The Terra Field Portable X-ray Diffraction/X-ray Fluorescence is, simply put, the evolution of X-ray diffraction analysis. The technology used in the portable rock and mineral analyzer received a prestigious R&D 100 award and was chosen to fly on the Mars Science Laboratory Rover scheduled for launch in 2011. Check out the NASA site for more.

The Terra is the first truly portable combination XRF/XRD system designed specifically for rock and mineral analysis. Now field XRD work can really be done in the field. The Terra can be configured with everything you need to acquire and analyze diffraction data in a rugged compact case. With a patented sample handling system, not only is sample preparation time minimized, but accuracy in peak identification previously only available using laboratory based systems can be achieved.

Learn more at: http://www.inxitu.com

Key Features/Benefits

• Self-contained instrument - battery operated
• Very simple sample preparation
  • loose powders (~20mg of sample)
  • sieve sample to <150µm
• Easy to use, single button operation
• True 2D powder XRD instrument
  • provides image of XRD pattern
  • See particle influences or prefered orientation
• Energy discrimination X-ray detector
  • Eliminate Fluorescence, scatter and other background
  • XRF spectral data for pattern confirmation

Terra's unique direct excitation CCD camera provides performance previously found only with lab based XRF/XRD instruments

Easy Sample Preparation

Loading the vibrating sample holderSample holders

Typically, XRD experiments require a finely ground sample which is then pressed into a pellet. This requirement is formed by the need to ensure sufficient random orientation of the crystals in the sample. Terra introduces a patented new way of addressing this issue. With only 15 mg of sample, Terra convects the sample with its integrated sample vibration chamber. By doing so, Terra is able to present all different orientations of the crystal structure to the instrument optics. This results in a superb XRD pattern, virtually free of problematicpreferred orientation effects found using more classic preparation methods.

Terra Search/Match & XRD Quantitative Analysis Software

Terra is configured with the necessary software (XPowder) for processing the resulting X-ray diffraction data. This includes the AMSCD mineral database. Should the user wish, XPowder provides the ability to use the ICDD Powder Diffraction Files (PDF).

For quantitative analysis, XPowder comes complete with Relative Intensity Ration (RIR) quantitative analysis methods as well as full pattern analysis tools. Further, Terra provides XRD pattern data in a variety of file formats making XRD pattern interpretation in other third party programs easy and available.

Terra XRF Analysis Software

Terra XRF software processes the sample data to determine and label present elements, calcium (Ca) through uranium (U), by energy (keV). The relative intensity can be used for semi-quantitative results.

Terra Specifications

Terra operates off software embedded in the unit itself. The user accesses the operating system through a wireless connection (802.11 b/g). This unique method of operation allows for a wide degree of flexibility in controlling the instrument and subsequent data handling.

Portable XRD/XRF has completely revolutionized geochemical exploration, mine grade control, metallurgical and process analysis, on-site HAZMAT inspections and in-field counterfeit pharmaceutical determinations. The Terra's high quality data and speed of analysis delivers quantitative real-time compositional chemistry, right at the point of the sample location, where you need it most.

Mining & Ores

• Iron Ore - Quickly analyze iron rich ore with Xpowder's Reference Intenstiy Ratios to automatically generate quantitative compositions of the samples even when certain phases are completely absent - quartz, hematite, goethite, magnetite & more
• Calcite in Coal - Quantify calcite (CaCO₃), a mineral identified as reducing the efficiency of the raw material fuel in a coal-fired plant, to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions
• Potash - Analyze potash for phase identification and semiquantitative analysis of identified minerals such as sylvite, halite, langbenite and leonite. For further refinement, Sietronics Siroquant is available
• Limestone & Cement - Easily perform quantitative analysis of common minerals associated with limestone - alpha-quartz, asbestos minerals, calcite, dolomite and more. In cases where the quarry contains various levels of dolomite, the Terra quickly determines this mineral in the range of 0.50 to 9.0% with an error of only 0.02%.

Petrochemical

• Mudlogging - Perform mineral ID and quantification on shale cuttings in the field for rapid feedback at drilling sites - simplify "chasing the vein" of a given mineral strata
• Pipelines - Terra Smart Sense allows optimum peak-to-background performance to identify and quantify corrosion materials on pipelines; simultaneous XRF measurements give rapid identification of elemental constituents
• Easily reanalyze mine tailings to determine mill performance or evaluate historical projects

Fast HAZMAT ID

• Rapidly ID dangerous hazardous materials on-site for local & global security
• Identify explosives, fusing materials & accelerants on location
• ID & quantify suspected hazardous materials: azide's PETN, black powder's KClO₃, KClO₄ & KNO₃, flash powder's KClO₃ & cascandite
• Quickly identify asbestos containing insulation in the field
• NIOSH & EPA XRD Methods for chrysotile identification

Pharmaceuticals

• Rapid ID of counterfeit pharmaceuticals
• Fast, non-destructive fingerprinting of drug formulations & precursors
• Test for presence and quantity of active and inactive, foreign or substitute ingredients
• Fast XRD screening ensures patient safety and safeguards legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturers' branding