Thermo Scientific XL2 User manual

Thermo Fisher Scientific Niton
Analyzers
XL2 Analyzer
Version 8.0.1
User’s uide (Abridged)
Revision A March 2012
Refer to NITON XL2 Resource uide for complete information

© 2010 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the
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document is strictly prohi ited, except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The contents of this document are su ject to change without notice. All technical information in this
document is for reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this document supersede
all previous information received y the purchaser.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete, accurate or error-
free and assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might
result from any use of this document, even if the information in the document is followed properly.
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document shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of
Sale shall govern all conflicting information etween the two documents.
Release history:
For Research se Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Contents
Thermo Scientific manual-name 1
Chapter 0 Contact Us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Chapter 1 Manual Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Figures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Physical Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Other Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 2 Using Your Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Safely and Effectively Using Your Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Proper and Improper Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 3 How to Analyze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
General Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 4 Basic Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Taking a Sample Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Analysis Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chapter 5 Common Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Metal Sample Prep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Soil Sample Prep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Preparing Mining Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Setting Up Beep Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Sorting the Custom Element Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Max Measure Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Minumum Test Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Virtual Key oard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Setting Display Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Adjusting the Element Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Setting the Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cali rating the Touch Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Chapter 6 Data Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Viewing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Viewing Fingerprints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Erasing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Managing Li raries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Chapter 7 Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Using Your Analyzer With Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Connecting From Your Analyzer to Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Using a USB Ca le to Connect Your Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Downloading Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Contents
2 manual-name Thermo Scientific
Chapter 7 Controlling Your Analyzer From Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Chapter 8 Learning More, Service, and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
Replacing the Measurement Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Tips and Trou leshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Storing and Transporting Your Niton XL2 Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Chapter 8 Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Tools Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
NDF Files: User Data Structuring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Safety Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Chapter 8 Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

1
Contact Us
Americas Europe Asia
[e-mail]
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[email protected]
[e-mail]

0 Contact Us
2 Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide Thermo Scientific

1 Manual Overview
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide 1
Manual Overview
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings
Warnings are extremely important recommendations, violating which may result in either
injury to yourself or others, or damage to your analyzer and/or data. Warnings will always e
identified as Warnings in the text, and will always e visually presented as follows:
WARNIN This is a Warning.
Example Warning:
WARNIN Tampering with the 5,500 ppm (Lead high) lead-in-soil standard may cause
exposure to lead dust. Keep all standards out of reach of children.
Cautions
Cautions are important recommendations. Cautions will always e identified as Cautions in
the text, and will always e visually presented as follows:
CAUTION This is a Caution.
Example Caution:
CAUTION Never tamper with Test Standards. They should not e used unless they are
completely intact
Notes
Notes are informational asides which may help you with your analyses. Notes will always e
identified as Notes in the text, and will always e visually presented as follows:
Note This is a Note.
Example Note:
Note For defensi le Quality Control, keep a record of the time and precision of every
cali ration
Figures
Figures are illustrations used to show what something looks like. Figures will always e
la elled and identified as Figures directly elow the Figure itself, and will always e visually
presented as follows:

1 Manual Overview
Physical Buttons
2 Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide Thermo Scientific
Figure 1. This is a Figure
Physical Buttons
Physical Buttons are actual uttons on the analyzer which must e pushed to activate their
function. Physical Buttons will always e identified as Buttons in the text, and will always e
visually presented as follows:
This is a Physical Button.
Example Physical Buttons:
On/Off/Escape Button, Clear/Enter Button, Interlock Button, and Trigger Button.
Other Hardware
Other Hardware refers to any physical part of the analyzer which performs a necessary
function. Other Hardware will always e visually presented as follows:
This is an example of Other Hardware.
Example Other Hardware:
Battery, Touch Screen Display, Measurement Window, and USB Ca le

3
Using Your Analyzer
This section discusses the asics of using your analyzer, no matter the
specific type of analysis you wish to perform. First we go over analyzer
safety, particularly radiation safety. Using an X-ray ased analyzer safely
is very important, and not difficult, provided you read, understand, and
follow these guidelines. Secondly, we outline the startup procedure we
recommend for daily use to ensure that your analyzer is performing
properly and at its most efficient level. 
Safely and Effectively Using Your Analyzer
CAUTION Niton analyzers are not intrinsically safe analyzers. All
pertinent Hot Work procedures should e followed in areas of concern.
WARNIN Always treat radiation with respect. Do not hold your
analyzer near the measurement window during testing. Never point your
analyzer at yourself or anyone else when the shutter is open.
Radiation and eneral Safety
This section covers topics related to radiation safety and general safety
when using a Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 analyzer. At a minimum all
operators of the analyzer should e familiar with the instructions
provided in this chapter in order to handle the analyzer in a safe manner.
In addition to reading the information presented on the following pages,
Thermo Fisher Scientific recommends that instrument users participate
in a radiation safety and operational training class.
Radiation Protection Basics
The Niton Model XL2 analyzer contains an x-ray tu e which emits
radiation only when the user turns the x-ray tu e on. When the x-ray
tu e is on and the shutter is open, as during a measurement, the analyzer
emits a directed radiation eam - see Figures 1-1 and 1-2. Reasona le
effort should e made to maintain exposures to radiation as far elow
dose limits as is practical. This is known as the ALARA (As Low as
Reasona ly Achieva le) principle. For any given source of radiation,
three factors will help minimize your radiation exposure: Time,
Distance, and Shielding.

2 Using Your Analyzer
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4 Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide Thermo Scientific
Time
The longer you are exposed to a source of radiation the longer the radiation is a le to interact
in your ody and the greater the dose you receive. Dose increases in direct proportion to
length of exposure.
Distance
The closer you are to a source of radiation, the more radiation strikes you. Based
on geometry alone, dose increases and decreases with an inverse-squared relation
to your distance from the source of radiation (additional dose rate reduction comes
from air attenuation). For example, the radiation dose one foot from a source is
nine times greater than the dose three feet from the source. Remember to keep your
hands and all body parts away from the front end of the analyzer when the shutter
is open to minimize your exposure.
Shielding
Shielding is any material that is placed etween you and the radiation source. The more
material etween you and the source, or the denser the material, the less you will e exposed
to that radiation. Supplied or optional test stands are an additional source of shielding for
analysis. A ackscatter shield accessory is also availa le and may e appropriate in some
applications.
Exposure to Radiation
Human dose to radiation is typically measured in rem, or in one-thousandths of a rem, called
millirem (mrem), 1 rem = 1000 mrem. Another unit of dose is the Sievert (Sv), 1 Sv = 100
rem. The allowa le limit for occupational exposure in the U.S (and many other countries) is
5,000 mrem/year (50 mSv/year) for deep (penetrating) dose and 50,000 mrem/year (500
mSv/year) for shallow (i.e., skin) dose or dose to extremities. Deep, shallow, and extremity
exposure from a properly used Niton XL2 analyzer should e less than 200 mrem per year,
(2.0 mSv per year) even if the analyzer is used as much as 2,000 hours per year, with the
shutter open continuously. The only anticipated exceptions to the 200 mrem maximum
annual dose are: 1) routine and frequent analysis of plastic samples without use of a test stand,
ackscatter shield, or similar additional protective measures, or 2) improper use where a part
of the ody is in the primary eam path.
Note NEVER OPERATE THE DEVICE WITH A PART OF YOUR BODY IN THE
PRIMARY BEAM PATH OR WITH THE PRIMARY BEAM PATH DIRECTED AT
ANYONE ELSE.
Also, consider the use of protective accessories such as a shielded test stand or ackscatter
shield (or equivalent) when performing routine and/or frequent analysis of any of the
following:

2 Using Your Analyzer
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Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide 5
• light materials (such as plastic, wood, or similarly low density/low atomic mass
samples)
• thin samples (such as foils, circuit oards, and wires)
• samples that are smaller than the analysis window.
Shown in Ta le 1 are the typical ackground radiation doses received y the average mem er
of the pu lic. The radiation dose limits for radiation workers in the US are also shown in
Ta le 2.

2 Using Your Analyzer
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6 Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide Thermo Scientific
Table 1. Typical Radiation Doses Received (Source: NCRP 1987)
Category Dose in mrem Dose in mSv
Average total dose in US (annual) 360 3.6
Average worker exposure (annual) 210 2.1
Average exposure for an underground
miner
400 4.0
Exposure for airline crew (1,000 hours at
35,000 ft)
500 5.0
Additional from living in Denver at 5300’
(annual)
25 .25
Additional from 4 pCi/l radon in home 1,000 10.0
Typical Chest X-Ray 6 0.06
Typical Head or Neck X-Ray 20 0.2
Typical pelvis/hip x-ray 65 0.65
Typical lumbar spine x-ray 30 0.3
Typical Upper G.I. x-ray 245 2.45
Typical Barium enema x-ray 405 4.05
Typical CAT scan 110 1.10
Table 2. Annual Occupational Dose Limits for Radiation Workers (Source:
Code of Federal Regulations Title 10, Part 20)
Category Dose in mrem Dose in mSv
Whole Body 5000 50
Pregnant Worker (during gestation
period)
500 5
Eye Dose Equivalent 15,000 150
Shallow dose equivalent to the skin or
any extremity or organ
50,000 500
Maximum allowable dose for the general
public (annual)
100 1.0
For a Minor 500 5.0

2 Using Your Analyzer
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Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide 7
Monitoring your radiation exposure
Individuals can e monitored for the radiation dose they receive y use of radiation dosimetry
devices (dosimeters). Monitoring dose using a dosimeter can e a way of identifying improper
use and at the same time demonstrating proper use. In some locations, dosimetry is required
y regulations and in others it is optional. It is normally required when the user could
reasona ly e expected to receive in excess of 10% of the annual dose limit. Thermo Fisher
Scientific recommends that you determine and o ey the local regulatory requirements
concerning radiation monitoring of occupational workers.
Two common types of dosimeters are whole- ody adges and ring adges. Whole ody
adges are often attached to the user’s torso (e.g., clipped to the collar, shirt pocket, or waist as
appropriate). A ring adge is worn on the finger as a measure of maximum extremity dose.
When worn, the specific location of the dosimeter should e that part of the ody that is
expected to receive the highest dose. This location will depend on how the analyzer is used
and so it may not e the same for all users. Dosimetry services are offered y many companies.
Two companies offering dosimetry services in the USA and much of the world are:
Note Wearing a dosimeter adge does not protect you against radiation exposure. A
dosimeter adge only measures your exposure (at the dosimeter location).
Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure
International guidance documents (e.g., ICRP Pu lication 60 and NCRP Pu lication 116*)
recommend that the radiation dose to the em ryo/fetus of a pregnant woman should not
exceed a total of 500 mrem (10% of normal radiation worker limit) during the gestation
period. While this dose limit exceeds the dose limit to a trained operator, pregnant workers
may want to take special precautions to reduce their exposure to radiation. For more
information see the U.S. NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 "Instruction Concerning Prenatal
Radiation Exposure" which can e found on the resource CD.
* The International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP, is an independent
Registered Charity, esta lished to advance for the pu lic enefit the science of radiological
protection, in particular y providing recommendations and guidance on all aspects of
protection against ionizing radiation.
Company lobal Dosimetry Solutions Landauer, Inc.
Address 2652 McGaw Avenue 2 Science Road
City and State Irvine, CA 92614 Glenwood, IL 60425-9979
Website www.dosimetry.com www.landauerinc.com
Phone Number [phone] [phone]

2 Using Your Analyzer
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8 Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide Thermo Scientific
* The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) was chartered
y the U.S. Congress in 1964 as the National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurements.
How to Use the Niton XL2 Analyzer Safely
The Niton XL2 analyzer is designed to e safe to operate provided that it is used in
accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Under conditions of normal use, monitored
operators seldom receive a measura le dose and have not een known to receive in excess of
10% of the annual occupational dose limits (a criteria that would require monitoring under
regulation in the U.S.). In addition to proper use of the analyzer, it is recommended that you
follow these precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Know where the beam is
The primary eam is a directed eam out of the front of the analyzer that can have high dose
rates. The secondary eam, or scattered eam, has much lower dose rates.
Figure 1. Primary Beam

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Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide 9
Figure 2. Secondary (Scattered) Beam
The Shutter-Open Indicator Lights
When the lights are flashing, the primary eam is on, and radiation is eing emitted from the
front of the analyzer.

Figure 3. The X-ray Beam Indicator Lights

2 Using Your Analyzer
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10 Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide Thermo Scientific
Handle and Use with Respect
Avoid holding the front of the analyzer when the x-ray tu e is energized and the shutter is
open. Never point the instrument at yourself or anyone else when the shutter is open and the
x-ray tu e is energized. Never look into the path of the primary eam.
Follow a Radiation Protection Program
Your organization should esta lish, document, and follow a Radiation Protection Program.
An example of such a program can e found on the resource CD (provided with the
instrument).
Take Proper Care of your Niton XL2
Keeping your analyzer maintained in good condition will help minimize the risk of accidental
exposure. Mechanical malfunction of the shutter can e avoided y maintaining the
measurement window, as descri ed in the User Guide. This prevents foreign o jects from
entering your analyzer
Avoid Over-Exposures
Direct contact with the window could result in overexposures in the times indicated inTa le 3
elow.
Extremity is defined y the NRC as the hand, el ow, arm elow the el ow, foot, knee, or leg
elow the knee. Whole Body is defined y the NRC as the head, trunk (including male
gonads), arms a ove the el ow, or legs a ove the knee.
Safe Handling of Samples
As mentioned many times in this chapter, never place any part of your ody in the path of the
x-ray eam. There is always a safe way to handle samples whether they are small, irregularly
shaped, or of low density. Never look into the path of the primary eam.
Table 3. Potential Exposure Limit Times
Location of Dose Limit Time to Reach Limit
Deep Dose /
Whole Body
5 rem (50 mSv) 2.1 minutes
Shallow Dose /
Extremities
50 rem (500 mSv) 0.95 minutes
Member of Public
(i.e. untrained
operator)
0.1 to 5 rem (1 to 50 mSv) 2.5 to 9.5 seconds

2 Using Your Analyzer
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Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide 11
Small Samples
A small sample would e any sample that is smaller than the measurement window. Small
samples present a unique risk ecause they don’t lock the entire eam path. The difficulty
with placing small samples down on a work surface to analyze them is that you may get
readings from the work surface that interfere with analytical results. A test stand is an effective
way of analyzing small samples accurately and safely. Never hold samples during analysis or
look into the path of the primary eam.
Irregularly Shaped Samples
Irregularly shaped samples may not allow the proximity utton to e depressed, or they may
not entirely cover the primary eam and cause additional scattering. A ack scatter shield is a
safe way of reducing your radiation exposure while effectively analyzing an irregularly shaped
sample.
Light Materials (such as plastics).
X-rays are attenuated more y denser and higher atomic mass materials, and less through
lighter materials such as plastic. This causes higher dose rates in the scattered radiation. If you
are frequently handling low density samples, you should consider the use of test stands,
ackscatter shields, or the equivalent.

2 Using Your Analyzer
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12 Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s uide Thermo Scientific
Niton XL2 Radiation Profile
Radiation Meter Information
Model: Bicron MicroRem
SN: 2057
Cal Due: 10/10/2009
Background Radiation Level
<0.01 mr/hr
Table 4 - Scatter Measurements off various substrates - Dose Rates in mRem/hr
Table 4. Niton XL2 Radiation Profile - Scatter Measurements - mRem/hr
kV uA Range Substrate Max @ 5cm Max @ 30 cm Max @ Trigger
15 80 Low Aluminum <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
15 80 Low Stainless <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
15 80 Low Plastic <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
15 80 Low Soil <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
20 80 Low Aluminum <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
20 80 Low Stainless <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
20 80 Low Plastic 3 <0.01 <0.01
20 80 Low Soil <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
45 44 Main Aluminum 1.2 0.017 0.01
45 44 Main Stainless 1.6 <0.01 <0.01
45 44 Main Plastic 19 1.2 0.15
45 44 Main Soil 2.0 0.050 0.025