Large capacity XY sample magazine for ARL 9900series XRF Spectrometers

Partners in productivityX-ray fluorescence spectrometers have beenfitted with systems for automatic sampleloading since the 1960s.

For industrial production controlapplications, the large capacity XYmagazine introduced with the latest seriesof XRF spectrometers has proven to be anextremely reliable and simple solution toautomate sample handling for analysis.

The Thermo Scientific ARL SMS-XYSample Manipulation System is an easystep into full automation. The addition ofthe SMS automation software to this XYmagazine provides for unattended routineproduction control including automaticsample preparation and analysis.

With the ARL SMS-XY, productionsamples are processed fully automaticallyand the instrument performance ispermanently controlled, without the need ofshift operators. This comprises:• The simplest operations such as loading a

sample on the XRF for analysis• More complex and time consuming

procedures such as instrument controland monitoring to keep the spectrometerin optimum working condition; instrumentstandardization and type standardization

And even when dedicated to on-lineprocess control applications, the system remainsavailable for other jobs: manual samples can beregistered and introduced via the XY magazineany time, without having to wait for aninstrument operation to be completed.

Product Specifications

Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

e l e m e n t a l a n a l y s i s

Automated XRF Spectrometerwith ARL SMS-XYARL 9900 series X-ray SpectrometersARL ADVANT'X series XRF Spectrometers

Enhance your Thermo ScientificXRF spectrometer with XY samplemagazine and powerful automationsoftware. Increased automationwith reduced labor involvementand qualification means loweranalysis cost, increased analysisdependability and quality, a moresustainable analysis cadencewith predictable and reproducibleresponse times and a shorterpayback period.

ARL 9900 seriesARL ADVANT'X series

The ARL SM

S-XY :Sim

ple, affordable and very reliable

Communication and work with theexternal worldStandard and proven interfaces with verycomprehensive and adaptable configurationfeatures provide for an easy integration ofthe automated ARL XRF spectrometer intoyour specific quality control and productionprocess environment.• Sample registration:

This can be done manually via terminal(s).Options are available to facilitate andspeed up registration such as readingdata via network files, bar codes readers,selecting from sample lists.On-line registration via network by meansof other computers (process computers,laboratory management systems) is alsopossible to avoid errors and save time.The ARL SMS sample registration is apowerful and customizable process forthe generation of all details on theprocessing to apply. It is at the heart ofthe automation operation andintelligence. It is tailored and fine tunedto your exact needs to avoid mistakes,simplify the operators’ job and automatethe selection of all operationalparameters such as preparation andanalytical programs, etc.

• Result transmission:Analyses are immediately andautomatically transmitted followingsample analysis; a variety of differenttransmission methods are available. Therelevant destinations (computers,terminals) are automatically selected toavoid delays and mistakes. Up to 18different destinations can receive resultstransmitted via network and serial lines

The automated Thermo Scientific XRFspectrometers with ARL SMS-XY can beinstalled in centralized laboratories or onthe production shop floors without need ofany significant changes.

For in-situ automatic analysis, thecomplete system including the ThermoScientific XRF spectrometer and thepreparation machine can be housed in acontainer, the ARL QuantoShelter, alsocalled the lab in a box.

Automatic sample preparationRapid, reliable and reproducible samplepreparation is essential for an on-lineunattended operation. Our company offers acomplete range of fully automatic machinesfor the preparation of:• Metallic samples (ferrous and non-ferrous)• Oxides associated with metal production

(mineral ores, sinters, baths, slags andblast furnace slags)

• Oxides associated with minerals andcement

Up to two sample transfer systems canbe used to link the sample preparationsystem to the ARL SMS-XY.

When automatic sample preparation isnot available, the prepared samples can beintroduced manually in the system. The ARLSMS-XY can be easily upgraded any timefollowing installation to an on-line versionwith full control of the preparation machineand on-line sample transfer for analysis.

Unattended instrumentmonitoringEnsuring that the automated spectrometerpermanently delivers quality results isessential to prevent scrap and rework inproduction.

A metal control sample is loaded to verify theinstrument performance (ARL 9900 XRF version)

Control samples are regularly analyzed andprocessed by statistical evaluation techniques(SPC) to detect eventual anomalies.

Automatic instrument standardization istriggered by the system when necessaryand alarms are produced when manualinterventions are required to prevent thesystem going out-of-control.

Selective standardizationTo save time and avoid unnecessaryelement fluctuations, only the instrumentchannels that are ‘out of control’ can becorrected.

For certification purposes, theinstrument analytical performance can bepermanently recorded and visualized in theform of control charts (SPC-Full option)without operator intervention. The SPC-Fullsoftware is not merely limited to instrumentmonitoring; it can be applied automaticallyto production control as well for quickreview of the performance and identificationof possible process improvements.

The ARL SMS-XY provides storagecapacity for up to 49 standards and manualsamples. Additional 14 positions are used forwaiting positions and sample holders.

Another standard feature is automatictype standardization; known reference ortype standards analyzed regularly allowcorrecting any differences between theinstrument calibration and the compositionof particular alloys.

The equivalent of twoinstrumentsThe priority usually given to the processing ofautomatic production samples does not meanthat manual samples cannot be analyzed.Other samples prepared outside the systemcan be registered and introduced any time.

The XY magazine is well suited forquick and safe introduction of series ofsamples. An optional collections andbatches software is available to facilitatethe registration and processing of repetitiveseries of production samples.

A true multi-tasking systemThe system is permanently available forusers to perform other tasks, i.e.:• Sample tracking and system monitoring

via a synoptic display showing thesamples position in the system and thestatus of every system component

• Consulting the audit trail of recordedsystem activities

• Examination, update and transmission ofstored results

• Evaluation of standardization results• Display and printing of SPC charts for

evaluation of the performance of theinstrument and of production (requiringSPC-Full)

• Request to run one or more controlsamples to verify the instrument

• Request to standardize the instrument forall or only specific channels

Automatic analysisTo speed up the system and eliminatemechanical components, no closed cassetteis used by the ARL SMS-XY for the analysisof automatic production samples. Holders(ARL 9800 or 9900 XRF series) or cassettes(ARL ADVANT'X) are used for the storage ofstandards and manual samples in the XYmagazine and for loading in the instrument.

The ARL 9900 XRF instrumentautomatically rejects samples of non-conforming sizes and measures the sampleheight to ensure precise positioning foranalysis in the primary chamber.

Different ARL SMS-XY versions areavailable for processing oxide samples ormetallic and oxide samples associated withmetal production, minerals and cement.

Oxides version

Loading of a pellet sample using the gripper (ARL 9900 XRF version)

A gripper manipulates pressed pellets andfused beads on holders. In this example, theproduction samples are introduced manuallyusing any free magazine position.

Metals and oxides versionA suction device is used in addition to thegripper for handling metal samples asshown in the picture below:

A pig iron sample is loaded on a holder foranalysis (ARL 9900 XRF version)

Better traceability of qualitycontrol activitiesIn addition to recording the analyticalperformance over time, audit trail functionspermit to log the history of the activities inthe form of events, warnings and alarmswith time stamps. All or only selectedevents, alarms and warnings can be sorted,printed and distributed to other computers.The audit trail can be used to record thesystem activities for diagnostics purposesand identification of eventual causes ofproblems.

Open system with easycustomizationEvery ARL SMS-XY system is configured andcustomized in the factory according to yourparticular needs before delivery.

Additionally, the system can be furtherfine-tuned following installation to takeadvantage of your experience in using thesystem and to handle changing or newrequirements which are difficult to anticipate.

Many options to meet individualneeds

Cassettes for manual introduction ofother samplesSamples of variable or non-compatibleshapes and dimensions (e.g., final productsamples) can be introduced in the systemusing cassettes. A specific ARL 9900 XRFinstrument calibration is used for samples in cassettes.

Loading of a cassette for analysis using the gripper(ARL 9900 XRF version)

Remote control via networkThe automated ARL 9900 can be controlledfrom a remote location without having towalk to the instrument. All of the on-lineuser activities can then be done via anetwork PC.

Radioactivity measurementsFollowing analysis, all or selected samplescan be transferred via a transport belt to anexternal radioactivity measurement system.

Marking of production samplesMetallic samples can be labeled tofacilitate their subsequent identification.With the ARL 9900 XRF, the marking can bedone before or after analysis. Labeling onthe back of the samples allows to re-analyze any sample without having theremove its identification. With the ARLADVANT’X, the marking is done on theanalysis surface following analysis.

Automatic labeling of a metal sample on thereverse side before analysis (ARL 9900 XRFversion)

Sample management followinganalysisThe production samples can be returned tothe preparation system:• For recycling of the supports (steel rings

for pellets, metal supports for beads)• For centralized sorting and filing (metals)• For complementary analysis by other

instruments (e.g., by optical emission forstainless and highly alloyed metals)

Following analysis, metals samples canalso be sorted and filed locally in threecontainers as shown by the next picture.

Samples in cassettes and oxidesamples introduced manually are returnedto their magazine position followinganalysis. Specific storage systems can beproposed upon request.

Filing of metals samples following analysis(ARL 9900 XRF version)

A generic automation solutionThe ARL SMS software is a unique productproviding full automation of ThermoScientific optical emission and X-rayfluorescence spectrometers.

The ARL SMS-XY automation softwareis an adaptation of the high end ARL SMSrobotics version, a milestone in OES andXRF automation when full flexibility tohandle different production sample shapesor the highest speed of operation is needed.This single product strategy in automation is unique and allows us to concentrate ontesting a single ARL SMS software versionfor all applications and to release the most thoroughly verified softwarecomponents ever produced for spectrometerautomation applications requiring highreliability and uptime.

The ARL SMS is also designed,industrialized, documented, manufacturedand maintained according to ISO 9001procedures. This assures top systemquality, reliability and comprehensive user documentation and simplifies after-sales support.

©2007 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and its subsidiaries. Specifications, termsand pricing are subject to change. Not all products are available in all countries. Please consult your local sales representative for details.

Product Specifications

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PS41055_E 12/07C AUT-04-1055-1103-CH-e

Thermo Electron SA, Ecublens, Switzerland is ISO certified.

Easy upgrade to fully automatedoperationThe ARL SMS-XY can be easily added toany existing ARL 9800, ARL 9900 and ARLADVANT’’X series XRF instruments in thefield. The ARL SMS-XY automation

represents a small investment leading to ahuge productivity increase:• Tighter and automated instrument control• Increased efficiency, performance and

analysis dependability• Increased instrument availability and

capacity to handle more samples• Labor savings and lower analysis costs

The ARL SMS-XY is another example ofour commitment to supply not justinstrumentation but global solutions helpingyour efficiency and productivity.

For further information on our X-rayproducts, consult our WEB sitewww.thermo.com/x-ray.

Technical SpecificationsXRF spectrometers supported ARL 9800 and ARL 9900 series XRF with WinXRF or OXSAS Analytical Software.

ARL ADVANT’X XRF seriesSample weight Max. 200 grams for on-line metals samples received automatically from a preparation machine

Max. 500 grams for all other samplesProduction sample forms (*) Shape: Powder: Pellets in large steel rings (51.5mm x 8mm), fused beads on large metallic support

Metal: Lollypop single and dual thickness, spemis, disks, cylindrical or conical with parallel surfaces following preparation. Minimum diameter or smallest dimension: 34 mm

Dimension: Within ± 1 mm Height: 3-25 mm (after preparation)Orientation: With the prepared analysis surface up for analysis by the ARL 9900 XRF

With the prepared analysis surface down for analysis by the ARL ADVANT’XSetting-up, control samples and type Shape: Disks, pellets in steel rings, fused beads on metallic support, cylindrical or conicalstandards (*) Dimension: 32-52 mm in diameter Height: 3-25 mmMagazine capacity For setting-up, control samples, type standards and manual samples (*): 49 positions

For sample holders and waiting samples: 14 positionsSample preparation system For ferrous samples: Cup wheel grinding. Cup wheel and belt grinding. Milling.

Options: Sample introduction systemsFor non-ferrous samples: Dual milling or cutting and millingOptions: Sample introduction systemsFor powder samples: Grinding mill and pelletizing press. Fusion machineOptions: Crusher, sample introduction systems

Sample preparation time and Depends on the type of sample preparation.transfer to the ARL SMS-XY For metals: 35-90 sec.

For powder: several minutes

Typical times in seconds (*)

PELLETS IN STEEL RINGS METAL SAMPLE [S] FUSED BEADS ON HOLDER [S]

ARL 9900 ARL ADVANT’X ARL 9900 ARL ADVANT’X

Sample transfer to XRF spectrometer loading position (**) 12 12 12 12Loading in the spectrometer and preparation for analysis (***) 22 23 18 21Result calculation and transmission 3 3 3 3Remaining sample unloading by the spectrometer (done during calculation) 5 14 5 14Sample filing (metals) or sample return to the preparation system (pellets) 11 11 8 8Sample labeling (option) -- -- 8 8

Sample analysis cadence per hour With 30 seconds XRF measurement time (depends on instrument configuration)(assuming excellent quality pellets) Up to 43 pellets production samples per hour

Up to 47 metals production samples per hour without markingUp to 42 metals production samples per hour with marking

Floor space requirementsARL 9900 X-ray series with SMS-XY (in mm) Length: 1210 Width: 1648 (without the PC)

Max. Height: 1242/1602 (with magazine cover close/open)ARL ADVANT’X XRF series with SMS-XY (in mm) Length: 1260 Width: 1069 (without the PC)

Max. Height: 1320/1602 (with magazine cover close/open)ARL SMS-XY weight 100 kgARL SMS-XY power, including the PC 230 VAC ± 10 %, 50/60 Hz ± 2 %, 0.5 KVAOperating conditions Laboratory (except for the sample preparation system)

(*) The ARL SMS-XY compatibility with production samples and standards of various shapes and sizes depend on a number of factors including the type and size of the smallest automaticproduction sample. Therefore, please provide the exact description of your samples to your Thermo Fisher Scientific sales representative to get a proposal specific to your application.

(**) This assumes that the same holder will be used on the instrument lift than for the previous sample or standard analyzed. Otherwise 10 seconds have to be added to change orremove the sample holder before loading the sample or the standard

(***) Pumping time depends on sample type and quality