SciAps presents the X-550 Pb: an innovative analyzer that could simplify and modernize paint lead analysis. At present, real estate diagnosticians use XRF (X-ray fluorescence) devices equipped with radioactive sources, which present a number of constraints (transport, storage, etc.) and certain risks (radiation protection, safety). The X-550 Pb uses an electrical generator: an X-ray tube, which makes it a less restrictive XRF device, and less dangerous for people and the environment. The X-550 Pb is capable of giving conclusive values over regulatory thresholds ranging from 1 mg/cm² to 0.5 mg/cm². Measurement time is fast and stable, from 2 to 6 seconds. What's more, it can analyze lead through several layers of paint. The X-550 Pb is already tested and approved by the American authorities, and marketed in the USA by SciAps for the analysis of lead in paint. In France, legislation needs to be amended to authorize the use of X-ray tube analyzers in addition to radioactive source devices.
Pending any change in current legislation, SciAps' exclusive partner Quantum-RX does not market X-550 Pb in France, as it is not currently authorized for lead analysis in paint.
As a reminder, the X-550 X-ray tube analyzer is already marketed by Quantum RX in France for other applications, and has been approved by the ASN (N° XSCIAPS008).
The Lead Diagnosis, or Crep (constat de risque d'exposition au plomb), is one of the compulsory property diagnoses for the sale or rental of a property for which the building permit dates from before January 1, 1949. Lead can cause lead poisoning, a serious illness particularly affecting children and pregnant women. Crep covers all interior and exterior coatings.
For lead analysis in paints
According to Joël Le Chevalier, President of Quantum RX: "The SciAps X-550 Pb portable XRF analyzer represents a major innovation, bringing many simplifications and a clear modernization. Over the past twenty years, the use of radioactive sources in scientific instrumentation, both portable and laboratory, has been steadily declining. Ownership, use, strong and legitimate regulatory constraints, the cost of use and waste production are driving manufacturers to constantly innovate in order to reduce the need for radioactive sources. As soon as technological advances make this possible, radioactive sources disappear from equipment, to the benefit of all. We're at the dawn of a technological revolution, a major simplification of processes and standards for field analysis of lead in paint. With its powerful components, electronics and algorithms, the X-550 Pb is the first portable X-ray tube XRF analyzer to offer the same performance as the best radioactive source analyzers."
Compared with the use of a radioactive source, X-550 Pb offers numerous benefits in terms of radiation protection and operator safety. Indeed, regulations governing the possession, storage, transport and use of these sources are rigorously stringent, to avoid the risks associated with their dissemination (in the event of loss or theft, for example). An X-ray tube device imposes a much lower level of constraints in terms of transport (possibility of taking any type of transport), shipping (no hazardous materials to declare) and storage (no fireproof safe or fire extinguisher). In terms of performance, the X-ray tube guarantees stable measurements over time, with no loss of power. In fact, as the activity of radioactive sources diminishes over time, they need to be replaced regularly, which considerably increases their cost in use, and produces waste that cannot be recycled.
Equipped with a 5-watt X-ray tube and a large-area SDD (Silicon Drift Detector), the X-550 Pb is capable of detecting L-gamma, L-alpha and L-beta lead lines. The X-550 Pb's major innovation, L-gamma lead line analysis, makes it possible to analyze lead under several layers of paint without being affected by the presence of interfering elements such as Zinc or Barium, and without false positives, false negatives or inconclusive measurements.
About SciAps X-550 analyzers
The SciAps X-550 is a portable XRF analyzer that is lightweight (1.30 kg including battery), compact (dimensions: 17.8 x 25.4 x 10.1 cm), fast and reliable. With its smartphone-style user interface, it integrates all connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB) to connect to virtually any information management system (printing, email, traceability, report generation...). Its OS is built on Google's Android platform.
Visit the site:
https://quantum-rx.com