According to Oxford Instruments, X-MET8000 Expert Geo offers fast material screening, dramatically reducing the need for laboratory analyses and their associated cost. It has been designed to withstand harsh environments and weather conditions and features real-time data sharing for fast decision-making. 

X-MET8000 Expert Geo can measure up to 40 elements, with additional elements available on request, and enables the quantification of rare-earth elements on a wide range of samples including: rocks, cores, cuttings and powders.

Oxford Instruments claimed that the combination of the large-area silicon-drift detector (SDD) and detector electronics BOOST technology provides up to 10 times the sensitivity of other handheld XRF models.

Up to 100,000 results can be stored on the analyser, downloaded to a USB memory stick or PC in a CSV format or PDF. Results can be printed on-site and attached to sample bags to avoid mix ups. Alternatively, fully customised reports can be created using the report generator. Results can be shared on-the-go with customers or colleagues with the OiConnect app, while the OiConnect cloud service can export results securely in real-time. 

Christelle Petiot, product manager for Oxford Instruments, said: “The X-MET8000 Expert Geo will save users time and money in more ways than one: it’s rugged and reliable so won’t let you down in the field; its revolutionary BOOST technology delivers faster analysis, even for trace elements, to help you complete testing programmes faster and rely less on laboratory analyses; it truly is the tool of choice for mining professionals.”

The analyser is IP54 compliant (equivalent to NEMA 3) for protection against dust and water, and has been tested to MIL-STD-810G military standard for ruggedness. It has an impact-resistant case with environmental sealing. Rubber bumpers around the screen, nose and battery protect against shocks.

Oxford Instruments added that the X-MET8000 Expert Geo features a large heat sink for optimum robustness and stability even in hot environments and comes with a compact, rugged and waterproof case for transportation and storage.