Within the nuclear power industry it is paramount that all materials and processes are regularly monitored to meet the highest standards of safety and control. One well established analytical technique used throughout the industry is analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) offering a range of benefits including simple, accurate, rapid, traceable analysis leading to quality assurance and cost savings throughout the process.
For example the continuous monitoring of metals in reactor cooling water at key points in the coolant cycle is vital for the safe and efficient operation of some nuclear power stations.
In other parts of the plant, Positive Material Identification (PMI) is required to ensure correct metallic alloy grade which is vital for correct repair or replacement of pipes/valves etc. The X-MET5000 and X-MET5100 are both rugged handheld portable XRF analysers measuring the key alloying elements in a range of metal samples including Stainless steel and high alloy grades. A specific application is flow accelerated corrosion (FAC), where the element Chromium needs.