XRF Analysis
Rapid, non-destructive elemental analysis for suitable gold, doré, bullion and metallic samples.
Bilex uses handheld and benchtop XRF systems according to the material and testing requirement.
Overview
X ray fluorescence, commonly called XRF, identifies elements by measuring the secondary X rays emitted after the sample is excited by a primary X ray beam. Each element produces a characteristic response, allowing the instrument to estimate the composition of the measured area using an appropriate calibration.
Bilex uses both handheld and desktop XRF systems. The choice depends on the item, sample geometry, required control and the purpose of the analysis. Desktop systems provide a stable test position for suitable samples, while handheld systems can be useful when flexibility is required.
XRF is a surface region measurement. Dense metals such as gold are measured to only a shallow depth, which means the condition of the test area matters. Dirt, coatings, plating, oxidation and irregular surfaces can change the response.
For suitable samples, Bilex cleans, prepares and polishes the measurement area before analysis. Geological material may be homogenised and presented in a prepared form where XRF is being used on powders or other laboratory samples.
A single reading describes one selected area. When a bar, doré sample or metallic item may be compositionally variable, readings from several prepared areas can be compared. Differences between areas can help identify whether further sampling or a representative assay should follow.
XRF is fast and non destructive during measurement, which makes it valuable for screening and compositional assessment. It does not automatically establish the internal composition of a thick bullion bar. A convincing surface can still hide an internal insert or a different bulk composition.
Where the commercial decision requires stronger evidence, XRF can be combined with Fire Assay, ultrasonic examination, density testing or another suitable method.
The quality of an XRF result depends on the calibration, the sample matrix, surface preparation, instrument setup and the range in which the elements are being measured. Bilex interprets the result within the method and sample conditions rather than treating the displayed number as independent of those factors.
XRF measures elemental composition at the tested surface and provides rapid information about gold and other detected elements.
Rapid elemental screening of suitable gold bars and solid bullion.
Composition screening across suitable prepared areas.
Non-destructive elemental analysis where the item must remain intact.
Bilex uses handheld and benchtop XRF systems. The instrument and test position are selected according to the item, geometry and analytical objective.
Results are reported against the areas measured and the analytical method used.
XRF describes elemental composition at the measured surface. If the item may be plated, layered or internally different from that surface, consider Ultrasonic Gold Testing or Gold Density Testing as complementary bullion checks.
Where a commercial decision requires a representative gold result from prepared material, review Fire Assay. The appropriate gold purity testing route depends on the material, whether sampling is permitted and what the client needs the result to establish.
