SPECTRO SPECTRO xSORT User manual

SPECTRO xSORT
Handheld XRF Spectrometer
Original operating instructions

Unit description
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Table of Contents
1Unit description...................................................................................................5
1.1 Function .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Overview............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2.1 Unit ........................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Lithium battery .................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.1 Technical data ....................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2 Handling ................................................................................................................ 8
1.4 Docking Station................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.1 Overview................................................................................................................ 9
1.4.2 Handling .............................................................................................................. 10
2Safety................................................................................................................14
2.1 User information................................................................................................................ 14
2.2 Intended use ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Prohibited operating conditions ........................................................................................ 15
2.4 Residual risk ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.5 Radiation protection advice .............................................................................................. 20
2.5.1 Safety modes in the manual mode...................................................................... 20
•Mode 1................................................................................................................. 20
•Mode 2................................................................................................................. 20
2.5.2 Docking station safety mode ............................................................................... 20
2.6 Safety devices................................................................................................................... 21
2.6.1 Shutter................................................................................................................. 21
2.6.2 Protective sleeve................................................................................................. 21
2.6.3 Docking Station ................................................................................................... 21
2.6.4 Radiation protection shield for non-metallic applications.................................... 22
2.6.5 Radiation protection plate for metal applications ................................................ 23
2.7 Radiation dose under various measurement conditions................................................... 24
2.7.1 Example 1:........................................................................................................... 24
2.7.2 Example 2:........................................................................................................... 26
2.7.3 Example 3:........................................................................................................... 27
2.7.4 Example 4:........................................................................................................... 28
2.7.5 Example 5:........................................................................................................... 29
2.7.6 Example 6:........................................................................................................... 30
3Measurement of various materials....................................................................32
3.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 32
3.2 Measurement of metallic samples.................................................................................... 32
3.3 Measurement of non-metallic samples............................................................................. 32

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4Technical data ..................................................................................................33
5Transport/Use...................................................................................................34
5.1 Dimensions and weight..................................................................................................... 34
5.1.1 Unit....................................................................................................................... 34
5.1.2 Transport case (unit)............................................................................................ 34
5.1.3 Docking Station....................................................................................................35
5.1.4 Transport case (docking station) .........................................................................35
5.2 Transport...........................................................................................................................36
5.3 Use.................................................................................................................................... 36
6Operation..........................................................................................................37
6.1 Overview of controls..........................................................................................................37
6.2 Displays.............................................................................................................................38
6.2.1 Instrument............................................................................................................38
6.2.2 Screen..................................................................................................................39
6.3 Switching the unit on.........................................................................................................40
6.3.1 Preparing the unit for use .................................................................................... 40
6.3.2 Switching on the unit............................................................................................ 40
6.4 Switching the unit off.........................................................................................................41
6.5 Offline mode......................................................................................................................41
6.6 Performing measurements................................................................................................42
6.6.1 Preparing the measurement................................................................................ 42
6.6.2 Measure...............................................................................................................43
•Measurement example: approximate analysis/overview analysis.......................43
•Measurement example: identity check ................................................................44
7Maintenance by the operator............................................................................45
7.1 Operator maintenance plan .............................................................................................. 45
7.2 Standardization of the instrument (ICALization) ............................................................... 47
7.3 Adapter for small parts...................................................................................................... 49
7.4 Replacing the thin protective film...................................................................................... 50
8Troubleshooting................................................................................................51
9Spare parts and consumables..........................................................................53
10 De-commissioning............................................................................................53

Unit description
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1 Unit description
1.1 Function
X-rays excite the atoms of the sample to emit radiation. This radiation is measured
by a semiconductor detector.
The unit is delivered including at least one installed analysis method. Based on the
method data that are stored in the unit, the measured data are used to determine
the composition of an unknown sample. The results are displayed on the screen.
1.2 Overview
1.2.1 Unit
No. Component No. Component
1 Protective sleeve (radiation
protection) 6 Touchscreen
2 Measuring window with shutter
and cover plate 7 Pressure-sensitive display frame (the corner areas can
accommodate additional
functions)
3 “Start measurement” button 8 Helium port
4 Handle/storage battery pack 9 Power supply ON/OFF switch
(power)
5 Display:
Shutter open/closed
X-ray tube ON/OFF
10
USB and mini USB port (e.g. for a
USB stick or for the connection to
an PC)

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1.3 Lithium battery
Caution! Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries contain acid.
Lithium batteries may explode if exposed to fire or excessive heat.
Never use damaged lithium batteries.
Never expose lithium batteries to fire or heat.
Lithium batteries must be transported and packaged in compliance with
transport regulations and country-specific provisions. These include, e.g.,
ADR/RID, IATA, DOT, IMDG, etc.
Always ensure to protect the lithium batteries to prevent a short-circuit.
No risks are associated with lithium batteries, if they are handled and used
properly. Always heed the warnings on lithium batteries and comply with the
instructions in the operating manuals of the instruments.
It is prohibited to transport lithium batteries if one of the following conditions
applies. This includes, for example, lithium batteries that are being returned to
the manufacturer for reasons of safety.
Lithium batteries identified by the manufacturer as being defective for
safety reasons.
Lithium batteries that have been damaged.
Lithium batteries that have the potential of producing a dangerous
evolution of heat.
Lithium batteries that have the potential of producing a dangerous
evolution of fire or short circuit.
Disposing lithium batteries (IATA).
Lithium batteries must be disposed of in compliance with local and country-
specific regulations.
The emergency telephone number indicated on the shipping document is
solely intended for transportation and lithium batteries authorized by
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH.
Emergency number:
[phone] (International)
011441865407333 (USA)
Emergency contact: 441865407333 SPECTRO 29003-NCEC
Please observe the relevant national and regional regulations.

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A fully charged lithium battery can last up to approximately 4.5 hours
(continuous operation). The exact battery life depends on the sample
throughput per time unit and the selected measurement parameters.
If a lithium battery is empty, it must be recharged after one week of storage at
the latest.
If lithium batteries are to be stored over an extended period, they should be
charged to 50%-70% of their capacity. The optimum storage temperature is
15 °C – 20 °C (59 °F – 68 °F); under these conditions, the stored lithium
battery should be recharged at the latest after 3 months.
If the storage temperature exceeds 20 °C (68 °F), the battery will self-
discharge more quickly. In this case, it needs to be recharged at shorter
intervals. (40 °C (104 °F) ~ 2 months, 60 °C (140 °F) ~ 1 month).
The lithium batteries include an electronic safety system that checks the state
of charge of the individual cells. As a result, it continuously withdraws energy
from the lithium batteries. Consequently, there is a risk of deep discharge if a
used lithium battery is stored that does not have the minimum charge.
If one of the cells in the lithium batteries is already deep-discharged, the
integrated electronic system prevents the recharge of the lithium batteries for
reasons of safety.
Note
Charge the lithium battery completely prior to using them for the first time.
Further information can be found in the supplied instruction manual of the
lithium battery and the docking station..

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1.3.1 Technical data
Name Value
Voltage/capacity 10.8 V / 4.4 Ah
Energy 48 Wh
1.3.2 Handling
In order to change the lithium battery (handle), proceed as follows:
1. Unlock the handle (1) and
remove it by tilting it around the
holding point (2).
2. Insert the handle with the
charged lithium battery into the
holding point (2).
3. Tilt the handle around the
holding point (2) until it snaps
into place (1).

Replacement of the gas cleaning cartridge is now complete.

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1.4 Docking Station
Note
The docking station (Item no.: 77060802) is not part of the delivery scope.
The protective sleeve must always be used.
For the safe analysis of non-metallic or small metallic samples, the unit can be
integrated in the docking station. If these samples are not examined in the docking
station, the radiation protection shield 2.6.4 must be used.
1.4.1 Overview
No. Component No. Component
1 Cover of the sample chamber 6 X-rays ON indicator (red)
2 Locking pin 7 SPECTRO xSORT
3 Display: Shutter open (red) 8 Equipment and handle support
4 Display: Shutter closed (green) 9 USB port
5 Fastening latch 10 Support legs

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description
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1.4.2 Handling
Please proceed as follows in order to install the unit in the docking station:
1. Pull the support legs (1) from the
bottom plate and place the
docking station on a stable
surface
2. Push the fastening latch (1) to
the back.
3. While pulling both locking pins
simultaneously, ensure that the
support (2) is in the lower
procession.

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4. Unlock the handle (1) and
remove it by tilting it around the
holding point (2).
5. Open the USB cover and attach
the USB cable to the equipment.
Ensure to guide the cable
through the opening in the
docking station.
6. Ensure the equipment is sitting
straight on the support of the
docking station.
This way, the bushing on the
under side of the equipment
will fit into the plug.
The protective sleeve
remains on the equipment.

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7. Press or push the equipment
including the support downward
into the opening of the
measurement chamber until the
latching of the the locking pin into
the docking station is audible.
It is possible that pushing
onto the display frame will
activate the computer of the
equipment
8. In order to close the safety
circuit, pull the fastening latch
toward you.
9. Place the handle into the support
at the back panel of the docking
station by hooking the handle first
into the guide (1) and letting it
locked in place downward (2).

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10. Connect the USB cable with a
PC or the Netbook.
11. Switch on the equipment.
12. Start the "MyMobiler" program on
the PC or the Netbook to display
the screen of the equipment.

The docking station is now ready.

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2 Safety
Every user of the unit must have understood the present Operating Instructions.
This applies in particular to the safety regulations.
2.1 User information
Absolutely comply with all safety regulations. It serves your safety.
Carry out only operator maintenance work that is described in chapter 7. Any
further maintenance work by the operating personnel is prohibited. Any further
maintenance work (e.g., technical maintenance) or repair may only be
performed by service personnel that is authorized by the manufacturer.
Observe all safety and accident prevention regulations at all times while
operating and maintaining the unit. This is, for example, DIN EN 61010 or a
comparable national standard.
The safety measures must be checked after every technical maintenance or
repair. This check is to be carried out according to VBG4 / DIN EN 61010 or a
comparable national standard.
Always have the unit maintained at the intervals specified by the manufacturer
and document the maintenance activities. This serves for maintaining the
operational safety of the unit.
Never tamper with the safety devices! If you feel that a safety device does not
work properly, shut down the unit immediately. Please contact your service
center
Absolutely observe the information labels provided on the unit.
Only genuine spare parts may be used for repairing the unit. The use of non-
genuine spare parts will result in loss of CE conformity.
Observe the associated safety regulations when using auxiliary agents and
operating utilities.
Comply with the safety instructions when handling and preparing the samples
(safety data sheet). The contact with certain metals, plastics, powders, liquids,
or other materials can be hazardous to health.

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2.2 Intended use
The unit analyzes and identifies various materials. Only such materials may be
analyzed for which the unit has been calibrated by the manufacturer or by qualified
technical personnel.
2.3 Prohibited operating conditions
Operating the unit is prohibited if one of the following conditions applies:
If the unit is faulty or damaged.
If the unit is not subject to regular maintenance.
If the ambient conditions do not comply with the specification.
If the area where the unit is used is not a commercial/industrial premise.
2.4 Residual risk
This unit has been manufactured in accordance with the state of the art.
Nevertheless, a residual risk cannot be completely excluded.
Warning! Danger of injury and health hazard!
The unit produces electric voltages of up to 50 kV.
Shut down the instrument immediately if damaged.
The ray exit window of the X-ray tube and the detector window contain
beryllium. Vapors or dust of beryllium and its compounds are toxic and
hazardous to your health when inhaled.
Therefore never touch these windows.
If you destroy the beryllium window of the detector, seal the measuring window of
the XSORT immediately with adhesive tape in order to prevent the beryllium
fragments from leaving the device. Switch off the instrument and inform the
service department of SPECTRO. The detector can no longer be used. (See
chapter 8.)
Warning! Risk of injury!
You may bruise your fingers when closing the sample chamber flap of the
docking station.
Keep the fingers out of the sample chamber when closing it.

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Warning! Ionizing radiation!
Safety devices
This instrument operates with ionizing radiation (X-rays). The safety
devices ensure that the unit can be operated only in a safe and shielded
condition.
Never tamper with the safety devices.
If you feel that the safety devices do not work properly, shut down the
instrument immediately. Please contact your service centre.
In order to avoid unintentional measurements, one of two safety modes
must bet set in the manual mode in accordance with the regulations of
the country (see chapter 2.5.1 and the help to software).
The shutter must be closed when the unit is not in use. The ambient-
dose rate at a distance of 10 cm (3.9 inches) from the accessible surface
is less than 1 µSv/h.

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Measuring
Measurement without samples is prohibited.
Do not hold the sample in your hand during the measurement.
The shutter will be closed automatically when
the button "Start measurement" or the enable button (for safety
modes, see 2.5.1) has been released.
the mechanical sample sensor has not been actuated.
The tube will be switched off in less than 100 milliseconds when
the detector does not detect a sample in front of the measuring
window.
During this period (in the direction of the beam at a distance of 1 m (39.4
inches)), an accumulated dose
of approx. 0.1 µSv is reached for methods for the analysis of metallic
samples (see chapter ).
of approx. 0.5 µSv is reached for methods for the analysis of
nonmetallic samples (see chapter ).
In Europe, a dose of 1000 µSv (1 mSv) per calendar year is allowed (for
persons who are not exposed to any additional radiation through their
profession).
The natural radiation exposure in Germany for one year lies is 2400 µSv
(2.4 mSv) on average.
During the measurement, the operator must ensure that no person is
located in the radiation cone.
Special care should be taken with non-metallic samples, samples made
of light metal as well as thin foils and small components that do not cover
the measurement window completely.
This means that there may be X-radiation behind a sample, e.g. a
wooden wall or plastic plate. The operator is responsible for ensuring that
there are no persons in this area.
30 m
~1,25 m

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If the probe is in a horizontal position, the x-ray leaves the measuring
window in a nearly straight manner so that the range of the radiation
above the ground is up to 30 m (98 ft).
<1µSv/h at a distance of Theoretical diameter of
the radiation cone at this
distance
Maximum parameters (50 kV,
50 µA, filtered excitation) 30 m (98 ft) 6 m (20 ft)
Outside the docking station, the samples must not be analyzed without
the protective sleeve.
The protective sleeve prevents the scattered radiation from reaching the
user or persons outside the radiation cone. This problem may occur if the
measuring window and the sample are not lined up absolutely precisely.
The use of the docking station prevents the occurrence of leakage
radiation. The dose of the leakage radiation to the docking station is less
than 1µSv/h.
Use the radiation protection shield for analyzing plastic or wood samples
outside the docking station if this is possible.
Samples that do not cover the measurement window completely, must be
analyzed with the docking station. In the case of metallic samples, the
adapter plate for small parts may be used.

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The measured sample must not be removed from the measurement
window before the shutter has closed (after completion of measurement).
Caution! Damage to the unit!
When moving the shutter manually, the high voltage is shut off immediately
(radiation protection). This may damage the unit.
Never move the shutter manually.
The shutter is a sensitive component.
Never subject the shutter to mechanical stress (pressing, bending).
Ensure that there is no dirt/dust in the vicinity of the shutter. This may
result in jamming.
Note
The safety circuits in the unit are
designed so that shutter must be closed.
Otherwise, the X
-ray tube will be shut off, when no sample is being measured.
For your safety, the safety circuits are checked automatically. For this reason, a
message is displayed during software start
-up (at other points as well).

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2.5 Radiation protection advice
Please observe the national safety and approval regulations in force in your
country and state!
The operation of the unit may require official approval. Please observe the
national safety and approval regulations in force in your country and state! Please
contact the responsible local approval authority.
2.5.1 Safety modes in the manual mode
In order to avoid unintentional measurements, one of two safety modes must be
set in accordance with the regulations of the country (see the software help).
Mode 1
In order to prevent unintentional measurements, the unit must be enabled for the
measurement with the enable button (see 6.2.2). The button “Start Measurement”
must then be pressed continuously during the measurement. If no measurement
takes place during a predefined period, the unit is blocked automatically.
Mode 2
In order to avoid unintentional measurement the buttons “Start Measurement” and
the enable button (see 6.2.2) must be pressed continuously during the
measurement. The unit is otherwise permanently blocked.
2.5.2 Docking station safety mode
The unit is installed in, and connected to, the docking station. For the
measurements, the sample chamber flap must be closed and the "Docking station"
icon must be pressed on the PC.
The safety circuit ensures that the measurement will be interrupted and the shutter
will be closed when the sample chamber flap is opened.