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Fusion Equipment and Supplies

There are several significant reasons for preparing samples for x-ray spectrochemical analysis by the fusion process. Perhaps the most supportive reason is to convert the matrices of both unknowns and standards to a common denominator for close x-ray compatibility. This reduces the likelihood effects of matrix differences to insignificant levels of affect to the analytical data.

Any differences between samples and standards attributed to particle chemistry, size, configuration and distribution are completely eliminated during the dissolution process. The resultant fused samples are thoroughly homogeneous assuming the basic matrix of the fusion medium. Most fusions are performed with borate-based substances such as lithium tetra and metaborates or combinations of these primary fusion fluxes.

Selection of the most appropriate fusion flux mixture is an important element to the dissolution process for avoiding temperature related evolvement of volatile constituent components. It is therefore advantageous to select a fusion flux characterized with a low melting point or mixtures of fusion fluxes with lower eutectic melting temperatures. Pre-knowledge of any suspected volatiles in both samples and standards are therefore helpful in the fusion flux selection process.

Fused samples are generally cast into "iso-formed" glass beads that may be analyzed directly with little or no surface preparations owing to the commercial availability of non-wetting platinum gold alloy crucibles and molds. The glass beads are easily handled and lend themselves to storage for future referral.

	AUTOFLUXER® AUTOMATIC FUSION MACHINES The AutoFluxer® Fusion Machines are available as two and four station units. They represent the most advanced systems for creating XRF beads or dissolutions for ICP and AA analysis integrated into one device. They are engineered to operate on either propane or natural gas and are capable of reaching elevated temperatures regardless of altitude. The process is easy, rapid and effective for high sample through put or infrequent sample preparations.
	PLATINUM WARE The AutoFluxer uses specially designed crucibles and molds that are fabricated from a platinum and gold alloy noted for its non-adhering qualities; 5% gold and 95% platinum. The crucible is designed with three prongs that uniquely lock it into position as a necessary feature for safely decanting the molten mixtures into the molds or Teflon beakers with independent stirrers for ICP or AA dissolutions.
	PRE-FUSED FUSION FLUXES The wide assortment of pre-fused fusion fluxes available provide the x-ray analyst with the necessary combination of mixtures serving lower eutectic melting points together with exceptional characteristics such as purity, high density, homogeneity, granulation, free flowing, low LOI and anhydrous.