Inorganic materials, which arrive to CTL include a wide range of samples: rocks, construction materials, inorganic fillers (for example in paints), mixtures of inorganic chemicals, metals alloys etc. The analytical systems based on X-ray fluorescence and optical emission spectrometry are mostly used for analysis of these samples.
X-ray fluorescence spektrometry of the inorganic materials is used in analysis on energy-dispersing spectrometers. The analysis of elements in solid or liquid samples can be analysed with these instruments. Because of he wide range of the analysed matrix, a certain amount of results of the analysis have semiquantitative character i.e. only main components of the sample can be determined. The x-ray fluorescence is mainly used in the field of rocks and construction materials (e.g. cement) analysis, also for identification of inorganic fillers in paints as well as in analyses of inorganic chemicals or mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds. It is possible to use this method for the screening of food products, to determine the content of mineral substances etc.
Another application based on the X-ray fluorescence is the desk energy-dispersing spectrometer, which is used for the analyses of metal materials. The precious metal alloys are analysed on this apparatus, above all. Multielemental information is also a result. The device is able to determine the type of metal coating, the identification the individual layers, and their thickness is also possible.
The analyses of metals is performed on the optical (spark) emission spectrometer with excitation by directed electrical arc by portable spectrometer. The device gives a complete multielemental analysis, including those elements, which can not be analysed by the x-ray fluorescence for example carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus.
The other instrument available is an optical emission spectrometer with ICP – OES. This analytical system is used for analysis of solutions containing elements in concentrations on the ppm level (mg/l). The use of this method is nearly general, limited only by sample ability to be mineralizated. In the case of liquid samples, the use is almost unlimited. The example of application of this analytical system is e.g. the determination of the content of the mineral substances in foods, determination of elements in drinking water, extracts, also for the determining of impurities in pure chemicals etc.