Element-S effectively measures ferrous metals, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel and gold carats, it said. “The analyser offers clear on-screen grade ID and comparison for the light elements Mg, Al and Si in seconds.”

For greater uptime and reliability, the analysers are IP54 rated to resist dust and moisture and built to pass a 1.2 m drop test (MIL-STD-810G). Other protective features include a stainless-steel faceplate and a Prolene® window with Kapton® mesh support that sticks on and peels off for toolless window changes in the field, the company said. The analysers, the company says, continuously perform in temperatures from -10°C to +45°C.

“Vanta Element-S analysers come with the essential features the Vanta™ series is known for: speed, reliability, ruggedness, connectivity and smartphone-like ease of use,” the company said. Weighing 1.32 kg, the analyser is up to the challenge of all-day testing for alloy and metal analysis. “Powered by Olympus’ proven Axon Technology™, the S model brings the same high-count rate and stability as the rest of the Vanta series for fast results and return on investment.”

Optional wireless connectivity, meanwhile, helps future-proof the analyser for Industry 4.0, the company says.

“Connect to the Olympus Scientific Cloud™ for wireless data sharing and access to convenient fleet management tools, as well as the Olympus mobile app or your network,” Olympus said. “The analyser also has a one GB microSD™ card to store results and two USB ports to easily export data. For added flexibility, the analyser is compatible with accessories like the Vanta field stand, soil foot, probe shield and holster.”

Olympus will be hosting a webinar titled, ‘Innovative applications of portable X-ray diffraction (pXRD) and X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) for base metals and gold exploration’ later this week. To find out more click here.