Planning a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) program for geochemistry can be daunting. Calibration, sample prep, and many other factors can influence its success. To help you get started, our applications team created nine free video tutorials.

From setting goals to putting your program into practice, learn everything you need to know to be successful with your Vanta™ XRF instrument.

1. Overview

The first video in the series introduces you to portable XRF analyzers for geochemistry and briefly explains each step to plan and implement your XRF program.

2. Set Goals and Objectives

This video highlights why setting goals and objectives is so important for successful portable XRF projects and uses real-world examples to help you set your own goals.

3. Perform an Orientation Survey

Here, we explain why it’s critical to perform an orientation survey to assess the performance of your analyzer’s factory calibration on your samples.

4. Perform a Site-Specific Sample Calibration

In this video, discover how to fine-tune the Vanta analyzer’s factory calibration to optimize the performance of your XRF project (we also explain why this might be necessary).

5. Optimize Your Test Times

Watch this video to learn how to optimize test times (how long you need to test the sample to get the required result), so that you can achieve your data quality objectives faster and test more samples in less time.

6. Learn the Effect of Sample Containers on XRF Results

Whether you plan to test directly on the sample or use XRF sample cups with Prolene^® film, clip lock sandwich bags, or lab pulp paper saches, your decision will have cost, time, and accuracy implications. This video explains the effects of sample containers on XRF data so you can select the appropriate one for your program.

7. Determine if Sample Preparation Is Needed

This video helps you determine what sample preparation is needed, if any, to achieve the data quality needed to make smart, fast decisions.

8. Set QA/QC Protocols

Just like with laboratory XRF testing, portable XRF programs need good QA/QC protocols to help ensure the integrity of the data. We've got suggestions and examples to share in this video:

9. Discover Tips for Successful Implementation

The final video in our series is full of tips to help you successfully implement your portable XRF program, along with other helpful advice. Watch now to learn what works, what doesn’t, and common pitfalls to avoid:

Discover More Portable XRF Analyzer Tutorials for Geochemistry

If you’d like to learn more handheld XRF tips and best practices for geochemistry, mining, and other environmental applications, we have hundreds of videos available 24/7 in our video library. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to know about new XRF tutorial videos.