Often Used Analytical Procedures
M4 TORNADO
137
7 Often Used Analytical Procedures
This section intends to give the analyst a quick overview of the most important tools and analytical
procedures, so permitting an instant start into analyses with the M4 TORNADO system.
7.1 Recommended Measurement Parameters
The measurement parameters like tube HV, current and measurement time depend strongly on
the sample itself and also on the analytical task. However, it is possible to define some general
rules for the analysis. These rules are determined by the applied analytical method.
Table 48 Recommended measurements parameters
Method/
Analytical task
Tube HV Tube current Dead time Measurement time
Single point analysis
of metallic samples
50 kV 200 µA 30 % – 50 % 20 s – 100 s
Single point analysis of
light matrix samples,
e.g. oxides
50 kV 600 µA not higher
than 30 %
depends on
statistics
(120 s – 300 s)
Multi-Point 50 kV 200 µA 30 % – 50 % 20 s – 100 s
Auto-Point 50 kV 200 µA 30 % – 50 % 20 s – 100 s
LineScan (Line) 50 kV 300 µA – 600 µA
depends on the
matrix
< 50 % > 100 ms
several cycles
can be defined
Mapping (Area) 50 kV 600 µA < 50 % down to 0.2 ms
max. speed is
100 mm/s
usual values are
1 ms – 30 ms
in case more time is
needed several
cycles can be
defined
The use of vacuum depends on the sample (solid, wet, liquid) and on the elements of interest.
Caution!
Wet or even liquid samples cannot be measured in vacuum because the liquid
will evaporate and can damage the instrument!
For the analysis of solid samples the use of vacuum is not dangerous. It is required, if elements
with atomic numbers < 16 should be measured.