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Work with the Co-Chiefs, Staff Scientist, and LO to identify the pXRF Users. Each user is required to wear a Dosimeter Ring while operating the pXRF. After identifying the scientists collect the dosimeter rings from the LO. Each ring has a unique ID and is assigned to a specific person. Check out the rings and record which ring is assigned to which person. Make sure to check out a ring for yourself as you will be demonstrating how to use the Gun and will perform safety checks on the instrument.
Prepare a safety talk and demonstration for the scientists who will be using the pXRF. For safety resources please refer to the IODP manual 'XRF Safety Guide' and the vendor provided DELTA Family safety chapter to familiarize yourself with the safety precautions. Make these documents available to the scientists.
Apparatus Preparation
pXRF Analyzer
Inside the pXRF case are: the pXRF, docking station, micro-USB cable, docking station power supply, pXRF AC power supply, and pXRF batteries.
The pXRF can be operated through the User Interface on the analyzer or through a dedicated pXRF laptop. Be consistent with the chosen method.
First take the docking station and place it in in your dedicated area (Figure 1). The pXRF will rest in the docking station when not in use. Connect the docking station to power through the labeled power supply.
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Insert the preferred method of power supply into the handle (Figure 4). The battery and AC Power Supply are keyed and only fit into the analyzer one way.
Figure 4. AC battery source inserted into pXRF
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The following step is only applicable at this stage if controlling the pXRF through the computer. If choosing to use the pXRF alone move on to 'Discrete Samples'. The pXRF interface users will use the laptop during the 'Export Files' Section later on.
Open the dedicated pXRF laptop and login to the computer with the following:
user: XRFHost
Passwordpassword: B113@iodp. $Olympus2020
To operate the gun and have it correctly write files administrator privileges are needed. If you login with something different, such as 'daq' 'daq', there are no administrator privileges and the gun will not work properly.
Connect the pXRF to the computer via the micro USB cord (Figure 7). Micro USB ports are very fragile so take care when plugging in or removing.
Figure 7. pXRF connected to laptop via micro USB cable. A. micro USB port. B. Laptop usb USB port
Discrete Samples
- To set up the discrete sample station collect the FlexStand Base and shielded sample chamber (Figure 8).
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- Set up an aluminum core tray to hold the unwrapped section half (you will wrap it with Ultralene later, but GLAD® Plastic Wrap is thick enough to interfere with measurements). Place the core tray far enough back from the edge of the bench that the pXRF will be several feet away from the operator.
- Put a long ruler next to the aluminum tray to measure the measurement offset.
- Place the docking station to the side of the core tray.
- Collect the rubber lead impregnated shield. When it is time to take a measurement the pXRF will lock in to the mat as shown in Figure 13.
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Discrete samples are dried, ground, and loaded into a XRF sample cup. Discrete samples allow the analysis of a specific interval or feature on a section half. This process is more involved, time-consuming, and invasive (destructive) compared to the section half measurement. However, discrete samples can be run along with powdered standard reference materials and the data can therefore be reduced for quantitative elemental data. Powdering a sample also creates a homogenous homogeneous sample. If the powder is fully homogenous homogeneous and the sample cup is loaded to sufficient thickness and uniform powder density, quantitative error should be low.
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2. Flip this unit upside down and begin to load the sample into the cup. Remember that the discrete sample will be back loaded. A couple of centimeters of sample is sufficient. The sample layer cannot be too thin, or X-ray penetration (and the results) will be inconsistent. Make sure the powder is evenly dispersed, maintaining a relatively flat, even surface.
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