SPECTRO SPECTRO xSORT User manual

SPECTRO xSORT
Handheld XRF Spectrometer
Original operating instructions

Unit description
SPECTRO xSORT
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3
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

Unit description
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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.

Unit description
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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.

Unit description
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9
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

Unit
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.