The main target of the elemental analysis of laterite ore is the accurate determination of the content of nickel, iron, and cobalt. In addition, the analysis of other elements like Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Cr, Mn, and others is also of interest. As the analysis should be done on the mine site, the sample prep should be easy. Therefore, the sample preparation as pressed pellet is typically used.
This XRF application report describes the results obtained using a SPECTRO XEPOS ED-XRF analyzer. This is characterized by very stable peak positions and a sophisticated deconvolution algorithm. For deconvolution line profiles are used and the real ratio of the lines within (for example the K-set) is determined based on the concentrations calculated during a first iteration. In a second deconvolution cycle the optimized line ratios are applied during deconvolution. This leads to a better quality of the determined intensities and – in combination with a fundamental parameter approach – to calibrations that typically do not require any additional corrections.
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