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SciAps introduces the X-550 Pb: an innovative analyzer that could simplify and modernize lead analysis in paints. Currently, real estate diagnosticians use XRF (X-ray fluorescence) devices with radioactive sources that present multiple constraints (transport, storage, etc.) and certain risks (radiation protection, security). The X-550 Pb uses an electric generator: an X-ray tube, making it a less restrictive XRF device and less dangerous for humans and the environment. X-550 Pb is able to give conclusive values on regulatory thresholds ranging from 1 mg/cm² to 0.5 mg/cm². The measurement time, fast and stable over time, is only 2 to 6 seconds. In addition, it is able to analyze lead through several layers of paints. X-550 Pb is already tested and approved by the US authorities, and marketed in the USA by SciAps for the analysis of lead in paints. In France, legislation must evolve to allow the use of X-ray tube analyzers in addition to radioactive source devices.
Pending a possible modification of the legislation in force, Quantum-RX, exclusive partner of SciAps, does not market in France the X-550 Pb, which is not authorized to date for the analysis of lead in paints within the regulatory framework.
As a reminder, the X-550 X-ray tube analyzer is already marketed by Quantum RX in France for other applications and benefits from an approval issued by ASN (N° XSCIAPS008).
The Lead Diagnosis, or Crep (finding of risk of exposure to lead), is one of the mandatory real estate diagnoses in the context of a sale or rental of a property whose building permit dates from before January 1, 1949. Lead can be a cause of lead poisoning, a serious poisoning, especially for children and pregnant women. The Crep covers all the interior and exterior cladding of the dwelling.
For the analysis of lead in paints
Joël Le Chevalier, President of Quantum RX, said: "The SciAps X-550 Pb portable XRF analyzer represents a major innovation, bringing many simplifications and an obvious modernization. Over the past twenty years, the use of radioactive sources in the field of scientific instrumentation, whether portable or laboratory, has only decreased. Possession, use, strong and legitimate regulatory constraints, the cost of use and the production of waste push manufacturers to constantly innovate to reduce the use of radioactive sources. As soon as a technological advance allows it, they disappear from the equipment, for the greater good of all. We are at the dawn of a technological revolution, a significant simplification of processes and standards for the field analysis of lead in paints. 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. »
The X-550 Pb brings many advantages compared to the use of a radioactive source, in terms of radiation protection and for the safety of operators. Indeed, the regulations related to the possession, storage, transport and use of these sources are strictly binding in order to avoid the risks associated with their dissemination (in case of loss or theft for example). An X-ray tube device imposes a much lower level of stress 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). On the performance side, the X-ray tube guarantees stable measurements over time, without loss of power. Indeed, the activity of radioactive sources decreasing over time, it is necessary to replace them regularly which considerably increases their cost to use, and produces waste that is not recyclable.
Equipped with a 5-watt X-tube and a large active area Silicon Drift Detector (SDD), the X-550 Pb is capable of detecting lead L-gamma, L-alpha and L-beta lines. The analysis of lead L-gamma lines, a major innovation of X-550 Pb, 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, without false positives, false negatives and without inconclusive measurements.
About SciAps X-550 Analyzers
The SciAps X-550 is a portable XRF analyzer that is both lightweight (1.30 kg with its battery), compact (dimensions: 17.8 x 25.4 x 10.1 cm), fast and reliable. With its smartphone-like user interface, it integrates all connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB) to connect to virtually any information management system (printing, email, traceability, reporting...). Its OS is built on Google's Android platform.
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https://quantum-rx.com
