The TERRA II analyzer from Olympus Scientific Solutions is the successor to the world’s first commercial battery-operated, portable XRD. This analyzer has a 6-hour battery life and a sturdy, weatherproof case for rapid in-field analysis of both major and minor mineral components.
The TERRA II analyzer has robust features that make it a lightweight, portable, and nearly maintenance-free substitute to traditional XRD.
- The analyzer can be connected to the user’s devices using wireless capabilities
- Exclusive small sample holder needs only 15 mg of sample
- Runs without the need for external power, water cooling, compressed gas, a secondary chiller, or external transformer, thus maintaining the cost of ownership at a low level
- Driven by intuitive SwiftMin® software to simplify the workflow with a single dashboard, easy data export, preset calibrations, and automatic data transfer
Better Speed and Sensitivity Power Swift Decisions
Robust, intuitive software is coupled with enhanced X-ray detectors for faster analysis times, enhanced sensitivity, and more dependable results.
- Updated X-ray detector hardware works faster and delivers more intensity, resulting in lower limits of detection (LODs)
- SwiftMin® automated phase ID and quantitative software offers real-time data directly on the XRD analyzer, so users can make decisions rapidly and with confidence
Image Credit: Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas (XRF / XRD)
Easy Sample Preparation
Traditional XRD instruments need a large batch of samples to be finely ground and pressed into a pellet to guarantee a sufficiently random orientation of the crystals.
On the other hand, the small vibrating sample holder of the TERRA II analyzer convects all particles inside the sample chamber, making sure that data is almost free of orientation effects. Consequently, only 15 mg of sample is necessary, which is easily acquired from the supplied sample kit.
Image Credit: Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas (XRF / XRD)
Applications
The BTX III instrument allows fast mineral identification for a wide variety of applications, such as those given below.
Mining and Ores
Iron-rich ores: Users can test iron-rich ore even when specific phases are fully absent.
- Hematite
- Goethite
- Quartz
- Magnetite
Potash: Users can test potash for phase identification and semi-quantitative examination of identified minerals, including:
- Leonite
- Sylvite
- Langbenite
- Halite
Limestone and cement: Users can easily conduct quantitative XRD analysis of common minerals related to limestone. When the quarry has different levels of dolomite, the analyzer rapidly establishes this mineral in the range of 0.5% to 9% with an error of just 0.02%.
- Calcite
- Alpha-quartz
- Dolomite
- Asbestos minerals
Calcite in coal: Users can quantify calcite (CaCO3), a mineral known to reduce the efficiency of the raw material fuel in a coal-fired plant, enhance efficiency, and decrease carbon emissions.
Image Credit: Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas (XRF / XRD)
Oil and Gas
Well logging/mud logging: Users can carry out mineral identification and quantification on shale cuttings in the field for quick feedback at geosteering and horizontal drilling areas. They can streamline “chasing the vein” of specified mineral strata.
- Clays
- Pyrites
- Silicates
- Carbonates
Pipelines: The energy-sensitive detector facilitates improved peak-to-background performance to detect and measure corrosion materials on pipelines. Concurrent XRF measurements enable quick identification of elemental constituents.
- Wustite (FeO), goethite (FeO(OH)), hematite (Fe2O3), and pyrite (FeS2)
- Aragonite (CaCO3) and calcite (CaCO3)
Mine tailings: Users can easily re-analyze mine tailings to determine mill performance or assess historical projects.
Image Credit: Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas (XRF / XRD)
Pharmaceutical
- Quick identification of fake pharmaceuticals
- Rapid and nondestructive fingerprinting of drug formulations and precursors
- The presence and quantity of inactive and active substitute or foreign ingredients can be tested
- Rapid XRD analysis helps guarantee patient safety and protects genuine pharmaceutical manufacturers’ branding
Image Credit: Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas (XRF / XRD)