XRF Spectrometry Training Course in Johannesburg Announced

Due to the success of their March 2016 course, Wirsam Scientific and Precision Equipment (Pty) Ltd will be hosting another X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry training course to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from the 5th to 9th September 2016. This is the perfect opportunity to improve your knowledge on XRF and combine it with a getaway to South Africa’s most loved game reserves and tourist attractions.

The focus and content will be vendor neutral, and users of all makes of XRF equipment will find it both informative and useful.

Lectures and practical sessions will primarily be given by renowned speaker and authors Emeritus Professor James Willis and Dr Clive Feather, amongst other experts, on the theory and practice of both wavelength, energy dispersive XRF spectrometry and sample preparation.

The course is divided into two distinct parts – XRF theory and practical XRF.

The theory section covers: radiation safety; X-ray physics; WDXRF spectrometer components and selection of analytical conditions; XRF sample preparation (primary preparation, pressed powders, fused beads, metals, liquids and special samples); X-ray statistics; mass absorption coefficient theory; XRF calibration theory; EDXRF spectrometers; XRF quality control; an introduction to “standardless” analytical methods; fault finding tools; trouble shooting; XRF maintenance; and XRF laboratory services and environment requirements.

The practical section covers: hands-on sample preparation of pressed powders and fused beads; selecting instrument conditions, qualitative analysis (XRF spectra) and quantitative analysis using WDXRF and EDXRF of samples prepared by participants; calibrations and analysis of ‘unknowns’ for both major elements (using fusion beads) and trace elements (using pressed powders) by WDXRF and EDXRF; a practical demonstration of EDXRF semi-quantitative analysis, the use of drift monitors, correction for background and spectral overlap, and different methods of correction for inter-element matrix effects (absorption and enhancement).

The emphasis will be on the application of WDXRF and EDXRF to geological materials, but applications in the cement, metals and other industries and in environmental analysis will also be discussed. XRF calibration and trouble-shooting workshops are also included.

Wirsam Scientific can arrange a package that includes a 5-day course, accommodation, transfers, tours and safari. Please contact Mariana Wirsam for more details on the course and pricing mariana@wirsam.com or telephone +27 11 482-1060.