Application Notes
Benchtop XRD-XRF - Feed, Fertilizer, Soil & Plant Ingredients Testing
The BTX Quickly and Easily Checks Feed & Fertilizer Formulations
Feed and fertilizer formulations are verified to ensure that labeled ingredients match actual content. Formulations must also adhere to registration and commercial regulations. Amending (active) ingredients, as well as inert ingredients and forms (compounds), must be accounted for by name and content. Financial penalties may incur if manufacturer and regulatory tests are not within investigational allowance. Typical lab testing includes ICP, AAS, and wet chemical analysis, all of which are time and labor intensive, especially when samples are not standard. A non-destructive combined analytical X-ray Diffraction/X-ray Fluorescence (XRD/XRF) method to quickly identify metal and compound content allows for a more complete characterization as well as time and labor saving sample screening.
All-in-One XRD-XRF Analyzer Solution
Feed and fertilizer, at any stage, can be quickly screened for metals and compounds with the BTX. The XRF component can quickly scan for metal content while the XRD simultaneously identifies the compounds, such as gypsum and lime. The BTX can perform rapid, thorough non-destructive fingerprinting of agricultural products with its unique sample handling system, leaving formulations intact for further lab analysis.
XRD Data: Rapid Compound ID
XRF Data: Rapid Elemental
- Place sample into holder
- Insert holder into BTX
- Press "Start" for rapid compound & elemental ID
Fingerprints of a Compound Taken by Two Different XRD Systems
The fingerprint in blue was taken with a large laboratory XRD system. The fingerprint in red was taken by the small, benchtop TERRA/BTX in less than half the time and at less than half the cost.
BTX Specifications: XRD range: 5-55° 2?; XRF range: 3-25keV; Target material: Cu (Co opt.); Tube power: 30kV/20W; Dimensions: 11.75 x 6.9 x 18.5 in (30 x 17 x 47cm); Weight: 12.5kg; 40Gb HD; Wireless Connection
References:
- Developments in Formulation Analyses by Powder Diffraction Analysis; Fawcett et al, ICDD, Oak Ridge Natl Lab, Innovene USA.
- Study on Structural Characteristics of Pillared Clay Modified Phosphate Fertilizers and its Increase Efficiency Mechanism, WU Pingxiao, Liao Zong-wen, Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE, 2005.
- Dolomite as a Raw Material in Fertilizer Production; Farizul, H.K et al, School of Materials Engineering, Northern Malaysia University College of Engineering.
- Scientific Basis for Risk-Based Acceptable Concentrations of Metals in Fertilizers and Their Applicability as Standards, The Weinberg Group on behalf of The Fertilizer Institute; AAPFCO.
Products Used for This Application
TERRA™ II Portable XRD Analyzer
The TERRA™ II XRD analyzer provides portable quantitative mineralogy. Featuring a battery life up to six hours and a rugged, weatherproof case, the system is built for fast in-field analysis of major and minor components.
BTX™ III Benchtop XRD Analyzer
The BTX™ III XRD analyzer offers reliable quantitative mineralogy of major and minor components in a compact, benchtop design. Powerful software is paired with an improved X-ray detector for increased speed and sensitivity.