Thermo Fisher Scientific

Niton XL5 Analyzer

User’s Guide
Version 1.5
© 2018 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.

P/N 110-00118 Rev J September 2018

© 2018 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the
product operation. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of the whole or any part of this
document is strictly prohibited, except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical information in this
document is for reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this document supersede
all previous information received by the purchaser.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete, accurate or error-
free and assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might
result from any use of this document, even if the information in the document is followed properly.

This document is not part of any sales contract between Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and a purchaser. This
document shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of
Sale shall govern all conflicting information between the two documents.

Release history:

Release 1.0, November 2015

Release 1.1, March 2016

Release 1.2, September 2016

Release 1.2.1, November 2016

Release 1.3, March 2017

Release 1.3.1, June 2017

Release 1.4, September 2017

Release 1.4.1, November 2017

Release 1.5, September 2018

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

 Contents

Table Of Contents
Chapter 1 Contact Us. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Europe and Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Asia and the Middle East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Statements of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Chapter 2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
XL5 Radiation Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Monitoring Your Radiation Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Registration and Licensing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Emergency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Thermo Fisher Scientific's Niton Analyzer Contact Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter 3 Startup Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Unpacking and Preparing Your Niton XRF Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Battery Installation and Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Hot Swap Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The Key Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The LCD Touch Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Enable Your Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Startup Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Commonly Used Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
The Data Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Chapter 4 Enable Your Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Turning Your Analyzer On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Accept EULA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Install the NitonConnect Computer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Connect Analyzer to Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Customer Support Web Portal XL5 User Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Log In to the XL5 Customer Support Web Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Adding the XL5 Analyzer to Your Fleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Sync Your Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Chapter 5 Common Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Using the Virtual Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Updating Your Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Working with Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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The Settings Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Data Field Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Threshold Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Pseudo-Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Set Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Chapter 6 How to Analyze - Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Preparatory Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
The Ready to Test Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Pick an Active Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Data Field Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Viewing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Below the Limits of Detection (LOD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Results Page Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Backward Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Chapter 7 How to Analyze General Metals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Take a General Metals Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Understanding the Results Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Chapter 8 How to Analyze Precious Metals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Take a Precious Metals Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Interpreting the Results Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
AuDIT Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Chapter 9 How to Analyze Coatings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Take a Coatings Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Chapter 10 How to Analyze FingerPrints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Teach FingerPrints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Take a FingerPrint Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Chapter 11 How to Analyze Mining Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

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Preparing Mining Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Take a Mining Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Chapter 12 How to Analyze Soil Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Preparing Soil Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Take a Soils Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Chapter 13 How to Analyze Electronic Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Take an Electronic Metals Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Chapter 14 How to Analyze Industrial Paint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Take a Industrial Paint Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Chapter 15 How to Analyze Industrial Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Take a Plastics Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Chapter 16 How to Analyze Test All. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Take a Test All Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Interpreting the Results Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Chapter 17 Editing Profile Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

How to Edit Profile Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Action Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Alloy Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Alloy Matrix Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Beep on Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Beeps Times (1st, 2nd, 3rd). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Custom Calfactors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Custom Sorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Defining Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Defining Substrate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Disable Al . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Disable LEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Display Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Enable AuDIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

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Enable Averaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Enable Small Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Match Threshold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Matrix Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Max Scan Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Minimum Teach Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Non Metal Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Number of Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Number of Matches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Pass/Fail Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Profile Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Pseudo Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Pseudo Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Result View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Save Images With Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Scan Times & Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Sort/Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Standardization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Stop on Pass/Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Teach FingerPrints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Threshold Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Use Data Field Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Use Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Use Thickness Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Chapter 18 Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Wi-Fi Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Connecting to a PSK Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Connecting to a PEAP or TTLS Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Connecting to a Hidden Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Wi-Fi Configure Network Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Wi-Fi Export to Network Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Using the Barcode Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
GPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
External GPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Chapter 19 Learning More, Service, and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Replacing the Measurement Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Registration and Licensing FAQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Storing and Transporting Your Niton XL5 Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

iv Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 Contents

Chapter 20 XL5 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

Setting Up the Portable Test Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Taking Down the Portable Test Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Powering the Test Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the Portable Test Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
How to Safely Operate the Portable Test Stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Using NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
The Mini Test Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the MTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
How to Safely Operate the MTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Using NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Using the Soil Guard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Using the Back Scatter Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Using the Mini-Hot Work Standoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide v

Contents

vi Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 1

Contact Us

Contents
• “Americas” on page 1
• “Europe and Africa” on page 1
• “Asia and the Middle East” on page 2

Americas
Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments

2 Radcliff Road

Tewksbury, MA 01876 USA

Tel USA: 800-875-1578

Tel: +1 978-670-7460

Fax: +1 978-670-7430

[email protected]

Europe and Africa

Joseph-Dollinger-Bogen 9

80807 Munich

Germany

Office: +49 89 3681 380

Fax: +49 89 3681 3830

Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]

Thermo Scientific
1 Contact Us
Asia and the Middle East

Asia and the Middle East

Unit 23, 5/F, Corporation Park,

11 On Lai Street, Siu Lek Yuen,

Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.

Office: +852 2869 6669

Fax: +852 2567 4447

Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]

Statements of Compliance
This section includes radio and other wireless documentation statements required by United
States Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada.

U.S. Federal Communications Commission

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

2 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 1 Contact Us
Statements of Compliance

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canada
This Device complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the fol-lowing two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna
of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To
reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
necessary for successful communication.

Cet appareil est conforme à Industrie Canada, exempts de licence standard RSS (s). Le
fonctionnement est soumis à la fol-mugissement deux conditions: 1) ce dispositif ne peut pas
provoquer d'interférences et 2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interfer¬ence, y compris les
interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement de l'appareil.

En vertu des règlements d'Industrie Canada, cet émetteur radio ne peut fonctionner à l'aide
d'une antenne d'un type et max-mum (ou moins) Gain approuvé pour l'émetteur par
Industrie Canada. Pour réduire les interférences radio potentielles pour les autres utilisateurs,
le type d'antenne et son gain doivent être choisis afin que la puissance isotrope rayonnée
équivalente (e.i.r.p.) ne dépasse pas ce qui est nécessaire pour une communication réussie.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 3

1 Contact Us
Statements of Compliance

4 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 2

XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION

Contents
• “RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS” on page 6
• “XL5 Radiation Profile” on page 11
• “Monitoring Your Radiation Exposure” on page 12
• “Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure” on page 13
• “Registration and Licensing” on page 13
• “Emergency Response” on page 15
• “Thermo Fisher Scientific's Niton Analyzer Contact Numbers” on
page 16

Training
This section covers topics related to safety when using a Thermo Scientific Niton XL5
analyzer. At a minimum all operators of the XL5 should be familiar with the instructions
provided in this chapter in order to handle the XL5 in a safe manner. In addition to reading
the information presented on the following pages, Thermo Fisher Scientific strongly
recommends that instrument operators receive basic radiation safety training. Operator safety
training is also a regulatory requirement in some locations so you should retain operator
training records and provide them to authorities upon request. Any operator can register for
access to our online safety and compliance training at www.thermoscientific.com/portableid.

Depending on local legislation, additional radiation trainings and related qualifications might
be required.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 5

2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS

RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS

General Description of the Ionizing Radiation Hazard
Primary Beam Radiation - The Niton Model XL5 analyzer contains an x-ray tube which
emits a “primary beam” of high intensity x-ray radiation into the sample during a
measurement. The radiation is produced and emitted only when the x-ray tube is turned on
during which time “x-ray on” indicator lights will illuminate. In most applications, the
majority of the primary beam x-rays are absorbed in the sample. If there is no sample present
(i.e., the primary beam pointing into an open air space) and a measurement is initiated, the
system is designed to turn off the x-ray tube automatically.

The primary x-ray beam cannot be seen. Point A in Figure 1 shows the location and
divergence of the primary beam when it is uninterrupted by a sample.

WARNING You should never place any part of your body in the primary beam path when the
“x-ray on” indicator lights are illuminated.

During operation, your hand that is gripping the trigger at point B in Figure 1 should always
be the closest part of your body to the primary beam. There should always be a sample in
contact with the measurement window during a measurement. Caution should be taken when
analyzing samples that are small, thin, and/or low in density as they may allow much more of
the primary beam to escape. In-beam primary radiation dose rates are listed in Table 2 “XL5
Radiation Profile - Net In-Beam Deep Dose Measurements - mSv/hr” on page 12.

Scattered Radiation - Under conditions of normal and proper use, operators can be exposed
to small amounts of secondary (or “scattered”) radiation. Scattered radiation from a handheld
XRF analyzer is low-level radiation that emanates from the sample being measured. This
radiation emanates from the sample only during the measurement period. This low level
radiation is a result of primary beam radiation scattering in the sample and primary beam
radiation inducing the production of fluorescent x-rays in the sample. Points C and C' in
Figure 2 are examples of areas where you can encounter some scattered radiation. The
magnitude of this scattered radiation is sample dependent. Higher density and atomic mass
samples such as steel will emit the lowest levels as they absorb most primary and scattered
radiations. Lower density samples such as aluminum, wood, and especially plastic, will
produce higher levels of scattered radiation. Dose rates due to scattered radiation are listed in
Table 1 “XL5 Radiation Profile - Net Scatter Measurements” on page 11.

6 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS

Figure 1. Primary Beam Radiation

C’

C’

Figure 2. Secondary (Scattered) Radiation

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 7

2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS

Exposure to Radiation
Human dose to radiation is typically measured and reported using the unit Sievert (Sv). The
allowable limit for occupational exposure in the U.S. (and many other countries) is 50 mSv
per year for deep (penetrating) dose and 500 mSv per year for shallow (i.e., skin) dose or dose
to extremities (e.g., hands). Deep, shallow, and extremity exposure to an operator from a
properly used Niton XL5 analyzer should be less than 2.0 mSv per year even if the analyzer is
used as much as 2,000 hours per year. The only anticipated exceptions to the 2.0 mSv per year
estimate of maximum annual dose are: 1) routine and frequent analysis of plastic samples
without use of a test stand, or similar additional protective measures, or 2) improper use
where a part of the body is in the primary beam path.

WARNING Never operate the device with a part of your body in the primary beam path or
with the primary beam path directed at anyone else.

How to Use the Niton XL5 Analyzer Safely

The Niton XL5 analyzer is designed to be safe to operate provided that it is used in
accordance with these manufacturer's instructions. Operators must be familiar with the
information presented here and follow these instructions to ensure their safety and the safety
of those present when the XL5 is in use.

Know Where the Primary Beam Is

The primary beam is a directed beam of x-rays out of the front of the analyzer that can have
high dose rates. The primary beam path is shown in Figure 1 without a sample present for
illustrative purposes only. Operators should only initiate a measurement when a sample is
present. The sample will absorb most of the primary-beam radiation unless it is smaller than
the instrument's measurement window or of low density and/or thickness. The secondary
radiation (Figure 2), or scattered radiation, has a much lower dose rate. Operator awareness of
the primary beam is fundamental because exposure to primary beam radiation can cause
harm.

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 2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS

Recognize the “X-Ray On” Indicator Lights

When the “x-ray on” lights are illuminated, the primary beam is on, and this radiation is being
emitted from the front of the analyzer.

Figure 3. The X-ray Beam Indicator Lights

Recognize & Handle Challenging Sample Types Safely

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, never hold samples during analysis or place any part of
your body in the path of the primary x-ray beam. For most sample types the sample itself
absorbs the primary beam. Here are some recommendations on safely analyzing sample types
that might not absorb the entire primary beam:

Small Samples
A small sample would be any sample that is smaller than the measurement window. Small
samples present a unique risk because they don't block and absorb the primary beam. Often a
small sample can be placed on a work surface such as a counter-top for safe analysis, but a
signal from the work surface may interfere with your measurement. A test stand accessory is
an effective way of analyzing small samples accurately and safely.

Irregularly Shaped Samples

Irregularly shaped samples (i.e., very non-flat surfaces) might not entirely cover the window
where the primary beam exits. A test stand or back scatter shield is a safe way of reducing your
radiation exposure while effectively analyzing irregularly shaped samples.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 9

2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
RADIATION SAFETY TOPICS

Low Density Materials (such as plastics)

X-rays are absorbed more in materials of higher density and/or atomic mass (i.e., heavy
materials) such as steel alloys. Conversely, x-rays scatter and escape more when they interact in
low density/mass (i.e. lighter) materials such as aluminum, soil, and especially plastic. This
results in higher scatter dose rates when these lighter samples are analyzed. This result is
demonstrated in the scatter radiation data provided in Table 1 below. If you are frequently
handling light material samples, you should consider the use of test stands, or the equivalent.

Analysis on a Work Surface

Most samples can be analyzed safely on a work surface with the primary beam pointing down.
However, when working with any of these challenging sample types, you must consider
transmission of the primary beam through a work surface if you have chosen not to use a test
stand during analysis. Figure 4 illustrates the hazard that can be present if you are working in
a seated position while analyzing sample types that do not cover the measurement window or
absorb the majority of the primary beam radiation. Notice that the operator's legs are now in
the primary beam path. As discussed earlier, you should always be aware of the location of the
primary beam and take proper precautions to ensure that no part of your body is exposed to
the unshielded primary beam radiation during analysis. In the example of an operator who
needs to routinely sit and analyze small, thin, or light samples, shielding can be added to the
table, if necessary, to prevent exposure to the legs. A sheet of steel affixed to the underside of
the table can be used to shield the primary beam. It takes about 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) of steel to
fully shield the primary beam at maximum tube power settings.

Figure 4. Beam Transmission Through a Work Surface

10 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
XL5 Radiation Profile

Follow a Radiation Protection Program

Your organization should establish, document, and follow a basic Radiation Protection
Program. An example of such a program can be found on the Customer Support Portal at
https://pai-qa.thermoscientific.com/xl5.

Take Proper Care of your Niton XL5

Keeping your analyzer maintained in good condition will help minimize the risk of accidental
exposure. Mechanical malfunction of the shutter can be avoided by maintaining the
measurement window, as described in the User Guide in “Replacing the Measurement
Window” on page 177. This prevents foreign objects from entering your XL5. Also, use of the
wrist strap while holding the analyzer is recommended to prevent damage due to accidental
drops.

XL5 Radiation Profile

Table 1 - XL5 Radiation Profile - Scatter Measurements - μSv/hr

Table 1. XL5 Radiation Profile - Net Scatter Measurements

Max Max
Max @
kV μA Mode (Filtration) Substrate @ @
Trigger
5cm 30cm
50 100 General Metals (Main Filter) Brass 6.2 0.54 ND*
50 100 Plastics (Main Filter) Plastic 200 21 60

Notes: Scatter dose rates were measured using a Thermo Scientific RadEye B20-ER with
H*(10) Filtration. Scatter measurements were taken at a radius of 5 or 30 cm around
the nose of the analyzer with the highest scatter dose rate being recorded. While your
specific analyzer might not have a plastic calibration mode, scatter dose rates for a
plastic sample type have been included here to illustrate a worst case dose rate sce-
nario.
*ND= Not Detectable

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 11

2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Monitoring Your Radiation Exposure

Table 2 - XL5 Radiation Profile - In Beam Measurements - mSv/hr

Table 2. XL5 Radiation Profile - Net In-Beam Deep Dose Measurements - mSv/hr
Contact Contact Max Max Max
kV μA Mode (Filtration) Deep Shallow @ @ @
Dose Dose 5cm 10cm 30cm
50 100 General Metals (Main Filter) 2800 18000 690 310 57
15 333 General Metals (Low Filter) 460 33000 99 33 5.3
6.2 500 General Metals (Light Filter) 0.62 8000 0.07 0.09 0.02

Notes: In-beam dose rates were measured using Optically Stimulated Luminescent (OSL)
dosimeters. Reported results are based on measurement results that have been reduced
to 2 significant digits by rounding up. For example, a measurement result of 1441
would be reported as 1500.

Monitoring Your Radiation Exposure

Operators can be monitored for the radiation dose they receive by use of radiation dosimetry
devices (dosimeters). Monitoring dose using a dosimeter can be a way of identifying improper
use, but more often it provides a record demonstrating that radiation exposures are well
within established limits. In some locations, dosimetry is required by regulations and in others
it is optional. Thermo Fisher Scientific recommends that you determine and obey the local
regulatory requirements concerning such radiation monitoring of occupational workers. Note
that wearing a dosimeter badge does not protect you against radiation exposure. A dosimeter
badge only measures your exposure (at the dosimeter location).

Two common types of dosimeters are whole-body badges and ring badges. Whole body
badges are often attached to the user's torso (i.e., clipped to the collar, shirt pocket, or waist as
appropriate). A ring badge is worn on the finger as a measure of maximum extremity dose.
When worn, the specific location of the dosimeter should be that part of the body that is
expected to receive the highest dose. This location will depend on how the analyzer is used
and so it may not be the same for all users. Dosimetry services are offered by many companies.

Two companies offering dosimetry services in the USA and much of the world are:
Table 3. US Dosimetry Providers
Company Global Dosimetry Solutions Landauer, Inc.
Address 2652 McGaw Avenue 2 Science Road
City and State Irvine, CA 92614 Glenwood, IL 60425-9979
Website www.dosimetry.com www.landauerinc.com
Phone Number (800) 251-3331 (800) 323-8830

12 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure

Pregnancy and Radiation Exposure

International guidance documents (e.g., ICRP Publication 60 and NCRP Publication 116*)
recommend that the radiation dose to the embryo/fetus of a pregnant woman should not
exceed a total of 5 mSv (10% of normal radiation worker limit) during the gestation period.
The Model XL5 can be used safely during a pregnancy as it is very unlikely that the ICRP
limit will be exceeded by a trained operator. Operators, however, might naturally want
additional information about the hazards of radiation exposure during pregnancy. They may
also want to increase monitoring and/or reduce their exposure to radiation during pregnancy.
For more information see the U.S. NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 “Instruction Concerning
Prenatal Radiation Exposure” which is available online.

* The International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP, is an independent

Registered Charity, established to advance for the public benefit the science of radiological
protection, in particular by providing recommendations and guidance on all aspects of
protection against ionizing radiation.

* The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) was chartered
by the U.S. Congress in 1964 as the National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurements.

Registration and Licensing

As a user of a Niton XL5 analyzer, you may be required to register or obtain a license with
your local radiation control authority. If you intend to do work with your XL5 in states or
territories that fall outside the jurisdiction of your local regulatory authority, you may be
required to register there as well. Your local Thermo Fisher contact can provide contact
information for your local regulatory authority.

Security and Storage

Local regulations may require that you store your analyzer locked in a secured area to prevent
access, use, and/or removal by unauthorized individuals. Storage requirements will vary by
location, particularly with regard to storage at temporary job sites or outside of your primary
storage location (e.g. hotels, vehicles). You should contact your local Radiation Control
Authority to identify the specific storage requirements in your jurisdiction.

Transportation
When shipping your analyzer, it is recommended that you ship it in its carrying case and an
over-pack to protect the sensitive measuring equipment inside the analyzer.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 13

2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Registration and Licensing

The only hazardous material with your analyzer that is regulated for transportation is the
lithium ion battery pack that powers the analyzer. These 4-cell 50 watt-hour batteries have
been tested for compliance with the UN Model Regulations, Manual of Test and Criteria,
Part III Subsection 38.3, 5th revised edition, Amendment 1. When shipping the batteries
with the device by air, ensure compliance of IATA Packaging Instruction 966 Section II under
UN3481 Lithium Ion Batteries Packed with Equipment. When shipping the battery and
device via ground follow local regulations. Never transport or offer your analyzer for transport
with the battery pack connected to the analyzer.

Lithium Ion Battery Safety

Most battery safety issues arise from improper handling of batteries; particularly from the
continued use of damaged batteries. A lithium ion battery with a compromised internal safety
circuit has the potential to cause a dangerous evolution of heat from the battery in the form of
sparking, smoking, or even fire. Adhering to the following guidelines for use, storage, and
transport of your lithium ion batteries will reduce the likelihood of an adverse event.

DANGER! Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, shred, or otherwise attempt to change the
form of your battery.

WARNING Always remove the battery from the XL5 when not in use, or when the analyzer is
stored in its case.
• Do not use tools or other mechanical means to remove the battery from the analyzer as
this can damage the battery.
• Do not let battery terminals come into contact with liquids.
• Do not store spare batteries in a manner that could result in contact of the terminals with
other metal items.
• Do not place your battery near a high heat source. Do not leave the battery in direct
sunlight, and avoid storing spare battery packs inside cars in extreme hot weather.
• Do not subject the battery pack to strong impacts or shocks.
• Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific if your battery has been damaged.
• Use only batteries and chargers supplied by Thermo Fisher Scientific for your particular
device model.
• Do not throw water on a burning Li-ion battery. A class C fire extinguisher must be used.
• If you happen to get any electrolyte from the battery on your skin, WASH thoroughly
with soap and water. If in your eyes, do not rub. RINSE thoroughly with water and seek
medical attention.
• Promptly dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulations.
• Transport batteries only in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations.

14 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Emergency Response

Hot Surface Warning

The hot surface warning label shown here appears on your XL5 analyzer. Continuous
operation of the miniaturized x-ray tube in the XL5 may cause some aluminum surfaces on
the analyzer to heat up. Avoid contact with the aluminum surfaces on the XL5 during
operation of the analyzer.

Emergency Response
The following information provides basic instruction for situations where safety or safe
operation is an immediate concern.

Proper notification and investigation is recommended under certain conditions which

include:
• An unusually high exposure to radiation is suspected.
• Physical signs of an over-exposure are observed (i.e., localized skin reddening or burning).
• Device safety feature or control is known or suspected to not be functioning properly
(e.g., damaged instrument, failure of “x-ray on” indicator lights, etc.).

The following steps are recommended for such emergency

situations:
1. Stop using the instrument.
2. Remove the battery. The x-ray tube cannot produce radiation when the battery is
disconnected. The instrument is now safe to handle.
3. Place the instrument securely in the holster.
4. Place the instrument in the carrying case that came with the instrument.
5. Notify your Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Safety Manager, or the equivalent
responsible individual at your company or institution immediately.
6. You or your management should call Thermo Fisher Scientific at one of their contact
numbers listed below for additional instructions and guidance.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 15

2 XL5 RADIATION AND GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Thermo Fisher Scientific's Niton Analyzer Contact Numbers

Please Complete the Following Emergency Response Information and Keep with
the Analyzer at All Times
NITON ANALYZER EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

The Company RSO is:______________________________________

RSO Telephone Number:____________________________________

Regulatory Agency Emergency Number:________________________

Local Fire Department:______________________________________

Local or State Police Department:_____________________________

Thermo Fisher Scientific's Niton Analyzer Contact Numbers

Americas
Main Number (USA): (800) 875-1578

Radiation Safety Group: (978) 215-1310, (978) 790-8269

Europe
Niton Analyzers Europe

Munich, Germany

Phone: +49 89 3681 380

Fax: +49 89 3681 3830

Email: [email protected]

Asia
Niton Analyzers Asia

Hong Kong

Phone: +852 2869-6669

Fax: +852 2869-6665

Email: [email protected]

16 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 3

Startup Procedure

Contents
• “Unpacking and Preparing Your Niton XRF Analyzer” on page 18
• “Battery Installation and Charging” on page 19
• “Hot Swap Feature” on page 20
• “The Key Pad” on page 21
• “The LCD Touch Screen” on page 22
• “Enable Your Analyzer” on page 23
• “Startup Procedure” on page 23
• “The Home Page” on page 23
• “Status Bar” on page 24
• “Commonly Used Icons” on page 24
• “The Data Ports” on page 29

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 17

3 Startup Procedure
Unpacking and Preparing Your Niton XRF Analyzer

Unpacking and Preparing Your Niton XRF Analyzer

Documentation
Cables
1.25Cr 0.5Mo Check Sample

6061 Al Check Sample

Battery Battery
Poly Bag

Power
Analyzer Adaptors
Lock
Battery
Charger

Spare Window Bracket Power Supply

Extra Windows

Figure 5. Populated Analyzer Case

• Inspect the shipping carton for signs of damage such as crushed or water damaged
packaging. Immediately notify the shipping company and Thermo Fisher Scientific, in
the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at
+1-978-670-7460, if there is any visible damage to the shipping container or any of its
contents.
• Open the packing carton. If your analyzer is not packed in its carrying case, please call
Thermo Fisher Scientific immediately, in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578,
or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460.

18 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 3 Startup Procedure
Battery Installation and Charging

• Verify the contents of the shipping container against the enclosed packing list. If there are
any discrepancies between the actual contents of the shipping container and the enclosed
packing list, please notify Thermo Fisher Scientific immediately, in the United States, toll
free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside the United States, at +1-978-670-7460.
• Open the carrying case and visually inspect the analyzer for damage before removing it
from the case. Contact the freight carrier and Thermo Fisher Scientific if you find any
damage to the case or its contents.

Battery Installation and Charging

Before installing your batteries for the first time in your system, please be sure that they are
fully charged by following the procedure below.

CAUTION The battery used in this device may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if
mistreated. Do no disassemble, heat above 50C, or incinerate. Replace battery with Thermo
Fisher Scientific P/N 800-06811 only. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion.

Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from children. Do not disassemble and do not
dispose of in fire.

Battery test
button

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 19

3 Startup Procedure
Hot Swap Feature

Figure 6. Checking Battery Status

You can test a battery’s charge by pressing the Battery Test Button. The LED Charge
Indicators will light to show how much charge the battery has.

Charging The Battery Pack

The Power Port shown below is used for fast charging, but you can use the Micro-USB port
with cable to trickle charge a battery through your computer’s USB ports.
1. Plug the battery charger into the wall unit. The battery is shipped uncharged. The charger
shows a picture of the proper orientation. Place the battery into the charger. Check that
the charging light glows, indicating proper charging.

Figure 7. Place the Battery into the Charger

2. When the battery is fully charged (light on the charger is green) slide the new battery up
into the cavity in the bottom of the pistol grip.
3. Press in until the latch resets.

Hot Swap Feature

Batteries for the XL5 are designed to be hot-swappable. Capacitors in the unit maintain
function of the instrument for 5-10 seconds after the batteries have been removed, so that a
fresh battery can be substituted with no down time and reboot.

Note If you take more than 10 seconds to swap in a new battery, the device may go into
recovery mode (see screen below). If this occurs reboot the device.

20 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 3 Startup Procedure
The Key Pad

The Key Pad

The key pad consists of a 4 way touch pad and two control keys, one on each side. Use either
the key pad or the touch screen to navigate through the analyzer’s pages and menus. The
Power/Escape Key to the left of the 4 Way Touch Pad is used both to control the power to the
analyzer and to bring you back to the Home Menu from the current page in the menu system.
The Select Key selects highlighted menu options.

Touch Screen

Power Indicator Light

Power/Escape Key

4-Way Control Pad Select Key

Figure 8. The Key Pad

To turn your analyzer on, push and hold the Power/Escape Key until the Touch Screen comes
on. To turn it off , push the Power/Escape Key and hold it down until the Touch Screen shuts
off. This takes 5-10 seconds.

Note If for any reason your analyzer does not shut off normally, removing the battery will
shut it down safely in 5-10 seconds.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 21

3 Startup Procedure
The LCD Touch Screen

The LCD Touch Screen

You can operate the analyzer by using the Touch Screen.The LCD Touch Screen is designed
to swing up and down to different angles for ease in viewing and interacting with your
analyzer. When closed, the screen is secured by a catch at the top center of the screen housing.

Figure 9. Niton XL5 Analyzer Showing LCD Screen Tilted.

Note The LCD Touch Screen cannot be removed from your Niton XL5 analyzer.
Removing or attempting to remove the LCD Touch Screen will damage your analyzer and
void your warranty.

22 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 3 Startup Procedure
Enable Your Analyzer

Enable Your Analyzer

If your analyzer is not yet enabled, see “Enable Your Analyzer” on page 31.

Startup Procedure
Once your analyzer is enabled it is fully functional and you can login.

 To start the analyzer

1. Press the Power/Escape key until the touch screen comes on.
2. Press OK on the Radiation Warning screen.

3. Select a user then enter the password.

Note If you see an “Install and Connect” page or an “Enable Analyzer” page instead of the
User/Password page, you need to enable your analyzer. See “Enable Your Analyzer” on
page 31.

The Home Page

From the Home page, you can set up and begin an analysis, view data from previous analyses,
or change settings on your analyzer.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 23

3 Startup Procedure
Status Bar

Status Bar
The Status Bar provides a common location to check key settings on the analyzer.

Note Other screen shots in this guide do not include the status bar.

The Status Bar is

located at the top
of the screen.

Commonly Used Icons

The right pointing triangle means the subject expands and contracts when selected. The
pencil means you can edit, and the pointing finger means “pick 1 item from a list”.

24 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 3 Startup Procedure
Commonly Used Icons

Expand or
contract
section
Edit

Pick 1
item from
a list

Table 4. Icon Meanings

Icon Meaning
X - means Cancel

A check mark assumes

confirm/continue when used on a
button.

Move to alternate page

Current battery charge

Analyze

Data

Settings

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 25

3 Startup Procedure
Commonly Used Icons

Table 4. Icon Meanings

Icon Meaning
Wi-Fi

Pick from a list

General Metals Profile icon

Precious Metals Profile icon

Spectral FingerPrint Profile icon

Coatings Profile icon

Mining Profile icon

Soils Profile icon

Industrial Paint Profile icon

Electronic Metals Profile icon

Previous Page

26 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 3 Startup Procedure
Commonly Used Icons

Table 4. Icon Meanings

Icon Meaning
Contents can be expanded

Contents expanded

Content is editable

Image/Camera

Toggle, on

Toggle, off

Menu options available

Contents may be viewed

Select for Data Entry

Bluetooth on

Portable Test Stand cover open -

No reading possible

Portable Test Stand cover closed -

Reading possible

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 27

3 Startup Procedure
Commonly Used Icons

Table 4. Icon Meanings

Icon Meaning
Mini Test Stand cover open - No
reading possible

Mini Test Stand cover closed -

Reading possible

GPS satellite connected

External GPS satellite connected

Auto Export on

Auto Export failed

Increase value by 1

Decrease value by 1

28 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 3 Startup Procedure
The Data Ports

The Data Ports

USB Port

Remote Trigger
Port
Power Port

Figure 10. The Data Ports

• Power Port: is used to run the Analyzer using external power and to charge the battery.
• Remote Trigger Port: controls the analyzer’s trigger function, for use with accessories and
test stands.
• USB Port: is used for uploading and downloading data, configuration files, and software
to the analyzer.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 29

3 Startup Procedure
The Data Ports

30 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 4

Enable Your Analyzer

In order to enable your analyzer for first time use, you must
follow all the steps in this section of the guide.

Contents
• “Turning Your Analyzer On” on page 31
• “Accept EULA” on page 33
• “Install the NitonConnect Computer Software” on page 33
• “Connect Analyzer to Computer” on page 39
• “Customer Support Web Portal XL5 User Registration” on page 41
• “Log In to the XL5 Customer Support Web Portal” on page 44
• “Adding the XL5 Analyzer to Your Fleet” on page 44
• “Sync Your Analyzer” on page 47
• “Analyzer Enabled” on page 48

Turning Your Analyzer On

To turn on the analyzer, depress the Power/Escape key on the key pad until the Touch Screen
comes on.

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 31

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Turning Your Analyzer On

Figure 11. Select the Power/Escape Key

On startup, the screen will show a Start Screen while the system loads.

Figure 12. Radiation Warning Screen

1. When the startup is complete, the Start Screen will be replaced by the Warning Screen,
advising you that this analyzer produces radiation when the lights are flashing.
2. Select OK. Enter the default password 1-2-3-4 and select .
3. The EULA will display next.

32 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Accept EULA

Accept EULA
Read and accept the End User License Agreement.

Figure 13. End User License Agreement (EULA)

Your analyzer must be registered and enabled before it can be used.

Install the NitonConnect Computer Software

Note Before installing NitonConnect on a Windows 10 system, check for updates. If any
updates are available, you MUST install them.

 To check for updates in Windows 10

1. Open Start Menu and click on Settings > Update & Security settings > Windows
Update.
2. Select the Check for updates button.
3. If any updates are available, install them now.
4. Restart your computer after updates are complete.
You can now install the NitonConnect software.

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 33

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Install the NitonConnect Computer Software

Figure 14. Install and Connect Screen

When you see this screen, you should first install the NitonConnect computer software. Plug
the thumb drive that was shipped with your device into a USB port in your computer to
begin the NitonConnect installation process.

NOTE: The SetupNitonConnect file version that ships with your analyzer will be a different
version than that displayed below.

Figure 15. Double-click NitonConnect Setup

Open the thumb drive folder and double-click the NitonConnect setup file to launch the
Setup Wizard application.

34 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Install the NitonConnect Computer Software

Figure 16. Select Next

Select the Next button from the Welcome Window.

Figure 17. Accept License Agreement

Select ‘I accept the agreement’, then select the Next button.

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 35

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Install the NitonConnect Computer Software

Figure 18. Set Target Folder

Set the Target Folder, and select the Next button. The Ready to Install window will open.

Select the Install button to install the NitonConnect software.

36 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Install the NitonConnect Computer Software

Figure 19. Device Driver Installation Wizard

When the device driver installation window opens, select the Next button.

Figure 20. Driver Installation Dialog

If a Windows Security alert window opens stating "Windows can't verify the publisher of this
driver software", click the "Install this driver software anyway" option to install the required
device driver.

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 37

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Install the NitonConnect Computer Software

Figure 21. Completing Device Driver Installation

When you see this completion screen, select the Finish button.

Figure 22. Finish Setup Screen

When the Device Driver installation window has closed, you should see this completion
screen on the NitonConnect Setup Wizard. Make sure the "Start NitonConnect Sync
Manager" option remains checked. Click the Finish button.

38 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Connect Analyzer to Computer

Figure 23. Copy Documentation

Copy the user documetation files from the thumb drive into any convenient folder on your
hard drive.

Connect Analyzer to Computer

Note Ensure your computer is connected to the internet before continuing.

When the NitonConnect software has completed installing, connect your analyzer to your
computer using the supplied USB cable. The analyzer's Micro-USB port is located
underneath the analyzer, near where the battery slides in, behind a flip up door. Place the
smaller connector into the Micro-USB port there (see illustration) and the larger connector
into your computer's USB port.

Figure 24. The Data Ports

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 39

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Connect Analyzer to Computer

After connecting your analyzer to your computer's USB port, your computer should detect
the connected analyzer. This may take a few minutes.

Figure 25. Analyzer Detected Notification

When your analyzer is detected by your computer, the NitonConnect Sync Manager should
automatically open on your computer and will display the Analyzer Not Enabled screen:

Figure 26. NitonConnect Sync Manager Analyzer Not Enabled Screen

Select the Go To Website button on the Sync Manager screen. This will automatically open
the XL5 Customer Support Web Portal in your default web browser.

Alternatively, you may select the Copy URL button and then paste the URL into your web
browser to access the website.

You may move or minimize the Sync Manager window from your view, but note that you will
need to view this window in subsequent steps.

40 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Customer Support Web Portal XL5 User Registration

Customer Support Web Portal XL5 User Registration

Click the Register link on the XL5 Customer Support login page to create your user account.
If you have previously registered, skip to the Log In section of this guide.

Figure 27. Register Link on the XL5 Login Webpage

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 41

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Customer Support Web Portal XL5 User Registration

Clicking on the Register link will take you to the XL5 User Account Registration webpage.

Figure 28. XL5 User Account Registration Webpage

Fill out all required fields in the registration page.

The Submit button will turn green when all required fields are complete. Click Submit. You
will be taken to a page informing you that an email with a link to verify your account has been
sent to the email address you used in your registration.

42 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Customer Support Web Portal XL5 User Registration

Figure 29. Thank You for Registering Webpage

You need to verify your email address before you will be able to continue. Locate the email in
your inbox from [email protected] that was sent to you after you
submitted your registration, and click on the link in the email to verify your account.

Clicking on the verification link in the email will open the Email Address Verified page in
your web browser.

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 43

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Log In to the XL5 Customer Support Web Portal

Figure 30. Email Verification Page

Click on the Go to Your Account link on the Email Address Verified webpage. This will take
you to the XL5 Customer Support Login page.

Log In to the XL5 Customer Support Web Portal

Enter the email address and password for your XL5 user account, and click the Log In button.

Figure 31. XL5 Customer Support Login Webpage

Adding the XL5 Analyzer to Your Fleet

Once logged in, you need to add the analyzer to your "fleet" - a "fleet" in this case being one
or more analyzers in your web account.

Click the Add Analyzer to Fleet button on the XL5 Analyzer Fleet page. This will take you to
the Add XL5 Analyzer to Fleet webpage.

44 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Adding the XL5 Analyzer to Your Fleet

Figure 32. XL5 Analyzer Fleet Page

Keep the Add XL5 Analyzer to Fleet webpage open, but return to the NitonConnect Sync
Manager window. Click the Copy button on the Sync Manager next to the Serial Number (or
select the Serial Number and click Ctrl+C), then return to the Add XL5 Analyzer to Fleet
webpage and paste (Ctrl+V) the value into the Serial Number field. Repeat this to copy and
paste the Security Code to the webpage as well. Alternatively, you may manually type the
values into the fields on the webpage.

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 45

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Adding the XL5 Analyzer to Your Fleet

Figure 33. Add XL5 Analyzer to Fleet Webpage

Select the appropriate Industry and Primary Analyzer Use on the Add XL5 Analyzer webpage
for the analyzer you are currently adding. Then click the Submit button.

After adding the analyzer to your fleet, the XL5 Analyzer Fleet webpage should show the
analyzer Serial Number and information for the analyzer you just added. The Sync Status and
Notes for the analyzer on the page will likely show that the analyzer is not yet enabled, and
you need to sync the analyzer as the next step.

46 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Sync Your Analyzer

Figure 34. Your XL5 Analyzer Fleet Webpage

Sync Your Analyzer

After you have added the analyzer to your fleet on the Web Portal, you need to Sync your
analyzer. Ensure your analyzer is connected to your computer by USB, and then click the
Sync button on the analyzer screen. Your computer must be connected to the internet to
complete the sync.

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 47

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Sync Your Analyzer

Analyzer Enabled
After clicking the Sync button, your analyzer should sync and the analyzer screen will move to
the Analyzer Enabled screen (this may take up to a few minutes). Select OK on the Analyzer
Enabled screen.

Figure 35. Analyzer Enabled Screen

Simultaneously, the NitonConnect Sync Manager window on your computer will update to
display the Analyzer Enabled screen.

Figure 36. Sync Manager Analyzer Enabled Screen

48 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 4 Enable Your Analyzer
Sync Your Analyzer

You may refresh the XL5 Analyzer Fleet webpage to see updated status, indicating that your
analyzer is now enabled. You may click on the analyzer Serial Number on the page to view
analyzer details including configuration information and licensed modes and features.

Figure 37. Your XL5 Analyzer Fleet Webpage

Your XL5 analyzer is now ready for use!

Note After syncing your analyzer and refreshing the webpage, if the webpage still shows that
the Sync Status is red and the Sync Notes say that the analyzer is not enabled, try syncing your
analyzer again. After syncing your analyzer and waiting a few minutes, refresh the webpage.

To sync your analyzer at any point, while the analyzer is connected to your computer,
right-click on the NitonConnect Sync Manager icon in your system tray (bottom right of
your computer screen), and select Sync Analyzer from the menu. You will likely need to first
click the arrow button in your system tray to show hidden icons to access the Sync Manager
icon.

Figure 38. NitonConnect Sync Manager Menu from System Tray Icon

Thermo Scientific XL5 Setup Guide 49

4 Enable Your Analyzer
Sync Your Analyzer

50 XL5 Setup Guide Thermo Scientific

 5

Common Operations

Contents
• “Using the Virtual Keyboard” on page 52
• “Updating Your Analyzer” on page 53
• “Working with Profiles” on page 53
• “The Settings Menu” on page 54
• “Maintenance” on page 56
• “Users” on page 59
• “Data Field Sets” on page 61
• “Threshold Sets” on page 63
• “Libraries” on page 68
• “Pseudo-Elements” on page 73
• “Set Units” on page 75

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 51

5 Common Operations
Using the Virtual Keyboard

Using the Virtual Keyboard

Whenever you need to enter text into any field, a virtual Keyboard displays. The Virtual
Numeric Keyboard is used when only numbers are valid for the entry, and for standard
passwords.

The Virtual Full Keyboard is used when entering alphanumeric text. Select the Next Button
(four boxes) to rotate among the Virtual Full Keyboard pages.

Shift

Cancel Accept

Next Space

52 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 5 Common Operations
Updating Your Analyzer

Updating Your Analyzer

To update your analyzer to new software or add new libraries, see your NitonConnect User’s
Guide for details. You can find the NitonConnect User's Guide on the XL5 Customer
Support Web Portal.

To add new licensed Modes for your XL5 contact your local sales representative. Newly
licensed modes will appear after syncing.

Working with Profiles

A Profile is a set of configurable parameters associated with a Mode. Many modes (for
example, General Metals or Precious Metals) contain a default profile. You can edit default
profiles but you cannot delete them, and you can revert them back to their original factory
settings at any time.

To create new profiles you first clone the default, and then configure the parameters as
needed. After that you can clone any newly created profile.

 To view Profiles and Modes

1. From the home screen select Settings > Profiles.

2. Expand the Profiles menu to view the Modes.

Note The analyzer displays only licensed, purchased Modes.

In this example, a company purchased

the General Metals and Precious Metals
modes.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 53

5 Common Operations
The Settings Menu

 To Clone a Profile

1. Select the Profile you want to clone.

2. Select Clone Profile from the Wrench menu.

3. Name the Profile Name, using the Virtual Keyboard.

The Settings Menu

The Settings menu allows you to make changes that apply across the analyzer.

Date and Time

The date and time are factory preset prior to shipping. The clock always displays time in a 24
hour format, American style (Month/Date/Year)

 To change date or time

1. From the home screen select Settings > General Settings > Date & Time.

2. Select Hour, Minute, Month, Day, or Year then use the minus or plus sign to set the
correct value.
3. Select OK to save your changes.

Access Device Information

The Device Information screen is read-only, and shows various diagnostics, settings, and
readings. It shows when the last system check was taken, the software and FPGA version
numbers; the Battery charge; Diagnostics like the Detector Temperature, Bias, Vcool,
SubBias, and Pre; Bluetooth IDs, IP Address (when connected to Wi-Fi), and MAC Address.

54 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 5 Common Operations
The Settings Menu

About the Analyzer

The About screen provides important information about your analyzer, which may be needed
while talking to Customer Service, such as Product Name, Software Version, Serial Number,
Security Code, and Licensed Modes. The Serial Number and Security Code on this screen are
needed to add the analyzer to the user's fleet on the Customer Support Web Portal.

Show EULA on Startup

This screen lets you show the End User License Agreement (EULA) on analyzer startup. The
default is to not show the EULA.

Change the Device Language

When you change languages the analyzer forces a reboot.

 To change languages

1. From the Home screen select Settings > General Settings > Device Language.
2. Select a language then select OK to reboot the analyzer.

3. The analyzer returns to the Radiation Warning, which displays in the new language.

Change Camera Usage

This option enables you to chose whether on not to use the macro and micro cameras. The
choices are Disable Camera Usage and Enable Camera Usage.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 55

5 Common Operations
Maintenance

Maintenance
From the Maintenance screen you can perform a System Check, set up your Safety settings,
and Delete All Readings.

System Check
Thermo Scientific recommends that you perform a system check once every working day.

 To perform a System Check

1. Select Settings from the Home menu.

2. Select Maintenance > System Check > Check System Now.
3. Select OK to start the test. Wait until System Check completes.

Note If the result is not “System OK” run another system check. If the result is still not
“System OK” notify Thermo Scientific Service at 800-875-1578 or your local customer
service office.

Safety
In the Safety settings, you can require use of the proximity button, use of a secondary trigger
or allow easy trigger. Using the proximity button helps protect against back scatter radiation.
Using the secondary trigger helps protect against taking an inadvertent reading.

“2-button” Mode
Interlock Button Proximity Switch
“arrow down”

Figure 39. Safety Settings

56 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 5 Common Operations
Maintenance

Easy Trigger
When enabled, Easy Trigger allows the user to start a reading with a click (pull & release) of
the trigger, and stop the reading with a second trigger click (pull ends the reading).

Note Easy Trigger does not work if “Require proximity button” is enable.

Who can configure Easy Trigger

Administrators can always configure Easy Trigger. Operators can configure Easy Trigger
ONLY if an administrator grants them the right to modify safety settings.

 To allow an operator to configure Easy Trigger

1. Login to the analyzer as an Administrator.

2. From the home screen select Settings > Users.
3. Select an operator level account to edit.

4. Select Modify Safety Settings, and then select OK.

When Modify Safety Settings is

enabled, the operator can
configure Easy Trigger.

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 57

5 Common Operations
Maintenance

 To configure Easy Trigger

1. From the home screen select Settings > Maintenance > Safety.
2. Select Allow easy trigger.
Select Yes in the warning message to enable Easy Trigger.

Note At every new login, a warning message will display when Easy Trigger is enabled.

When an analyzer is configured to allow easy trigger

At login, a user who can configure Safety settings sees this screen. If the user chooses:
– Yes: the analyzer's safety settings are updated to disable easy trigger.
– No: the analyzer's safety settings are left as is and easy trigger remains enabled.

58 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 5 Common Operations
Users

At login, a user who cannot configure Safety settings sees this screen. If the user chooses:
– Yes: Easy Trigger remains enabled during this login session.
– No: Easy Trigger is disabled during this login session.

Users
The XL5 supports role-based user access control. This means that a device user’s role defines
their ability to access feature/functions. Users are assigned one of three roles: Administrator,
Manager, or Operator. Role based access to features and function is shown below.

User names on the XL5 are case sensitive. For example, a user named “Tom” is different from
a user named “tom”. A user cannot alter their own role and a user’s role is only modifiable by
another user whose role affords the ability to “edit other users”.
Table 5. Role based access
Feature/Function Administrator Manager Operator
Analyze Screen
Create Reading yes yes yes
Modify Data Field values yes yes yes
Switch Active Profile yes yes yes
Edit Active Profile yes yes no
Data Screen
View, modify display, print yes yes yes
or export a Reading
Settings > General
Edit Date/Time yes yes no

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 User’s Guide 59

5 Common Operations
Users

Table 5. Role based access

Feature/Function Administrator Manager Operator
Edit Camera Usage yes no no
Edit Device Language yes yes yes
Edit EULA on startup yes yes no
Settings > Connectivity
All functionality yes yes no
Settings > Profiles
Create/Clone/Edit yes yes no
Delete/Revert yes yes no
Settings > Libraries
Clone/Edit/Delete yes yes no
Settings > Data Field Sets
Clone/Edit/Delete yes yes no
Settings > Network Shares
Clone/Edit/Delete yes yes no
Settings > Maintenance
Set System Check reminder yes no no
Edit Safety yes yes no
Delete all Readings yes yes no
Delete Certificate files yes yes no
Settings > Users
Create, Edit, Delete, View yes no no
other Users
Edit (self ) User Name yes no no
Edit (self ) Password yes yes yes
Edit (self ) Role no no no

Creating and Editing User Accounts

From the Users page, you can create new user accounts, and edit your own account or other
accounts.
• Operators and Managers can view only their own account, and edit their own password.

60 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 5 Common Operations
Data Field Sets

• Administrators can create new accounts, and edit or delete existing accounts. They can
edit their own user name and password, but cannot change their role.

 To create a new user account

1. From the home screen go to Settings > Users.

2. Select Create New User.
3. Provide a User Name and Password, and select a Role.
• Username - case sensitive, no duplicate name, 1-16 characters
• Password - 4-16 digits
• Roles - see “Role based access” on page 59 for details
4. Select OK. The new user displays at the bottom of the list.

 To edit a user account

1. From the home screen go to Settings > Users.

2. Select a user account.
• Operators and Managers can edit their own password.
• Administrators can edit or delete existing accounts, plus their own account.

Data Field Sets

A Data Field Set is a saved, named, collection of data fields. The analyzer supports multiple
Data Field Sets and each Profile can be configured to use any one of the analyzer's Data Field
Sets.

Users can configure a Data Field Set with its individual name/value pair Data Fields, with the
per-data field attributes (required, incremental, auto-clear and pick list), and associate that
Data Field Set with any Profile.

Further, an analyzer's collection of Data Field Sets can be copied to NitonConnect Data,
edited, and then deployed to other analyzers. This extends the define-once and reuse concept
across multiple analyzers.

 To add a data field set

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. From the home screen select Settings > Data Field Sets.

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5 Common Operations
Data Field Sets

3. Select Default Data Fields.

4. Select Clone Data Field Set from the wrench menu.

5. Use the keyboard to name the new Data Field Set. Make any desired changes to the Data
Fields, then Save.

Note Do not use double quote (“) and single quote (‘) characters in a Data Field Set
name.

 Editing or Adding Data Fields

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. From the home screen select Settings > Data Field Sets.
3. Select a data field set.
4. Select a data field, or select Add Data Field from the wrench menu.
5. Select additional features as needed.

– Required – A required data field must have a value assigned before a reading can be
taken. The Data Entry icon on the Ready to Test page is visually highlighted when 1
or more required data field with no value exists.
– Incremental – An incremental data field's value will be automatically incremented
after a reading is taken and saved.
– Auto Clear – An auto-clear field's assigned value is cleared after a reading is stored.
6. If needed, select Add Pick Item from wrench drop down menu.
– Pick Items – Pick list provides a means to associate common string values with a data
field instead of manually entering the entire string.
7. Save your changes.

62 Niton XL5 User’s Guide Thermo Scientific

 5 Common Operations
Threshold Sets

Threshold Sets
Threshold Sets allow you to configure pass, fail, and inconclusive criteria for elemental
analysis. The analyzer supports multiple Threshold Sets, and Profiles can be configured to use
any one of the analyzer's Threshold Sets.

An analyzer's collection of Threshold Sets can be copied to NitonConnect Data, edited, and
then deployed to other analyzers.

 Creating new Threshold Sets

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. From the home screen select Settings > Threshold Sets.
3. Select a factory Threshold Set (factory options include Consumer Goods (1.0),
Detection (1.0), or RoHS (1.0).
4. Select Clone from the wrench menu.
5. Configure the Threshold Set fields below, then Save.
• Name - range is 1 to 32 characters
• Minimum Reading Time - range is 1 to 600 seconds
• Threshold Type - see “Threshold Type Examples” below for more information
• Threshold Unit - ppm or %
• Elements - select Add Element from the wrench icon and enter element values
Note Regarding elements — during a reading, if the threshold lower limit (v1) is less than
the uncertainty, the lower limit becomes the uncertainty.

Table 6. Threshold Type Examples

Type Element example in PPM Logic per example
Pass if < v1

Inconclusive if between v1 and v2

Fail if > v2
Fail if < v1

Inconclusive if between v1 and v2

Pass if > v2

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5 Common Operations
Threshold Sets

Table 6. Threshold Type Examples

Type Element example in PPM Logic per example
Pass if < v1

Fail if between v1 and v2

Pass if > v2
Fail if < v1

Pass if between v1 and v2

Fail if > v2
Pass if < v

Fail if > v

Fail if < v

Pass if > v

Editing Threshold Sets

You can edit Threshold Sets in two places. The primary location is from the Settings page, and
this can be considered the “master” copy of a Threshold Set. The secondary location is from a
Profile. Edits made in one location do not effect the other location (for example, editing a
Threshold Set from a Profile does not effect the same Threshold Set in Settings).

 Editing Threshold Sets from the Settings page

1. From the home screen select Settings > Threshold Sets.

2. Select a Threshold Set. Edit any value or field, or select the wrench icon for more options.
3. Save your changes.

 Editing Threshold Sets from a Profile

1. From the home screen, select a Profile to edit:

2. Scroll down the fields to Threshold Sets.
3. Select a Threshold Set. Edit any value or field, or select the wrench icon for more options.
4. Save your changes.

Note When you change a Threshold Set from a Profile, it does not change the “master”
copy of that Threshold Set stored in Settings.

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Threshold Sets

Adding Pseudo Elements

You can add pseudo elements to a Threshold Set. For detailed information see
“Pseudo-Elements” on page 73.

 To add Pseudo Elements

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. Select a Threshold Set from the Settings page or from a Profile.
3. Select Add Pseudo Element the wrench menu.
4. Enter a name.
5. Enter an equation and select OK.

6. Based on the configured threshold type, you are prompted to enter at least one value.

Viewing Element Threshold Information

When a profile uses a Threshold Set, the Pass/Fail/Inconclusive information shows in results.

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Threshold Sets

When a profile is configured to use a threshold set:

• Alloy-based Pass/Fail is ignored
• The configured Custom Sort settings, if any, remain in effect
• The configured Sort/Units settings remain in effect

Non-supported Elements in Threshold Sets

Threshold Sets containing one or more elements not supported in a Profile’s Mode are marked
with a warning icon.

RoHS (1.0) contains elements that

are not supported.

Elements which are not supported in a Profile’s Mode are marked with a circle/slash icon.

Br and Hg are not supported in

this Profile's mode.

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Threshold Sets

Custom Sort and Threshold Sets

When a Threshold Sets is attached to a Profile:
• the Threshold Set creates a user configured Custom Sort for that Profile
• after a reading, the elements in that Threshold Set display at the top of the reading result

For example, the Threshold Set below contains three elements (Cd, Cr, and Pb), and those
three elements will always display first in the reading.

Since this
Threshold Set
contains Cd, Cr,
and Pb, those
elements
always display
first.

Removing a Threshold Set

In the example below, the Threshold Set is removed (set to None). However, after taking a
reading, the elements in the removed Threshold Set still display at the top of the reading.

Note When a Threshold Set is attached to a Profile, it creates a Custom Sort. The
Custom Sort causes the three elements to continue displaying at the top of the result.

Threshold Set
is set to None,
but Cd, Cr, and
Pb, still display
first.

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5 Common Operations
Libraries

Reset the Custom Sort

For the example above, resetting the Custom Sort to default removes the “unwanted” elements
from subsequent reading results.

 To reset custom sort

1. Select the Custom Sort edit tool, and select Reset.

2. Custom Sort changes to Default.

3. In subsequent reading with the same sample, the “unwanted” elements do not appear in
the result reading.

Libraries
An Alloy Library is a collection of alloy definitions, defined by elemental concentration, that
your analyzer uses to identify alloys. Your analyzer searches through the Library set in the
Active Profile to find the best match for the elemental concentrations it is detecting. The
analyzer ships with a default XL5 Alloy Library with greater than 500 common alloys with
their elemental compositions defined.

View/Edit Libraries
Under Libraries in the Settings Menu, you can see all available libraries. The default library -
XL5 Alloy Library - can only be viewed, never edited. You can create your own libraries by
cloning the default library - or any already created library - and editing the copy. Default
libraries include:
• XL5 Alloy Library
• XL5 Alloy Library (DIN)- based on German alloy designations
• XL5 Alloy Library (GB) based on Chinese alloy

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Libraries

A default library is easily distinguishable from any cloned library, because it has an eye icon
next to it, meaning it is viewable but not editable.

Selecting Libraries shows the libraries which are available for viewing and/or editing. Select
the library you want to view or edit from this list.

If you have a large number of edits to make, you may prefer to use NitonConnect software to
edit the library alloys on your computer, transferring it back to your analyzer when complete.

Select the wrench next to the Alloy Count to open a drop down menu.

From the Menu, you can select Filter Alloys..., Clear Filter, Add Alloy, Clone Library, or
Delete Library.

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Libraries

Filtering Alloys
You can select alloy names which match your filter. For example, by setting the filter to “ph”,
your analyzer will pull from the library all alloys with “ph” in their names.

 To filter alloys

1. Select Filter Alloys from the wrench drop down menu.

2. Enter a search term, for example “ph”.
3. In this example, the filter produces five alloys with “ph” in their names

Clear Filter
Selecting Clear Filter will set the Filter back to the null state.

Clone Library
Cloning the Library will produce a new library, temporarily named “XL5 Alloy Library
Clone.” Rename the cloned library using the Virtual Keyboard, and save it.

Add Alloy
You can add new alloys to the library by selecting Add Alloy. The Virtual Keyboard will open.
Input the name of this new alloy. You edit the new alloy as you would any alloy. For large
editing jobs, we recommend using NitonConnect Data to edit the alloys, then download
them into your analyzer.

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Libraries

Editing Alloys
When first created, the new alloy has no elements.

 To add an element

1. Select Add Element from the wrench menu.

2. Select an element to add to the alloy.

3. Add a Minimum and Maximum percentage

Select circles to add

min/max percentages

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Libraries

Filter Settings for the Alloy

You can Suggest or Require use of the Light filter, or Suggest use of the Low filter, by checking
the appropriate box.

Light Filter Suggested

Light Filter is used. Alloy can be identified with Main, Low and Light filter, Example SS 304.

Light Filter Required

Light Filter is used. Alloy can be identified only with Light Filter, Example SS 303.

These alloys can’t be identified with Main Filter only.

Low Filter Suggested

Low Filter is used. Alloy has very low levels of Ti, Cr, and/or V, Example 4330V.

Delete Alloy
Select Delete Alloy from the drop down menu, and select the OK button when asked to
confirm the deletion. Selecting the Cancel button will return to the previous page.

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Pseudo-Elements

Pseudo-Elements
Pseudo-Elements are constructs you can create which will be treated like elements in analysis,
showing up in analysis as if they were actual elements. In setting up a Pseudo Element, you
must name it with at least 3 characters and at most 6 characters - except you cannot use *
(asterisk) and space. You may create up to 15 pseudo-elements, but you may not have more
than 64 displayed values. You can set up equations with the following operands:

Add
You can Add detected levels of elements or Pseudo Elements together or to a constant. For
example: sum applicable elements for FAC Analysis - (FAC = Cr+Cu+Mo), or sum elements
for Residual Element Application - (REA = Cr+Ni+Cu).

Subtract
You can Subtract detected levels of elements or Pseudo Elements from each other or a
constant. For example: find the level of clinker material C2S in cement - (C2S =
(2.87*SiO2)-(0.754*Ca3SiO5))

Multiply
You can Multiply detected levels of elements or Pseudo Elements by a constant. For example:
Convert elemental data to oxide form - (CaO = Ca*1.4).

Divide
You can Divide detected levels of elements or Pseudo Elements by a constant. For example:
Convert Au concentration to Karat - (Karat = ((Au/100)*24))

Parentheses
You can use parentheses to stack order of calculation, as in the Karat and C2S examples above.

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5 Common Operations
Pseudo-Elements

Adding Pseudo Elements

The Pseudo Elements Page enables you to Create, Edit, and Delete Pseudo Elements in any
Profile available on your analyzer.

 To Add a Pseudo Element

1. From the Profile page, select Add Pseudo Element from the Wrench Menu.

2. To set up a new Pseudo Element, select <Enter Name>.

3. Type in the Pseudo Element’s Name and select the Check key.
4. Select the Element button.

5. Select the element you want to add to the equation. It will appear in the Equation Editor.
6. Using the Virtual Numeric Keypad type in the other parts of the equation.

7. When the equation is complete, select OK.

8. The Pseudo Element displays in the Edit Profile page.

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 5 Common Operations
Set Units

Edit
Select the Pseudo Element you want to edit from the Edit Profile page. This will open up the
Pseudo Element Equation Editor with the selected Pseudo Element pre-loaded.

Delete
1. Find the Pseudo Element you want to delete from the Edit Profile page.
2. Select Delete (X) next to the Pseudo Element.

Note The Pseudo Element is immediately removed, without confirmation.

Set Units
Select the Wrench icon under the results view to open the drop down menu.
1. From the menu, select Sort/Units to open the Select Sort page.
2. Select Units on this page to open the list of Concentration Units.
3. Select % (percentage) or ppm (parts per million).

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Set Units

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 6

How to Analyze - Basics

Contents
• “Overview” on page 77
• “Preparatory Tasks” on page 77
• “The Ready to Test Screen” on page 78
• “Pick an Active Profile” on page 79
• “Data Field Entry” on page 79
• “Camera” on page 80
• “Viewing Data” on page 81
• “Below the Limits of Detection (LOD)” on page 81
• “Results Page Layout” on page 82
• “Backward Averaging” on page 82

Overview
This chapter explains functionality that is the same across all modes.

Preparatory Tasks
Attach a charged battery to the analyzer and turn it on. Follow the screen instructions and
“Log On”.

Verify that the date is set properly for data tracking purposes. If needed, see “Date and Time”
on page 54.

Initiate a System Check. See “The Data Ports” on page 29

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6 How to Analyze - Basics
The Ready to Test Screen

The Ready to Test Screen

Select Analyze from the Home screen to view the Ready to Test screen. From this screen, you
can:
• select Data Field Entry
• take macro or micro picture of the sample and analysis area
• pick a Profile
• edit a Profile

Data Field Take Picture

Entry

Pick Active Edit Profile

Profile

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Pick an Active Profile

Pick an Active Profile

Before taking a sample reading pick the profile to use. When you pick a profile to use, it
becomes the active profile.

 To pick an Active Profile

1. From the Home screen select Analyze.

2. In the Ready to Test screen choose the Pick icon.
3. Pick the Profile you want to use. The currently active profile is checked.
In this example, Metal Coatings is the active profile.

Data Field Entry

From the Ready to Test page, you can enter values to a Data Field. The data fields available are
determined by the Data Field Set selected for the Active Profile.

Note To create new Data Fields, see “Data Field Sets” on page 61.

 To add values to a data field

1. In the Ready to Test screen select the Data Field Entry icon.

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6 How to Analyze - Basics
Camera

2. Select a Data Field and use the keyboard to add a value.

In this example, “batch 318” was added to the sample field.

Camera
The XL5 analyzer contains a macro camera and a micro camera. Normally, the Ready to Test
page displays the micro camera view. To use the macro camera, select the camera icon in the
upper right corner. The display will shift to the macro camera view.

 To take a picture

1. In the Ready to Test screen select the Camera icon.

2. In the Take Picture screen, select the camera icon (lower right corner).
3. Select a tag point, then select Retake or Save.

The macro and/or micro images can be set to automatically save with the reading. See “Data
Field Sets” on page 61

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Viewing Data

Viewing Data
To view readings, select Data from the Home menu. The readings are organized by reading
number. Scroll the page to see earlier readings.

Below the Limits of Detection (LOD)

If you scroll the results screen down, the screen displays elements below the limits of
detection, or LOD. There is no percentage listed for these elements, as there was too little of
the elements in the alloy to register beyond the margin of error.

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Results Page Layout

Results Page Layout

You can change the view (layout) of the Results Page to show a List, a Grid of elements, or a
Min/Max view or a Pass/Fail view.

 To change the view

1. From a results page, select the wrench icon

2. Select Change View.
3. Select the view you prefer.

Backward Averaging
Backward averaging provides the means to average from 2 to 100 previously taken readings, to
create a new reading.

You initiate backward averaging from the Wrench menu of a reading’s Result page. Activating
the Average Back menu item prompts for the number of prior readings to be averaged. The
analyzer creates a new averaged reading which displays as the most current reading.
• Readings which themselves are averages may be included in the set of readings which are
averaged.
• Readings to be averaged must be contiguous readings
• Backward averaging does not apply to a System Check or readings taken in Spectral
FingerPrint mode.
• Only similar readings will be averaged, as defined in Table 7 below:

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Backward Averaging

Table 7. Definition of similar readings

General Metals, Precious Metals, Soils and
Coatings mode readings require similar:
Mining mode readings require similar:
Mode and profile Mode and profile
Spot size Spot size
Filters configured and used during analysis Filters configured and used during analysis
(different filter times are acceptable) (different filter times are acceptable)
List of pseudo elements List of pseudo layers
Alloy Matrix Selection where applicable (All, Same number of layers
Cu/Zn/Pb, or Ta/Hf/Re)
Same composition (including density values)
of layers and substrate

 To activate backward averaging

1. Select a reading to average back from. Note that only similar readings will be averaged, as
defined in Table 7 above.
2. Select Average Back from the Wrench menu.
3. Select a number of readings to average. The range is 2 to 100.
4. A new reading is created, which lists the scans that were averaged.
This becomes the most current scan in the Data view.

Scan #243 shows that 5 scans were

averaged, scans 238 to 242.

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Backward Averaging

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 7

How to Analyze General Metals

Contents
• “Basics” on page 85
• “Take a General Metals Reading” on page 85
• “Understanding the Results Page” on page 87

Basics
The XL5 General Metals mode is primarily used for the analysis of metal alloys. General
Metals contains a default profile. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to create custom
profiles and edit profile settings if needed.

Take a General Metals Reading

Use this mode to analyze samples composed of potential metal ore.

 To take a general metals reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

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7 How to Analyze General Metals
Take a General Metals Reading

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select a General Metals profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The Measuring Page shows continuously updated information as long as the trigger is
being pressed. Once you release the trigger, the screen display will change to the Results
Page.

Reading Number Measurement Time

Filter Information

Alloy Identification Match Quality

2 Sigma
Precision

Above LOD
Elemental
Composition

Element
Flags
Flagged Element Out of Spec
Element
Tramp
Element

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Understanding the Results Page

Understanding the Results Page

Active Profile
Test Time

Reading Change Alloy Display or View,

Number Sort, Print, Export to Network Share
Alloy ID Match Quality

2 Sigma Precision

> LOD Elements

Detected

Out of Spec - Element Result Outside of Alloy Specification

Tramp - Element Not In Alloy Specification

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Understanding the Results Page

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 8

How to Analyze Precious Metals

Contents
• “Basics” on page 89
• “Take a Precious Metals Reading” on page 89
• “Interpreting the Results Page” on page 91
• “AuDIT Technology” on page 92

Basics
The XL5 Precious Metals mode is primarily used for the analysis of precious metals, with an
emphasis on gold measurement. Precious Metals contains a default profile. See “Editing
Profile Settings” on page 133 to create custom profiles and edit profile settings if needed.

Take a Precious Metals Reading

Use this mode to analyze samples composed of potential metal ore.

 To take a general metals reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

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8 How to Analyze Precious Metals
Take a Precious Metals Reading

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select a Precious Metals profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The Measuring Page shows continuously updated information as long as the trigger is
being pressed. Once you release the trigger, the screen display will change to the Results
Page.

Reading Number Measurement Time

Filter Information

Audit Determination
2 Sigma
Karat Rating Precision

Above LOD
Elemental
Composition

Element
Flags
Out of Spec
Element
Tramp
Element

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Interpreting the Results Page

Interpreting the Results Page

The Sample Results Page displays a wealth of information. The Active Profile, the Reading
Number, Test Time, and flags for Tramp or Out-of-Spec elements can all be seen immediately,
as well as the Karat rating and elemental quantities.

Active Profile
Test Time

Reading Change Alloy Display or View,

Number Sort, Print, Export to Network
Share
AuDIT
Determination
2 Sigma Precision
Karat
Rating > LOD Elements
Detected

< LOD Elements

Detected

The AuDIT Determination is also color coded for your convenience, as in the following.

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AuDIT Technology

AuDIT Technology
The AuDIT (Au Detection & Identification Technology) algorithm determines whether or
not a surface is gold plated. AuDIT can detect gold plating as thick as 8 microns. Since most
plating is less than 2-3 microns, this can usually detect gold plated objects. Heavily plated
objects with a plating greater than 8 microns thick will read as Gold Plate Not Detected.

Enabling/Disabling AuDIT
AuDIT can be set on or off in your profile by checking or unchecking the Enable AuDIT box.
Checking the box enables AuDIT, and unchecking the box disables AuDIT. When AuDIT is
enabled, the Library is not checked for identification. When AuDIT is disabled, the Library is
used for identification.

AuDIT uses four separate tests run automatically to determine whether or not a sample is
plated.
1. The first test is a patented method only available on Thermo Scientific Niton XRF
analyzers. This is an iterative comparison of x-ray intensity signatures, which, when it
fails, is the most likely indication of a plated item.
2. Nickel is often used as a pre-plate, and high proportions of Ni in a reading are a good
indicator of plating.
3. Platings often have a low Karat value when averaged with the substrate, so Karat values of
less than 9 are flags indicating plating.
4. A Karat rating that is not one of the standard Karat percentages - within 0.5 karat of 9kt,
10kt, 14kt, 18kt, 22kt, or 24kt - also may indicate the presence of plating.

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AuDIT Technology

Only if the sample passes all four tests is it labeled “Gold Plate Not Detected”. This does not
mean that there is no plating, but that the presence or absence of plating cannot be
determined by the analyzer.

Additional Methods of Plating Detection

• Analyze the item in several different areas. Variance of more than 1-2% in Au content
can be a positive indication that an item is plated.
• Look for identifying marks (hallmarks). Compare to your results. Discrepancies may
indicate that an item is plated.
• You may come across some Italian jewelry that has 18k gold plating over 14k gold.
This is hallmarked as 14k or 585, but will likely show 16-17k on XRF.
• “Smell” the item - a metallic, copper-like smell (similar to copper-based coins such as
USA pennies) indicates the possible presence of a copper substrate under gold
plating.
• Use a strong magnet - a magnetic draw on the item may indicate a magnetic substrate
under gold plating (gold alloys are not magnetic).
• As a final and last resort, analyze a spot, perform a deep file or grind, and then analyze
the same spot again. A reduced gold content (more than 1-2%) indicates a thinning
of the gold plating layer.

AuDIT Messages
If AuDIT detects what appears to be gold plating on the material, a black on red message
stating “Gold Plate Probable” will display on the Results screen. If gold plate is probable then
the chemistry values are probably erroneous, as the algorithm assumes that the sample is
homogeneous, but if it is gold plating on a substrate then the sample is not homogeneous.

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AuDIT Technology

If AuDIT detects what is either unplated gold or very thickly plated gold, a black on blue
message stating “Gold Plate Not Detected” will display on the Results screen.

If AuDIT finds too much Nickel in the sample, a black on yellow message stating “High Ni
Content” will display on the Results screen.

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AuDIT Technology

When AuDIT finds a Karat rating less than 8.5 in the sample, a black on yellow message
stating “Low Karat” will display on the Results screen.

When AuDIT finds a Karat rating other than the standard Karat values, a black on yellow
message stating “Non-Standard Karat” will display on the Results screen.

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AuDIT Technology

Readings when AuDIT is disabled

When AuDIT is disabled, your analyzer will use the General Metals Library (or other library
you designate) to attempt to identify the sample, based on constituent element ranges. It will
also give you percentages of the various elements, as it does in AuDIT enabled readings.

Following is a reading taken of a non-plated gold sample with AuDIT disabled. With a
reading time of 6.4 seconds, the analyzer has made a Poor match to 22 Karat Yellow Gold.
You can also see the percentages of silver and copper found in the sample. It does not give a
Karat rating. Longer reading time may give a better identification match.

Following is a reading taken of a gold plated sample with AuDIT disabled. You can see that
the bulk (60%) of the sample is copper, with almost 20% being silver. The analyzer can see
through the thin plating to the substrates, and quantify them. Despite a reading time of 7.4
seconds, it can give no material identification, as it does not match anything in the alloy
library, and again does not give a Karat rating.

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 9

How to Analyze Coatings

Contents
• “Basics” on page 97
• “Take a Coatings Reading” on page 97
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 100

Basics
Coatings Mode is used for analysis of coating thickness or coating weight on various
substrates. Measurements can be taken of up to 4 single or multi-element coating layers on
plastics, metals or alloy substrates. Reading can be made using standard 8mm spot and small
spot, 3mm.

Coatings does not contain a default profile. You can create custom profiles and clone them if
needed. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to create custom profiles and edit profile
settings if needed.

Take a Coatings Reading

With Coatings Mode, the profile chosen is determined by the combination of substrate and
layers of the coating one is expecting during the test. You are testing to determine if the
thickness of these test samples match the thickness you expect.

 To take a coatings reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

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Take a Coatings Reading

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select a Coatings profile. The example shown below is
named “Ni/Cu/Fe base”.

Click the “pick 1” icon

and select a Coatings
profile

3. Edit Coatings to match your sample material.

The example below shows 2 element layers over a substrate.

Layer 2 = Ni

Layer 1 = Cu

Substrate = Fe

4. Save the edits and return to the Ready to Test screen.

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Take a Coatings Reading

5. Take a reading. The Measuring Page shows continuously updated information as long as
the trigger is being pressed. Once you release the trigger, the screen display will change to
the Results Page.
Layer one is the layer immediately on top of the substrate. Layer two, if any, is on top of
layer one, layer three, if there is one, is over layer two, and layer four, if present, is the
topmost layer.

Reading Number

2 Sigma
Precision
Layer Number

Layer
Designation

Substrate Layer Thickness

Designation

6. The result screen below shows 2 element layers over a substrate.

Note Coatings (or layers) can be elements or alloys.

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Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

Active Profile
Edit wrench to
Reading number change view, sort, or
and test time print

Layer number
2 Sigma precision
and designation

Layer thickness
Substrate

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 10

How to Analyze FingerPrints

Contents
• “Basics” on page 101
• “Teach FingerPrints” on page 101
• “Take a FingerPrint Reading” on page 104
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 105

Basics
Spectral Fingerprint mode allows identification of unknown samples by comparing spectra to
a user created collection of spectra of known materials (or “fingerprints”).

The collection of user-created fingerprints is stored within a Spectral FingerPrint mode

profile. Fingerprint matching is restricted to the set of fingerprints defined in the active profile,
matching is not done against the analyzer's full set of taught fingerprints.

FingerPrint does not contain a default profile. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to
create custom profiles and edit profile settings if needed.

Teach FingerPrints
Before taking FingerPrint readings, you must first add FingerPrints. This is done using “Teach
FingerPrint”.

 To teach fingerprints

1. From the XL5 analyzer home screen select Settings > Manage Profiles >
Spectral FingerPrint.
2. Select Create a Profile.

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Teach FingerPrints

3. Name the profile and select Enable Small Spot Off or On.

4. Edit profile parameters as needed and save changes.

The example profile below is named Test 2.

5. From the Ready to Test screen, pick Spectral FingerPrint and select Test 2 (the Profile
you just created).

Pick Test 2 from

Spectral FingerPrint
profiles.

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Teach FingerPrints

6. Press the trigger and enter a FingerPrint name. Make any needed data field changes then
Save.
7. From the Ready to Test screen, press and hold the trigger for at least the minimum time
(10 seconds is the default).
A confirmation screen displays when a FingerPrint is successfully acquired.

8. Teach as many FingerPrints as needed. Then select the wrench icon and Exit Teach
Mode.

Note You must exit Teach Mode before you can take FingerPrint readings.

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Take a FingerPrint Reading

Take a FingerPrint Reading

After you Teach FingerPrints (add FingerPrints to the analyzer), you can take FingerPrint
readings.

 To take a fingerprint reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

2. From the Ready to Match screen, select a Spectral FingerPrint profile.
In the example below, Test 2 is the profile name.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Match screen.

The example screen below shows 2 matches.

Note You can edit profiles to show up to 3 matches. See “Number of Matches” on
page 220.

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 10 How to Analyze FingerPrints
Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

Active Profile
Select wrench to
enter or exit Teach
Reading number
Mode, print, or
and test time
Export to Network
Share

Taught fingerprint Match quality

matches

Can be configured
to show up to 3
matches.

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Interpreting the Results Screen

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 11

How to Analyze Mining Samples

Contents
• “Basics” on page 107
• “Preparing Mining Samples” on page 107
• “Take a Mining Reading” on page 108
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 109

Basics
The XL5 mining mode is used to measure different minerals to determine the elemental
content. These minerals can be natural minerals such as silicates, phosphates, sulfate minerals,
carbonate minerals or processed minerals such as ore concentrates.

Mining contains a default profile. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to create custom
profiles and edit profile settings if needed.

Preparing Mining Samples

Examine the site for differences in surface characteristics before sampling. Valid results depend
on a sufficient and appropriate selection of sites to sample. Incorrect sample collection may
give rise to misleading or meaningless results, regardless of the analysis method. Delineate
sections with different characteristics and treat them as different areas. It may be desirable to
subdivide larger areas even if they have the same characteristics to ensure a thorough
examination. Make certain to label each bag thoroughly. Common information included on
each bag includes the person and/or the company who collected the sample, the location and
area where the sample was taken, and the date the sample was collected.

Prepared sample analysis is the most accurate method for determining the concentration of
elements in a bulk medium using the instrument. Sample preparation will minimize the
effects of moisture, large particle size, variations in particle size and sample non-homogeneity.

Direct soil or rock measurement is possible, but for the most accurate and precise work, it is
essential that samples are dried, ground, and sieved to achieve a fine degree of homogeneity.

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11 How to Analyze Mining Samples
Take a Mining Reading

Note More sample preparation (drying, milling and sifting) will yield greater accuracy.
The drier, finer, and more homogeneous the particles, the better the measurements

Take a Mining Reading

Use this mode to analyze samples composed of potential metal ore.

 To take a mining reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select a Mining profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The measuring page displays while the reading continues.

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 11 How to Analyze Mining Samples
Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

Select wrench to
Active Profile Change View,
Sort/Units, Average
Reading number Back, Print, or
and test time Export to Network
Share

Bal is the balance

elements that the
Elements detected XRF system cannot
measure (elements
with atomic number
< Magnesium).

An algorithm
Elements below combines these
the level of elements into the
detection (LOD) balance, or Bal.
On the touch
screen you can
scroll to see the
complete list.

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11 How to Analyze Mining Samples
Interpreting the Results Screen

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 12

How to Analyze Soil Samples

Contents
• “Basics” on page 111
• “Preparing Soil Samples” on page 111
• “Take a Soils Reading” on page 113
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 115

Basics
Soils mode is primarily intended to measure hazardous elements in soils, and also for
greenfield ore exploration, focusing on measurement of trace elements. The user can measure
different soil types such as sand, loam, or clay to determine the elemental content.

Soils contains a default profile. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to create custom
profiles and edit profile settings if needed.

Preparing Soil Samples

NOTE: Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific to purchase a soils kit. This kit will help you
prepare soil samples properly and achieve the best test results. See “Contact Us” on page 1.

Examine the site for differences in surface characteristics before sampling. Valid results depend
on a sufficient and appropriate selection of sites to sample. Incorrect sample collection may
give rise to misleading or meaningless results, regardless of the analysis method. Delineate
sections with different characteristics and treat them as different areas. It may be desirable to
subdivide larger areas even if they have the same characteristics to ensure a thorough
examination. Make certain to label each bag thoroughly. Common information included on
each bag includes the person and/or the company who collected the sample, the location and
area where the sample was taken, and the date the sample was collected.

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12 How to Analyze Soil Samples
Preparing Soil Samples

Prepared sample analysis is the most accurate method for determining the concentration of
elements in a bulk medium using the instrument. Sample preparation will minimize the
effects of moisture, large particle size, variations in particle size and sample non-homogeneity.

Note More sample preparation (drying, milling and sifting) will yield greater accuracy.
The drier, finer, and more homogeneous the particles, the better the measurements

Preparing Bulk Soil Samples

Thermo Fisher recommends establishing a specific sample protocol. Following this protocol
for preparing and testing samples is vital for achieving a level of accuracy comparable with
laboratory results. The equipment you need to prepare samples is included in your kit.
Among these are a mortar and pestle, several different sized metal sieves, and cups to hold the
samples.

Note All test equipment must be kept clean to prevent contamination of samples.

Cleaning Your Equipment

The mortar, pestle, and grinding mill may be cleaned with dry paper towels. You can also
clean the mortar, pestle, and the mill’s container with water, but be sure each is absolutely dry
before using them on another sample. The mortar and pestle may be cleaned by grinding
clean, dry sand in the mortar. Use the short bristle brushes (included in your Soil Testing Kit)
to clean the sieves. If you have an electric soil grinder in your kit, when the soil grinder blades
wear out, unbolt the worn blades and replace them. Call the Thermo Sales Department at
1-800-875-1578 for replacement blades.

Note Using the soil grinder may artificially increase the amount of Fe in soil samples.

Sample Preparation
Prior to analysis, the material should be dry and well homogenized. Ideally, the entire sample
should be dried to constant weight, sifted to remove gravel and debris, and ground or milled
to a fine powder. Dry the sample if it is moist and cohesive. The sample can be dried in any of
several ways. Choose one of the following:
• Oven dry the sample for approximately 2 hours at 150° C, until the sample reaches a
constant weight. Note: Oven drying is inappropriate when volatile compounds may be
present in the sample. For example, lead present as tetra ethyl lead would be driven off by
the heat of drying. Some forms of mercury and arsenic are volatile. Air drying will
preserve more of these volatile substances.
• Air dry the sample overnight at room temperature in a shallow pan.
• Stir gently and warm the sample in a pan over a hot plate or burner.

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 12 How to Analyze Soil Samples
Take a Soils Reading

Cloning and Quartering

You may need to divide your sample at various times during preparation. Coning and
quartering is a method for dividing the sample into homogeneous quarters.
• Pour the dry material slowly and carefully onto a flat sheet or pan, forming a symmetrical
cone. Divide the cone into equal piles using a flat thin-bladed tool, such as a knife or
ruler. Divide these in half again.
• Now you have four samples, each one-quarter the size of the original and each more
homogeneous than the original.
• Grind the sample to break up dirt clods and/or paint chips.

WARNING Grinding and sifting dried samples produces dust. Even clean soil contains silica,
which may be hazardous when airborne. Prepare all samples in a ventilated area; wear a mask,
gloves, and an apron; and spread a drop cloth.

Sift using the #10 (2mm) mesh and separate out the larger pieces (stones, organic matter,
metallic objects, etc. Examine the larger particles by eye but do not include in the sample.
Grind the sample again so its particles will be finer and more homogeneous. Use mortar and
pestle, or an electrically powered grinding mill. Sift at least 10 grams of the sample through
#60 (250 mm) and #120 (125 mm) mesh. Re-grind the un-passed material until the entire
fraction is able to pass. Mix the resulting sample.

Using a Sample Cup

For the most accurate and precise work, it is essential that samples are dried, ground, and
sieved to achieve a fine degree of homogeneity. Then pack samples tightly in a sample cup.

Take a Soils Reading

Use this mode to analyze samples composed primarily of soil and rock. This mode will return
an elemental composition of the soil sample analyzed.

 To take a soils reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

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12 How to Analyze Soil Samples
Take a Soils Reading

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select a Soils profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The measuring page displays while the reading continues.

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 12 How to Analyze Soil Samples
Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

Active Profile
Select wrench to
Change View,
Reading number
Sort/Units, Average
and test time
Back, Print, or Export
to Network Share

Elements detected

Elements below the

level of detection
(LOD)

On the touch screen

you can scroll to see
the complete list.

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12 How to Analyze Soil Samples
Interpreting the Results Screen

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 13

How to Analyze Electronic Metals

Contents
• “Basics” on page 117
• “Take an Electronic Metals Reading” on page 117
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 119

Basics
Electronic Metals mode is primarily intended to screen electronics materials for prohibited
elements such as Cd, Pb, and Br. Additionally this mode can be used to screen inorganic
non-metals (ceramics, glass etc.) for harmful elements such as Cd, As, and Br.

Typically the Electronics Metals Mode will be used to measure metal parts of:
• Electronic components such as the metal on a bare or populated PCBA
• Electronic components such as the metal part of a capacitor, resistor or other electronic
component
• Metal parts of toys or consumer goods (televisions, dolls, office supplies, watches, jewelry
– items commonly found in a standard dwelling)
• Additionally to metals parts, Electronic Alloy mode shall also be suitable for the analysis
of inorganic non-metals like
– Porcelain, ceramics, faience (glazed ceramics)
– Glass

Electronic Metals contains a default profile. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to
create custom profiles and edit profile settings as needed.

Take an Electronic Metals Reading

Use this mode to analyze to screen electronics materials for prohibited materials.

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13 How to Analyze Electronic Metals
Take an Electronic Metals Reading

 To take an electronic metals reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select an Electronic Metals profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The measuring page displays while the reading continues.

Current
measurement
time = 5.4 sec
Possible alloy match

Inconclusive
since minimum
scan time set to 10
sec

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 13 How to Analyze Electronic Metals
Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

In the result below, the measurement was taken using a Threshold Set that contained three
elements.
• When an element measures above the threshold value, it flags as “Fail”
• If any of the three elements fails, the entire measurement flags as “Fail”

Active Profile

Reading number
and test time
Alloy Match

Measurement Fails

Threshold Set
contains 3 elements. Cr value is above the
Green = Pass Threshold Set value,
Red = Fail causing
measurement to fail

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13 How to Analyze Electronic Metals
Interpreting the Results Screen

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 14

How to Analyze Industrial Paint

Contents
• “Basics” on page 121
• “Take a Industrial Paint Reading” on page 121
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 123

Basics
Industrial Paint mode is used to measure Lead (Pb) in dried paint for industrial applications.
This mode is not intended for residential testing.

Industrial Paint mode compares the sample reading to an Action Level set by a user. There is a
correlation between Action Level and pass/fail. Changing the action level increases/decreases
the likelihood of a pass or fail result. The result includes a depth index, which indicates the
amount of non-leaded paint (if any) detected by the analyzer.
• A Depth Index of less than 1.5 indicates a reading very near the surface.
• A Depth Index between 1.6 and 4.0 indicates a moderate depth.
• A Depth Index of greater than 4.0 indicates a deeply buried reading

Industrial Paint contains a default profile. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to create
custom profiles and edit profile settings as needed.

Take a Industrial Paint Reading

Use this mode to analyze painted structures or paint samples.

 To take an industrial paint reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

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14 How to Analyze Industrial Paint
Take a Industrial Paint Reading

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select an Industrial Paint profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The measuring page displays while the reading continues.

When “Stop on Pass/Fail”

is enabled, this message
displays as soon as a
measurement completes
(even if the trigger is still
pulled.)

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 14 How to Analyze Industrial Paint
Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

Active Profile
Select wrench to
Change View,
Reading number
Sort/Units, Average
and test time
Back, Print, or Export to
Network Share

Amount of non-leaded
paint covering the lead

Industrial Paint only

tests for Lead (Pb).

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14 How to Analyze Industrial Paint
Interpreting the Results Screen

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 15

How to Analyze Industrial Plastics

Contents
• “Basics” on page 125
• “Take a Plastics Reading” on page 126
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 127

Basics
Plastics mode is used to measure plastics / polymers (hydro-carbons) for heavy metals content.
It is primarily used to test for product RoHS compliance and consumer good regulations.
Since XRF cannot measure hydrogen or carbon directly it assumes that the matrix is a
hydro-carbon and reports the matrix as ‘Bal’ for balance.

Plastics mode can be used to test samples including:

• Large homogeneous plastic parts
• Small plastic parts
• Plastic pellets
• Toys with different plastic parts

For example, a doll will have arms, legs, body, hands and other parts and they may or may not
be made of the same plastic. Parts of the doll may have no heavy metals and other parts will
have heavy metals.

Plastics Mode will display a Pass / Fail / Inconclusive on the GUI, and stored in
NitonConnect for display to the user, based on the threshold settings.

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15 How to Analyze Industrial Plastics
Take a Plastics Reading

Take a Plastics Reading

Use this mode to determine if the material is PVC plastics or Non-PVC type.

 To take an plastics reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select a Plastics profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The measuring page displays while the reading continues.

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 15 How to Analyze Industrial Plastics
Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

Active Profile Select wrench to

Change View,
Reading number
Sort/Units, Average
and test time
Back, Print, or Export to
Result is either Network Share
PVC or Non-PVC

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15 How to Analyze Industrial Plastics
Interpreting the Results Screen

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 16

How to Analyze Test All

Contents
• “Basics” on page 129
• “Take a Test All Reading” on page 130
• “Interpreting the Results Screen” on page 131

Basics
Test All mode returns a general Material Identification by comparing the analysis with other
general types of materials. It will select between Electronic Alloys and Plastics modes and
return an elemental composition of the sample as analyzed.

Test All mode can be used to test samples including:

• Metallic parts
• Ceramics, Glass, Porcelain etc.
• Wood, fibers etc.
• Large or small plastic parts
• Plastic pellets
• Toys with different plastic parts

For example, a doll will have arms, legs, body, hands and other parts and they may or may not
be made of the same plastic. Parts of the doll may have no heavy metals and other parts will
have heavy metals.

Test All contains a default profile. See “Editing Profile Settings” on page 133 to create custom
profiles and edit profile settings as needed.

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16 How to Analyze Test All
Take a Test All Reading

Take a Test All Reading

Use this mode to analyze samples composed of unknown and/or mixed composition, such as
toys and consumer products.

 To take a test all reading

1. From the home screen select Analyze.

2. From the Ready to Test screen, select a Test All profile.

3. Take a reading from the Ready to Test screen.

The measuring page displays while the reading continues.

During the reading, the

analyzer selects
between Electronic
Alloys (Metal) and
Plastics mode.

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 16 How to Analyze Test All
Interpreting the Results Screen

Interpreting the Results Screen

The results screen displays immediately after a reading completes. You can also view results
from the Data screen (from the Home screen select Data).

Active Profile
Select wrench to
Change View,
Reading number
Sort/Units, Average
and test time
Back, Print, or Export to
Network Share

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16 How to Analyze Test All
Interpreting the Results Screen

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 17

Editing Profile Settings

Contents
• “How to Edit Profile Settings” on page 134
• “Action Level” on page 135
• “Alloy Display” on page 136
• “Alloy Matrix Selection” on page 136
• “Beep on Match” on page 137
• “Beeps Times (1st, 2nd, 3rd)” on page 137
• “Custom Calfactors” on page 138
• “Custom Sorts” on page 138
• “Defining Layers” on page 139
• “Defining Substrate” on page 140
• “Disable Al” on page 141
• “Display Units” on page 142
• “Enable AuDIT” on page 142
• “Enable Averaging” on page 143
• “Enable Small Spot” on page 143
• “Match Threshold” on page 144
• “Matrix Selection” on page 144
• “Max Scan Time” on page 145
• “Minimum Teach Time” on page 145
• “Non Metal Sample” on page 146
• “Number of Layers” on page 146
• “Number of Matches” on page 146
• “Pass/Fail Criteria” on page 147
• “Profile Name” on page 149

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17 Editing Profile Settings
How to Edit Profile Settings

Contents
• “Pseudo Elements” on page 149
• “Pseudo Layers” on page 151
• “Result View” on page 152
• “Save Images With Reading” on page 152
• “Scan Times & Filters” on page 153
• “Sort/Units” on page 154
• “Standardization” on page 155
• “Stop on Pass/Fail” on page 157
• “Teach FingerPrints” on page 157
• “Threshold Set” on page 158
• “Use Data Field Set” on page 158
• “Use Library” on page 159
• “Use Thickness Correction” on page 159

How to Edit Profile Settings

You can edit profile settings from two locations.

Location 1:
From the Home screen select Settings > Profiles > select a Profile’s edit icon.

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 17 Editing Profile Settings
Action Level

Location 2:
From the Home screen select Analyze > Ready to Test > select edit icon.

You can edit the default profile, but you cannot delete it, and you can revert it to default
factory settings using the Wrench menu (Revert Profile). Some Profiles do not have defaults,
for example Coatings and Spectral FingerPrint.

Note As a general rule it is better to clone the profile first and edit the clone.

Action Level
The action level is the Pb (Lead) concentration used to determine a reading. Changing the
action level increases/decreases the likelihood of a pass/fail result. The action level limits are
0.10 to 5.00 mg/cm 2 up to 2 significant digits after the decimal is needed. Results include:
• positive (above the action level)
• negative (below the action level)
• inconclusive (+/- 3 sigma around the action level)

Mode Where Setting Appears

Industrial Paint

 To set action level

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Action Level, and enter a value between 0.1 to 5.0.
3. Save your changes.

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17 Editing Profile Settings
Alloy Display

Alloy Display
The Alloy Display selection allows you to display the number of alloy library matches
displayed during analysis and in readings.
• Hide Alloy Matches - displays no match at all
• Show 1st Match - displays the best alloy match
• Show 1st & 2nd Matches - displays the 2nd alloy match when the match quality between
the 2 alloys is close in value

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Electronic Metals, Test All, and Precious Metals

 To set alloy display

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Alloy Display, then choose a display setting.
3. Save your changes.

The alloy display can also be changed after a reading completes. To do this, select Change
Alloy Display from the wrench drop down list.

Alloy Matrix Selection

Alloy Matrix Selection forces your analyzer to use either a Cu/Zn/Pb or a Ta/Ha/Re matrix
instead of automatically selecting the appropriate matrix. The Ta/Hf/Re peaks are in the same
part of the spectrum as the Cu/Zn/Pb peaks, and selecting the wrong matrix will confuse your
analyzer’s alloy identification.

Most (about 95%) of the time, your analyzer will select the proper matrix, using other cues in
the spectrum to determine which is correct, but occasionally, particularly in certain complex
aerospace alloys, it will get confused. You should normally leave the default setting of
Automatic on, unless you know which matrix this alloy is using.

Mode Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Electronic Metals and Test All

 To select an alloy matrix

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Alloy Matrix Selection.
3. Select from:

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 17 Editing Profile Settings
Beep on Match

• Automatic
• Force Cu/Zn/Pb
• For Ta/Hf/Re

4. Save your changes.

\

Beep on Match
When enabled, Beep on Match emits a beep whenever your reading matches your selected
quality. An analyzer set to beep on a Excellent match will not beep on a Good match.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, Test All and Spectral FingerPrint

 To disable beep or change match quality

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Beep on Match.
3. Disable beep, or select the match quality that triggers a beep. Save your changes.

Beeps Times (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Timed beeps are a series of three beeps made by your analyzer at specified intervals during a
reading. They can help you time your reading without watching the screen. You can disable
these beeps, or change the default times.

Modes Where Setting Appears

All profiles

 To disable beeps or change beep times

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Beep Times (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

3. Disable timed beeps or change the default times, then select OK. Save your changes.

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17 Editing Profile Settings
Custom Calfactors

Custom Calfactors
Custom Calfactors help improve accuracy for your samples. As some elements are measured
on multiple filters, such as Cr which is analyzed using Main and Low filters separately, the
user requires the ability to adjust the calibration for Cr separately for Main and Low filters.

To set Custom Calfactors, adjust the slope and intercept for a given element.
• Slope - A numerical adjustment that multiples the result by the slope. A slope of 1.0
would not change the calculated the result, a slope of 2 would double it. Range is from
0.1 to 10.
• Intercept - The intercept is a numerical value that changes the result plus or minus by the
value entered into the offset. An offset of 0.0 has no effect on the result. Range is +/- 10
(assumes percent).

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Mining, Soils, Plastics, Electronic Metals, and Test All

 To edit calfactors

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Custom Calfactors.

3. Adjust the slope or intercept, then Save your changes.

Custom Sorts
Custom Sort controls how elements are displayed for a specific profile. When taking readings,
this let you easily watch the elements which are crucial to your analysis.

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Defining Layers

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Mining, Soils, Plastics, Electronic Metals, and Test All

 To configure custom sort

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Custom Sort.
3. To change the display order, use the Up or Down buttons. This will shift the selected
element one higher or lower in the results display.

4. Select the Show button to display options for the currently selected element.
• Normal - The element displays only when the elemental value is greater than the
limit of detection.
• Always - The element always displays. Use for elements that are critical to all of your
analyses.
• Never - The element never displays. Use for elements which are unimportant to your
work, which makes your instrument display less complex.
5. Save your changes.

Defining Layers
Layers apply only to Coatings profiles. You can have up to 4 layers over the substrate. Layer 1
is the layer closest to the substrate, with each succeeding layer building on the previous one.

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17 Editing Profile Settings
Defining Substrate

Modes Where Setting Appears

Coatings

 To define a layer

1. Select a layer to define.

2. From the Material Type page, select Element or Alloy.
3. Select the element or alloy for this layer. The density and slope are automatically set.

Density and Slope are

automatically set, but can
be edited.

4. Define all layers, then define the substrate.

Defining Substrate
Substrates lay beneath layers. Substrates include Element, Alloy, Wood or Plastic.

Modes Where Setting Appears

Coatings

 To define a substrate

1. Select a substrate to define.

2. From Material Type, select Element, Alloy, Wood, or Plastic.
3. When layers and substrate are defined, Save changes.

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 17 Editing Profile Settings
Disable Al

Disable Al
Normally, the collective amount of unquantifiable light elements in metals analysis - the
“balance” - is assumed to be aluminum and labeled as such in the analysis. Checking Disable
Al button will delete this “Al” from the analysis results, showing only the quantified elements.
Unchecking Disable Al, the default state, will label this “balance” as “Al”.

Normally, the only time we recommend using disable Al is when looking at tiny samples
(perhaps with a wood or plastic background), so that the only signal read is that from the
metal. Light elements should be re-enabled as soon as the small sample is read so that the
wrong data is not collected for full size samples.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Electronic Metals and Test All

 To disable Al

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Disable Al.
3. Save your changes.

Disable LEC
Disable LEC to disable Light Element Correction. Simple analysis cannot distinguish light
elements such as Carbon from the background scatter, reporting only the identified elements
and treating anything else as “balance”. The Alloy Library, on the other hand, contains
complete chemistry of the various alloys.

When Light Element Correction is enabled and an alloy is identified positively, your analyzer
will report estimated percentages of these light elements by reading them from the library and
adjusting them to be proportional to the total “balance” of unidentified elements.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, Test All and Coatings

 To disable LEC

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Disable LEC.
3. Save your changes.

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17 Editing Profile Settings
Display Units

Display Units
This setting controls the units displayed on the readings for each Coatings layer. The units
display on several screens, including:
• Reading During Analysis
• Display a Previously Taken Reading
• Bluetooth Printing of a Coatings Reading

Modes Where Setting Appears

Coatings

 To set display units

1. Select a Coatings profile

2. Select Display Units.
3. Pick a unit.

Enable AuDIT
The AuDIT (Au Detection & Identification Technology) algorithm determines whether or
not a surface is gold plated. For detailed information on this feature see “AuDIT Technology”
on page 92.

Modes Where Setting Appears

Precious Metals

 To enable audit

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Check the box to Enable AuDIT.
3. Save the change.

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Enable Averaging

Enable Averaging
This feature lets you average different readings together from this analysis forward. To begin,
select the number of readings you want to average from the virtual numeric keypad. For
example, if you select 3 on the virtual keypad, the analyzer will automatically calculate,
average, and store a reading for every three tests you take, storing the individual readings along
the way.

Modes Where Setting Appears

All except Spectral FingerPrint

 To enable averaging

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Enable Averaging.
3. Select Readings to Average. Use the keypad to enter a number (between 2-100).

4. Save your changes.

Enable Small Spot

Small Spot lets you focus your analysis on a small feature within a larger area, such as a weld, a
mineral vein, or an inclusion, without analyzing the surrounding material. The Small Spot
analysis area is 3mm in diameter, whereas the standard analysis area is 8mm diameter.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, Coatings, Mining, Plastics, Test All, and
Soils

 To enable small spot

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Enable Small Spot.

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Match Threshold

3. Save your changes.

On the Ready to Test screen, a red circle marks the area analyzed.
.

Match Threshold
Validation is provided in the form of a run-time check in the floating point keyboard against a
threshold value. The Max Match Threshold value can be set from 0 to 20. Perfect match
between the unknown sample and the Fingerprint spectra = 0.

Mode Where Setting Appears

Spectral FingerPrint

 To set match threshold

1. Select a FingerPrint profile

2. Select Match Threshold.
3. Select a value from 1 to 20 and Save.

Matrix Selection
Matrix Selection forces your analyzer to use either a Cu/Zn/Pb or a Ta/Ha/Re matrix instead
of automatically selecting the appropriate matrix. The Ta/Hf/Re peaks are in the same part of
the spectrum as the Cu/Zn/Pb peaks, and selecting the wrong matrix will confuse your
analyzer’s identification.

Most (about 95%) of the time, your analyzer will select the proper matrix, using other cues in
the spectrum to determine which is correct. You should normally leave the default setting of
Automatic on, unless you know which matrix this sample is using.

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Max Scan Time

Mode Where Setting Appears

Mining

 To select a matrix

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Matrix Selection.
3. Select from:
• Automatic
• Force Cu/Zn/Pb
• For Ta/Hf/Re

4. Save your changes.

\

Max Scan Time

Edit Max Scan Time to change the maximum time allotted for the scan.

Modes Where Setting Appears

Precious Metals, Spectral FingerPrint & Industrial Paint

 To edit max scan time

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Max Scan Time. The range is 1 to 600 seconds.
3. Adjust the time, then Save.

Minimum Teach Time

When you teach fingerprints, you add spectra of a sample material to a user library. Teach
time ranges from 10 to 300 seconds.

Mode Where Setting Appears

Spectral FingerPrint

 To set a minimum teach time

1. Select a FingerPrint profile

2. Select Minimum Teach Time and set a value.

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Non Metal Sample

3. Save your changes.

Non Metal Sample

Lets the user select “Non Metal Sample” for matching against. Selecting “Non Metal Sample”
will remove background spectrum.

Modes Where Setting Appears

Spectral FingerPrint, Electronic Metals, and Test All

 To enable non metal sample

1. Select a FingerPrint profile

2. Check the box to enable Non Metal Sample.
3. Save your changes.

Number of Layers
Layers apply only to Coatings profiles. You can have up to 4 layers over the substrate. Layer 1
is the layer closest to the substrate, with each succeeding layer building on the previous one.

Mode Where Setting Appears

Coatings

 To select number of layers

1. Select a Coatings profile to edit.

2. Select Number of Layers. The range is 1 to 4.

3. After selecting number of layers, you must define each layer. Layers are defined to be
either an Element Layer or an Alloy Layer. See “Defining Layers” on page 139

Number of Matches
FingerPrint profile supports the number of matches (1, 2 or 3) displayed on the Match,
Analyzing and View Result pages.

Mode Where Setting Appears

Spectral FingerPrint

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 17 Editing Profile Settings
Pass/Fail Criteria

 To set number of matches

1. Select a FingerPrint profile

2. Select Number of Matches.
3. Select a number and Save.

Pass/Fail Criteria
Alloy Pass/Fail Criteria is available only for the General Metals mode. This feature lets you
select alloys from the XL5 Alloy Library, which are tested to meet Pass/Fail criteria during a
reading. Pass/Fail appears in two places in the Edit General Metals menu:
• Pass/Fail Criteria option
• Result View option - Change Result View to Pass/Fail after you configure the Pass/Fail
Criteria.

Mode Where Setting Appears

General Metals

 To configure Pass/Fail Criteria

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Pass/Fail Criteria.
3. From Match Type, select Pass or Fail.
4. From the Match List, select Add Alloy to add an alloy. Repeat and add as many alloys as
desired. An alloy can also be removed from the list.

Select Filter Alloys from

the wrench menu to speed
your search.

5. Save your changes.

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Pass/Fail Criteria

Note Result View type can be changed to Pass/Fail only after you configure the Pass/Fail
Criteria.

 To configure Result View

View Result sets the reading view, both during analysis and after the reading is complete.
1. Select Result View.
2. Select Pass/Fail.
3. Save your changes.
Sample Pass and Fail result views are shown below.

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Profile Name

Profile Name
A Profile name can be 1 to 20 characters long, and must be unique. Select the Profile name
and edit the name in the keyboard. The Profile that will be used for scanning is indicated on
the Ready to Test page.

Modes Where Setting Appears

All Profiles

 To change a profile name

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Profile Name.
3. Use the keyboard to name the profile.

Pseudo Elements
Pseudo elements are constructs you can create which will be treated like elements in analysis,
showing up in analysis as if they were actual elements. In setting up a pseudo element, you
must name it with at least 3 characters and at most 6 characters.

Note You cannot use * (asterisk) and spaces in pseudo element names.

You may create up to 15 pseudo elements, but you may not have more than 64 displayed
values. Table 8 lists the operands used to set up equations.
Table 8. Pseudo-Element equation operands
Operand Description
Add You can add detected levels of elements or pseudo elements together or to a
constant. For example: sum applicable elements for FAC Analysis - (FAC =
Cr+Cu+Mo), or sum elements for Residual Element Application - (REA =
Cr+Ni+Cu).
Subtract You can subtract detected levels of elements or pseudo elements from each
other or a constant. For example: find the level of clinker material C2S in
cement - (C2S = (2.87*SiO2)-(0.754*Ca3SiO5))
Multiply You can multiply detected levels of elements or pseudo elements by a
constant. For example: Convert elemental data to oxide form - (CaO =
Ca*1.4).
Divide You can divide detected levels of elements or pseudo elements by a constant.
For example: Convert Au concentration to Karat - (Karat = ((Au/100)*24))
Parentheses You can use parentheses to stack order of calculation, as in the Karat example
above.

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Pseudo Elements

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, Mining, Test All, and Soils

 To create a pseudo element

1. From the edit profile screen, select the wrench icon > Add Pseudo Element.

2. Use the keyboard to enter a Pseudo Element name.

3. Select the Element button, then select the element you want to add to the equation. It
will appear in the Equation Editor.
4. Enter the other parts of the equation, then click OK.

5. The Pseudo Element will show up in the Edit Profile page.

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Pseudo Layers

Edit or Delete Pseudo Element

Select the appropriate icon to edit or delete a pseudo element.

Pseudo Layers
Coatings mode supports user-created pseudo layers. This provides the ability to create
formulas based on the configured layers' measured thicknesses.

Mode Where Setting Appears

Coatings

 To create a pseudo layer

1. From the edit profile screen, select the wrench icon > Add Pseudo Layer.
2. Use the keyboard to enter a Pseudo Layer name.
3. Select the Layer button, then select the layer you want to add to the equation. It will
appear in the Equation Editor.

4. Enter the other parts of the equation, then click OK.

For example an “Average Thickness” pseudo layer could be created for a 3 layer profile.

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Result View

Result View
You can change the layout of the Results Page to show a List, a Grid of elements, or a
Minimum/Maximum view.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, Mining, Plastics, Test All, and Soils

 To change result view

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Result View.
3. Select a result view:
• Grid
• List
• Min/Max
4. Save your changes.

Save Images With Reading

You have a choice between saving no image with the reading, saving only the Micro image,
Saving only the Macro Image, and saving both Micro and Macro images.

Modes Where Setting Appears

All Profiles

 To save images with readings

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Save Images with Readings.
3. Make a selection to save images:
• None
• Micro
• Macro
• Micro & Macro
4. Save your changes.

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Scan Times & Filters

Scan Times & Filters

Select Scan Times & Filters to change the maximum time allotted for the scan and to select
filters. The main goal of Smart Filter Switching is to minimize the alloy ID time. You can
choose Smart Filter Switching - using library settings to control filter switching - or let it
default to Manual switching - using user selected parameters.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Electronic Metals, Coatings, Mining, Soils, Plastics, and Test All

 To change scan times & filters

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Scan Times & Filters.
3. Select Max Scan Time to change the maximum time allotted for the scan.
Set Smart Filter Switching and Filter times as needed.

4. Save your changes.

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Sort/Units

Sort/Units
Sort/Units controls the way reading results display.
• Sort by Element, by Concentration, or by Error (Sigma value).
• Set concentrations to display either percentage (%) or Parts Per Million (PPM).
• Display results in ascending or descending (the default) order.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, Mining, Test All, Plastics, and Soils

 To configure sort/units

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Sort/Units.
3. Pick from the Sort By and Concentration Units options.
Leave the default Sort (Descending) or select Ascending.

Pick one

Pick one

4. Save your changes.

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Standardization

Standardization
Coatings, Mining, and Soils modes support a per-profile user calibration, known as
standardization. Standardization takes readings from 1 to 5 known “standards” provided by
the user. Profile standardization will improve the accuracy of subsequent samples by adjusting
readings' reported layer thicknesses (for Coatings) or element percentage (for Mining and
Soils), based of the measurements taken from the known standards.

When using multiple standards, ensure that the reference values cover a large enough range to
meet the following criteria for reference values of each layer:
• the lowest reference value (Xmin) should be lower than three fourth of the Average of the
reference values (Xavg): Xmin < 0.75*Xavg
• the highest reference value (Xmax) should be greater than five fourth of the Average of the
reference values (Xavg): Xmax > 1.25*Xavg

Coatings Example: 5 reference samples for Zn coating on a Fe substrate are the following:
5um Zn/Fe, 5.5um Zn/Fe, 6um Zn/Fe, 6.5um Zn/Fe and 7um Zn/Fe.

The set is not appropriate because:

• the average of the 5 Zn coating thicknesses is 6 um
• the lowest standard should be lower than 0.75*6 = 4.5um Zn
• the highest should be greater than 1.25*6 = 7.5um Zn

Note When taking Standardization readings:

• Selecting the back button or changing to another profile will cancel the
standardization.
• Editing the profile in the middle of a standardization will
– cancel the standardization if Standardization On Next Reading is not selected
– restart the standardization if Standardization On Next Reading is selected

Modes Where Setting Appears

Coatings, Mining & Soils

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17 Editing Profile Settings
Standardization

 To create Standardization Data

1. Select Standardization On Next Reading.

2. Select Readings to Standardize, enter the number of readings (1 to 5) then Save.

Note The number of Readings to Standardize corresponds to the number of different

standards you plan to test and include in the standardization.

3. The screen below indicates there are 2 readings to standardize, and this will occur on the
next reading.

4. For Coatings profile, enter the thickness for each layer of your standard.
(For Mining or Soils profiles, enter the element percentage (%)of your standard.)

5. In the Ready to Test screen, position your standard and take the reading.
6. Select OK to accept the test result, or retake the test.

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 17 Editing Profile Settings
Stop on Pass/Fail

7. When Standardization Readings complete, the layer’s Slope and Intercept displays. Edit
Slope and Intercept if desired, or click OK to save the result.
t

8. The analyzer returns to the Ready to Test screen.

Stop on Pass/Fail
When “Stop on Pass/Fail” is enabled, the reading stops when the analyzer determines fail or
pass based on the defined action level. When “Stop on Pass/Fail” is disabled, the reading
continues until the user stops it or until maximum measurement time is reached.

Mode Where Setting Appears

Industrial Paint

 To edit stop on pass/fail

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Stop on Pass/Fail, and enable or disable the setting.
3. Save your changes.

Teach FingerPrints
The first step in taking FingerPrint readings is to “Teach FingerPrints” to the analyzer. Enable
the setting below to Teach FingerPrints.

To understand the whole process, see “How to Analyze FingerPrints” on page 101.

Mode Where Setting Appears

Spectral FingerPrints

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17 Editing Profile Settings
Threshold Set

 To enable teach fingerprints

1. Select a FingerPrint profile

2. Check the box to enable Teach FingerPrints.
3. Save your changes.

Threshold Set
This feature lets you choose default or user-created Threshold Sets. For more information on
this topic, see “Threshold Sets” on page 63.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, Mining, Soils, Plastics and Test All

 To choose a threshold set

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Threshold Set.

3. Select a Set from the list.

4. Save your changes.

Use Data Field Set

This feature lets you choose default or user-created Data Field Sets. For more information on
this topic, see “Data Field Sets” on page 61.

Modes Where Setting Appears

All Profiles

 To choose a Data Field Set

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Use Data Field Set.
3. Select a Data Field Set from the list.
4. Save your changes.

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Use Library

Use Library
Select Use Library to bring up the list of available libraries. The currently selected library is
indicated by a check. For more information on this topic see “Libraries” on page 68.

Modes Where Setting Appears

General Metals, Precious Metals, Electronic Metals, and Test All

 To select a library

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Use Library.
3. Select a library, then save your changes.

Use Thickness Correction

Thickness Correction is highly recommended if you are testing thin plastic samples, and will
result in more accurate readings. The most frequent instances in which thickness correction
would be called for are analyses of plastic sheeting or plastic insulation on wires and/or cables
and heat shrink tubing.

Modes Where Setting Appears

Plastic

 To set thickness correction

1. Select a profile to edit.

2. Select Use Thickness Correction.
3. Select a value that approximates the thickness of your sample, then save your changes.

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Use Thickness Correction

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 18

Connectivity

Contents
• “Connectivity” on page 162
• “Wi-Fi Network Connections” on page 162
• “Connecting to a PSK Network” on page 162
• “Connecting to a PEAP or TTLS Network” on page 163
• “Connecting to a Hidden Network” on page 166
• “Wi-Fi Configure Network Share” on page 167
• “Wi-Fi Export to Network Share” on page 169
• “Bluetooth” on page 170
• “Using the Barcode Scanner” on page 171
• “GPS” on page 174
• “External GPS” on page 175
• “Printing” on page 176

This section discusses how to connect your analyzer and printers, as well as GPS satellite
connections. Connection with printers can be achieved via Bluetooth wireless means. Wi-Fi
support is also explained, including procedures showing how to connect the XL5 to wireless
networks and export readings to a configured network share location.

Your analyzer comes with NitonConnect software which has its own User’s Guide, and works
together with your analyzer and computer to increase your productivity and efficiency.
Connection with your computer via USB cable is supported, but is not covered in this
chapter.

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18 Connectivity
Connectivity

Connectivity
Connectivity settings include Wi-Fi, Data Transfer Settings, Bluetooth, Print Settings, and
GPS.

 To view Connectivity settings

1. From the Home screen go to Settings > Connectivity.

2. The settings menus display.

Wi-Fi Network Connections

Wi-Fi is used to connect the XL5 to public and private wireless networks through wireless
access points (WAPs) such as Wi-Fi routers and other hotspot devices. Unsecured networks
are not supported.

Once an analyzer establishes a Wi-Fi connection with a network, NitonConnect Data and
Remote can connect wirelessly to the analyzer when on the same network.

Connecting to a PSK Network

The minimum level of security required is provided by PSK (Pre-Shared Key) networks, the
key being a user password that provides access to the network.

 To connect to a (WPA2-PSK) Wi-Fi network

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. Go to Settings > Connectivity > Wi-Fi.

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Connecting to a PEAP or TTLS Network

3. Turn on Wi-Fi power. Options include:

• Auto Search/Connect - automatically re-establishes connections when the analyzer
starts.
• Manual Search/Connect - connections are lost when the analyzer powers off.
4. Select Search, and from Search Results select a PSK network.

5. Select Connection Information:

• Authentication Protocol will show PSK.
• Enter a Password (provided by your work site)
Save the connection information.
6. (Optional) Selecting Allow Auto Connect lets the analyzer connect to the Wi-Fi network
again when in range.
7. Select Connect again, to connect the XL5 to the Wi-Fi network.

Connecting to a PEAP or TTLS Network

PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) networks – through the use of public
key certificates – provide a higher lever of security than PSK networks. TTLS (Tunneled
Transport Layer Security) is an enterprise authentication and encryption system for Wi-Fi
access. TTLS protects the corporate network using PKI certificates and individual user names
and passwords. TTLS functions similarly to SSL certificate authentication and encryption on
the World Wide Web.

Note Your work-site generates the public key certificates. You must know where the certif-
icates are located (on your network) before running the following procedure.

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Connecting to a PEAP or TTLS Network

 To upload certificates to the analyzer

1. Start the XL5 analyzer and connect it to NitonConnect Data.

2. In NitonConnect Data, select File > Open.
3. Browse to a Wi-Fi certificate file and select Open.

4. Select Upload.
5. Select a device (your analyzer), then select Connect.
6. A message displays “Certificate upload complete”.

 To connect to a PEAP network or a TTLS network

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. Go to Settings > Connectivity > Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on Wi-Fi power, then select the Search icon (circled below).

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Connecting to a PEAP or TTLS Network

4. From Search Results, select a PEAP network or a TTLS network.

PEAP network example

TTLS network example

5. Select Connection Information:

• Select Authentication Protocol (PEAP or EAP-TTLS)
• Select the Protocol Option used by your network
• Enter Username and Password (provided by your work site)
• Select a Certificate (in the previous procedure, certificates were uploaded to the
analyzer)
Save the connection information.
6. (Optional) Selecting Allow Auto Connect lets the analyzer connect to the Wi-Fi network
again when in range.
7. Select Connect again, to connect the XL5 to the Wi-Fi network.

Deleting Certificates
You can delete certificates from the analyzer at any time.

 To delete certificates

1. From the analyzer Home screen go to Settings > Maintenance > Wi-Fi Certificates.

2. Select a certificate to delete.

3. Select OK to confirm deletion.

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Connecting to a Hidden Network

Connecting to a Hidden Network

A hidden wireless network is a wireless network that isn't broadcasting its network ID (SSID).
Typically, wireless networks broadcast their name, and the XL5 analyzer can search for the
name of the network that it wants to connect to.

To connect to a hidden network, you must supply the SSID along with connection
information such as authentication protocol, username and password. Your site administrator
will supply you with this information.

 To connect to a hidden network

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. Go to Settings > Connectivity > Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on Wi-Fi power, then select the Add icon (circled below).

4. Enter the Wi-Fi SSID (this is case-sensitive).

5. Select Connection Information:
• Select Authentication Protocol used by your network
• Select the Protocol Option used by your network
• Enter Username and Password (provided by your work site)
• (Optional) Selecting Allow Auto Connect lets the analyzer connect to the Wi-Fi
network again when in range.
Save the connection information.
6. Select Connect, to connect the XL5 to the hidden Wi-Fi network. See “Hidden networks
and signal bar status” on page 167 for conditions that apply to hidden networks.

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 18 Connectivity
Wi-Fi Configure Network Share

Table 9. Hidden networks and signal bar status

Action Hidden network status
Add hidden SSID followed by successful Saved hidden displays blue signal bars
Connect
XL5 boot up, Wi-Fi power Manual ON Saved hidden displays no signal bars.
XL5 boot up, Wi-Fi power Auto Connect Saved hidden displays connected hidden
ON to hidden SSID (Allow Auto Connect) SSID with blue signal bars
If network is out of range Saved hidden has no signal bars
If network credentials are wrong Saved hidden has no signal bars
Disconnect from hidden SSID Saved hidden displays blue signal bars

Wi-Fi Configure Network Share

Configure a shared network storage site to export completed readings to.

 To configure a network share

1. Create a network Share on a server that is also connected to your network. This will be
used to store readings data.

2. In the network Share properties, grant Read/Write permissions to a designated user

account. The XL5 will use a designated user account to access the network Share.

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18 Connectivity
Wi-Fi Configure Network Share

3. Start the XL5 analyzer.

4. Connect the analyzer to the same Wi-Fi network that the network share is connected to
(shown above).
5. Go to Settings > Network Shares and select Default.
6. Enter the domain (if applicable), username, and password of the user you granted access
to in Step 2 above for the Network Share Access Credentials.

7. Enter values for Share Path. You can enter the Server name as the IP Address of the server
(that your Share is on) or the actual server name, if using DHCP.

8. Configure Export Options:

• Include Date and Time
• Include Data Fields
• Include Below LOD

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Wi-Fi Export to Network Share

9. Scroll up and select Perform Configuration Test to confirm that the analyzer can
successfully connect to the network share.

10. Select Save.

Wi-Fi Export to Network Share

Activate the setting to automatically export readings to the configured network share.

Note This section assumes that the Network Share Configuration has been setup, per the
previous section.

 To automatically send readings to a network share

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. Connect the analyzer to the Wi-Fi network that the network share is also connected to.
3. From Home screen go to Settings > Connectivity > Data Transfer Settings.
4. Select Auto-Export Results, then click OK.
5. From the home screen select Analyze, then take a reading.
6. Confirm that the reading exports as a .csv file in the network Share directory. The
filename format is as follows:
For single readings:
deviceSerialNumber-singleReadingNumber-time-date

For multiple readings:

deviceSerialNumber-startReadingNumber_endReadingNumber-time-date

Open the .csv file and confirm its contents match the reading detail.
7. Take another scan, and confirm that a new .csv file exports to the network Share.

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18 Connectivity
Bluetooth

 To manually send a reading to a network share

1. Start the XL5 analyzer.

2. Connect the analyzer to the Wi-Fi network that the network share is also connected to.
3. From Home screen go to Data and select a reading.
4. From the wrench menu select Export To Network Share. You can export a single reading
or a range of readings.

Bluetooth
Select the Bluetooth option from the Settings Page to set up your analyzer for Bluetooth
wireless connection to your portable printer or barcode scanner.

 Search and connect to Bluetooth devices

1. From the Home screen go to Settings > Connectivity > Bluetooth.

2. Select Power is On.
3. Select Search to find nearby Bluetooth devices.
Note Discovered Devices are not Connected.

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Using the Barcode Scanner

4. Select Connect. After connection, the device type and address display.

Device Type
If the device type is incorrect, select Type then select the proper device type from the list.

Using the Barcode Scanner

You can use the barcode scanner to fill data fields, such as Sample, Heat, Lot, Batch and Note.
Using the barcode limits errors and speeds workflow, because the operator does not manually
enter information.

Any character NOT on the analyzer keyboard is considered a special character. If the barcode
contains special characters, the analyzer replaces them with an underscore (_) symbol.

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Using the Barcode Scanner

Connecting the Barcode Scanner to the Analyzer

The barcode scanner is separate from the analyzer. It must be connected to the analyzer before
you can collect data. The XL5 currently supports the Symbol model CS3070 barcode scanner.

Contact your local sales representative to check on other models that XL5 may support.
.

Note To connect the Symbol model CS3070 barcode scanner to the analyzer, you MUST
press and hold the Bluetooth button (round button) for five seconds. The scanner beeps
and the Bluetooth button starts blinking quickly to indicate that the scanner is discoverable
by the analyzer.

 To connect the barcode scanner to the analyzer

1. Power on the barcode scanner.

2. From the XL5 home screen, go to Settings > Connectivity > Bluetooth.
3. Set Bluetooth to Power is On, and select Search.

4. Bluetooth lists barcode scanner Symbol CS3070 under “Discovered”, but it is not
connected.

5. Select the edit icon. From the Type list select Barcode, then select Connect.
6. When prompted, enter 1234 as a pin code.
7. When the barcode scanner “beeps”, it is connected and ready for use.

Using the Barcode Scanner to Collect Data

If you are using the barcode scanner and it loses power, you must reconnect it to the analyzer
before you can collect data.

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Using the Barcode Scanner

 Using the barcode scanner

1. From the home screen, go to Settings > Connectivity > Bluetooth. Verify these settings:
• Barcode scanner is connected
• Bluetooth type is set to “Barcode”
2. From the home screen, go to Analyze > Data Entry.
y

3. Use the barcode scanner to populate the data fields, then select OK. There are two ways
to populate data fields:
a. Set focus to a field and initiate a reading from the barcode reader. The focus
automatically moves to the next field. Repeat for each field.
b. Access the on-device keyboard for a field, perform a reading with the barcode reader,
“accept” the entered data. Repeat for each field.
4. Position your sample and pull the scan trigger.

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18 Connectivity
GPS

GPS
Select GPS from Connectivity to load the GPS page.

Select the Internal GPS On/Internal GPS Off check box to toggle GPS on or off.

Select Include UTM Data check box to display UTM Grid locations as well.

Selecting the UTM check box will return your Northing and your Easting using the UTM
(Universal Transverse Meridian) coordinate system. It also returns your Grid number and the
current Error.

Datum

The Datum is a selected known point from which your current position can be established
with precision. Many maps are given with Datum references. Simply select the Datum given
on the map from the displayed list.

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External GPS

External GPS
The XL5 analyzer can simultaneously connect to an internal and an external GPS. The
external GPS is likely to be of higher quality and can provide greater accuracy when needed.
When both systems are enabled and connected, the external GPS overrides the internal
system. If the external GPS shuts down, the internal GPS automatically becomes the primary
system and provides coordinates.

 To connect an external GPS

1. From Home screen go to Settings > Connectivity > Bluetooth.

2. Make sure Bluetooth Power is On, then select Search.
3. Select a “Discovered” device to edit it.
4. Configure and connect the GPS.
• Enter a Display Name.
• From Type list, pick GPS.
• Enter a PIN Code if the external GPS requires one.
• Select Connect.

The GPS remains connected until you select Disconnect or Remove Device.

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18 Connectivity
Printing

Printing
Select Print Settings to configure printing to a Bluetooth printer from your analyzer. See
“Bluetooth” on page 170 for instructions on how to connect your Bluetooth printer.

Note The XL5 instrument currently supports Bluetooth connectivity to two printers: the
EXTECH, model S2500THS and the Datamax-O’Neil, model Apex 2. However, the
XL5 may be able to connect to a variety of other Bluetooth printing devices.

Selecting a check box in Print Settings toggles the option on/off.

Print Results
Selecting this option will enable printing of the final result after a reading is created.

Print Averages
Selecting this option will enable printing of averages when an averaging analysis is completed.

Print Continuously
Selecting this option will enable printing the intermediate results gathered during an analysis.

Include Date & Time

Selecting this option will enable printing of the Date and Time.

Include Data Field

Selecting this option will enable printing of all data fields.

Include Below LOD

Selecting this option enables printing of readings which are below the Limit of Detection.

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Learning More, Service, and Support

Contents
• “Replacing the Measurement Window” on page 177
• “Registration and Licensing FAQ” on page 180
• “Storing and Transporting Your Niton XL5 Analyzer” on page 182
• “Using the Standard and Check Sample” on page 184

Replacing the Measurement Window

WARNING Before you begin, remove the battery from your analyzer!

CAUTION Take every precaution to prevent damage to the solid beryllium surface of the tube
and detector behind the analysis window. Both the x-ray tube and detector are located directly
behind the analysis window and each has a small surface of solid beryllium or beryllium oxide.
Beryllium-containing materials, in solid form and as finished parts, present no particular
health hazard. However, exposure to the dust or fumes from beryllium metal or metal oxides
has the potential to cause serious health effects.

WARNING In the event that there is known or suspected damage to the solid beryllium
surface of the tube or detector, the following precautions are recommended. Use latex or other
disposable gloves for any handling or cleanup of visible beryllium fragments or
contamination. Collect fragments into a thick plastic bag, seal the bag tightly with adhesive
tape, and affix a label clearly indicating “Danger Beryllium”. If there has been any inadvertent
contact with skin, wash effected skin area with soap and water completely before eating,
drinking, or smoking. Contact your health and safety and/or Thermo Fisher Scientific
customer support for further instruction if needed.

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19 Learning More, Service, and Support
Replacing the Measurement Window

• Pop the top leg of the Measurement Window Bracket from the nose of your analyzer, using a
plastic stylus or pen tip, and tilt it forward, pivoting the bracket on the bottom two legs.

Figure 40. Tilting the Measurement Window Bracket Forward

• Remove the Measurement Window Bracket Assembly, P/N 800-02211, from the analyzer by
pulling it away from the nose of the analyzer.

Figure 41. Removing the Measurement Window Bracket

• Prolene Measurement Windows (P/N 447-25771 (brown backing) or P/N 447-30991 (clear
backing) are used on the XL5.
– Ten spare windows are included with your analyzer when purchased.

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 19 Learning More, Service, and Support
Replacing the Measurement Window

– When ordering additional spare windows, it is important to check the window type that
your analyzer was calibrated with by examining the window backing on the windows you
received with your analyzer.
PN 447-30991 PN 447-25771
Clear backing Brown backing

• Remove the old Measurement Window from the bracket.

• Clean the entire Window Bracket (inside surface, hole area and outside surface) using a clean
Cotton-tipped Swab moistened with Isopropyl Alcohol. Allow the Alcohol to dry.

Figure 42. Cleaning the Measurement Window Bracket

.

• When the Window Bracket is cleaned, remove the backing from the replacement Window, then
place the Window (adhesive side down) onto the Bracket.

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19 Learning More, Service, and Support
Registration and Licensing FAQ

Note Do NOT allow your fingers to touch the Window. Wear gloves and use tweezers to
handle the window, as shown below.

Figure 43. Removing the Backing from Prolene Window

Replace Window Bracket on the front of your analyzer, first inserting the two bottom legs,
then snapping in the top leg.

Registration and Licensing FAQ

Niton XL5
As a user of a Niton XL5 analyzer, you may be required to register or obtain a license with
your local radiation control authority. In the US, if you intend to do work with your analyzer
in states other than your own, you may be required to register there as well. Below is a list of
commonly asked questions that come up when filling out registration forms.

FAQ
Q: What is the maximum mA, maximum kVp, and maximum power?

A: Maximum mA is 0.1 mA

Maximum kVp is 50 kVp

Maximum power: 5 watts

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Registration and Licensing FAQ

Q: What is the accelerator voltage or MeV?

A: This should be filled out as not applicable N/A as it does not apply to Niton XL5 analyzers.

Q: What is the radioisotope?

A: There are no radioactive isotopes in Niton XL5 analyzers.

Q: What category is the Niton XL5?

A: States differ greatly in their categories; the following is a list of common categories:

• X-Ray Fluorescence

• Analytical or Analytical XRF

• Open Beam or Open Beam Analytical

• Portable Gauge or Portable XRF

• Industrial Analytical or Non-Destructive Testing

When selecting the category make sure that you don't select medical or radiographic.

Q: How many tubes are in the Niton XL5?

A: One.

Q: What is the analyzer serial number?

A: The serial number can be found on the label under the Touch Screen.

Q: What is the tube serial number?

A: The serial number of the tube can be found on the Calibration Certificate that shipped in
the case with your XL5 analyzer.

Q: What is the type of X-ray Processing?

A: None. Niton XL5 analyzers do not use film.

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19 Learning More, Service, and Support
Storing and Transporting Your Niton XL5 Analyzer

Q: How often do I need to perform leak tests on the Niton XL5?

A: Never. Leak tests are only required for analyzers with radioactive isotopes. Niton XL5
analyzers do not have radioactive isotopes.

Storing and Transporting Your Niton XL5 Analyzer

All Niton Analyzers are transported in waterproof, drop-resistant, fully padded carrying cases
with padlocks. In most countries, Niton XRF analyzers may be transported by car or plane or
shipped as an ordinary package. For most courier services, no special labels are required on the
outside of the Niton analyzer case or on additional packaging.

Figure 44. The Niton Carrying Case

All padlocks are shipped with a default combination of “0-0-0”. If you change this
combination, please inform Thermo of the new combination if you return the unit for
service.

To change the combination:

1. Dial the default combination to open the lock, and pull out the shackle.
2. Rotate the shackle 180 degrees and push it down as far as it can go.
3. While holding the shackle down, rotate it 90 degrees back in either direction and release
shackle.
4. Change the dial settings to the desired combination, record the combination, and
without disturbing the dials, rotate the shackle back 90 degrees to the position it had in
step 2.

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 19 Learning More, Service, and Support
Storing and Transporting Your Niton XL5 Analyzer

5. Pull shackle out and rotate it 180 degrees and secure it. Your lock now has its own secret
combination.
CAUTION Always transport the unit in its padded carrying case, and store the Niton Analyzer
in its case whenever it is not being used.

CAUTION In most cases, no notification is required if transporting within state boundaries.

This may not be the case when entering federal properties.

CAUTION Within the United States, always keep a copy of the US DOT compliance
statement in your Niton analyzer case at all times. A copy is included with your analyzer.

CAUTION Always follow all pertinent local and national regulations and guidelines, wherever
your analyzer is transported or used.

CAUTION Always obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number from Thermo Fisher
Scientific’s Service Department in the United States, toll free, at (800) 875-1578, or outside
the United States, at +1-978-670-7460 before returning your analyzer to the Service
Department or to your local Authorized Niton Analyzers Service Center.

CAUTION If you return your Niton analyzer without the carrying case, you will void your
warranty in its entirety. You will be billed for a replacement case plus any repairs resulting
from improper shipping.

CAUTION Always remove the battery pack when transporting or storing your analyzer.

Table 10. Analyzer Operational And Storage Parameters

Parameter Specification
Input Voltage Range of Power Supply 100-240 V~
50-60 Hz
1.0 A
DC Output of Power Supply 12 V
3A
Storage Temperature -25oC to +60oC
Operating Temperature -10oC to +50oC
Maximum Operating Altitude 2000 meters

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19 Learning More, Service, and Support
Storing and Transporting Your Niton XL5 Analyzer

Table 10. Analyzer Operational And Storage Parameters

Parameter Specification
Dimensions 243 mm x 208 mm x 68 mm
Weight 1.3 kg (instrument and battery)

Using the Standard and Check Sample

In addition to daily System Checks, you should routinely check your calibration against the
1.25Cr/0.5Mo Reference Standard and Al 6061 Check Sample.

For the 1.25Cr/0.5Mo, use 10 seconds on Main only. For the 6061 Aluminum standard, use
10 seconds on Main, and 30 seconds on Light, using the default General Metals Profile for
both. If these standards are not correctly identified, repeat the measurements. If they are still
not correctly identified, Contact Technical Support at 978-670-7460 for assistance.

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XL5 Accessories

Contents
• “Setting Up the Portable Test Stand” on page 186
• “Taking Down the Portable Test Stand” on page 187
• “Powering the Test Stand” on page 188
• “Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the Portable Test Stand” on page 189
• “How to Safely Operate the Portable Test Stand” on page 190
• “Using NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer” on page 191
• “The Mini Test Stand” on page 192
• “Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the MTS” on page 193
• “How to Safely Operate the MTS” on page 195
• “Using NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer” on page 195
• “Using the Soil Guard” on page 196
• “Using the Back Scatter Shield” on page 197
• “Using the Mini-Hot Work Standoff ” on page 198

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20 XL5 Accessories
Setting Up the Portable Test Stand

Setting Up the Portable Test Stand

When you purchase the Portable Test Stand, the legs are detached and stored on the
underside. To set up the Portable Test Stand, attach the legs as described below.

 To set up the Portable Test Stand

1. Turn the Portable Test Stand upside down, so the underside faces up as shown in
Figure 45, left.
2. Remove the 4 metal legs from the storage position and lock them into place, as shown in
Figure 45, right.

Legs in storage position Legs attached for use

Figure 45. Setting Up the Test Stand Legs

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 20 XL5 Accessories
Taking Down the Portable Test Stand

3. Turn the stand so it is standing on its legs.

4. The Portable Test Stand is now ready to be powered up.

Figure 46. The Test Stand in Upright Position

Taking Down the Portable Test Stand

Before transporting or storing the Portable Test Stand, detach the legs and secure them on the
underside of the test stand.

 To take down the test stand

1. Remove the instrument from the test stand and remove all cables from the instrument.
2. Detach power cable from the back of the test stand. (Do not leave power cable attached
during storage or during transport.)
3. Make sure the lid is latched shut, and turn it over so the underside faces up.
4. Detach the legs from the stand.
5. Snap the legs into the open ended clamps.

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Powering the Test Stand

Powering the Test Stand

Use a USB computer port to power the Portable Test Stand.

 To power the test stand

1. Plug the attached USB power cable on the rear of the Test Stand into your computer’s
USB port.
2. The green power LED will light when the power is connected.

Green power
LED

Figure 47. The Power Cable for the Portable Test Stand

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Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the Portable Test Stand

Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the Portable Test Stand

When the Portable Test Stand is fully set up, place the analyzer under the test stand as shown
in Figure 48.

Figure 48. Portable Test Stand with Analyzer In Position

 To attach the analyzer

1. Insert the nose of your analyzer into the mounting bracket under the floor of the stand.
2. Pull up on the locking handle in front to open the mounting bracket locks.
3. Push the analyzer up firmly until it seats in the mounting bracket, ensuring it is seated
properly, then push the locking handle down to lock the analyzer in the proper position.

Your analyzer cannot be inserted fully in any orientation but the correct orientation, with the
analyzer top towards the front. To remove your analyzer, simply pull upon the locking handle
and pull the analyzer down, gently but firmly, until it separates from the bracket.

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How to Safely Operate the Portable Test Stand

How to Safely Operate the Portable Test Stand

The hinged lid over the top part of the Portable Test Stand is lined to prevent - to a great
degree - any x-ray exposure. The lid locks shut with a sliding tab for transportation.

Slide left to
lock the tab

Note The analyzer will not scan when the safety lid is lifted.

“X-ray On” Indicator Lights

There are four “X-ray on” indicator lights, one on each side of the Portable Test Stand. These
LEDs will light when the instrument is installed in the test stand and x-rays are on.

“X-Ray On” indicator lights

Figure 49. The “X-ray On” Indicator Lights

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Using NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer

Using NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer

When the XL5 Analyzer is attached to the Portable Test Stand, it may be easier to operate the
analyzer remotely using NitonConnect Remote.

The NitonConnect Remote program allows you to completely control your analyzer remotely,
from your computer. It works over USB connection or via a Wi-Fi network connection.

Note The user can operate the analyzer over Wi-Fi, but cannot take scans over Wi-Fi due
to safety reasons.

Connecting NitonConnect Remote via USB

When you start NitonConnect Remote with your analyzer connected and powered on, the
Select a device screen displays. Select Connect and use the keyboard to control the analyzer.

Connecting NitonConnect Remote via Wi-Fi

If the analyzer is connected to a Wi-Fi network, multiple devices may display.

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The Mini Test Stand

The Mini Test Stand

The Mini Test Stand (MTS) is lightweight and designed for use in the field or remote
location. The disassembled MTS is shown below. The USB cable shown below is used to
power the fan, by connecting the fan to the analyzer.

Note An additional USB to USB cable is included with the stand, but is not shown below.
This allows the user to connect the fan to a laptop or other USB power supply.

Sample Chamber

Tripod Base

USB Cable Fan

Figure 50. The MTS for the XL5 Analyzer

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Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the MTS

Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the MTS

The MTS works two ways. It can be used to 1) point the analyzer UP to use with the Sample
Chamber, or 2) point the analyzer DOWN for soil readings. Both methods are shown below.

 To set up the MTS with the Sample Chamber

1. Set the tripod base on a level surface and attach the Velcro strap.

Velcro strap

2. Place the XL5 analyzer in the stand so the nose of the instrument is level.
Then secure the analyzer to the stand with the Velcro strap.

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Attaching the XL5 Analyzer to the MTS

3. Attach the sample compartment to the analyzer, and clip it in place.

Fan Clip in place

Connect the
USB cable to
power the fan

4. (Optional) Use the fan when temperatures exceed 33ο Celsius (91ο Fahrenheit) or when
the analyzer is under a heavy duty cycle.
a. Attach the fan to the Sample Chamber. The fan has a bracket that attaches to the
underside of the chamber.
b. To provide power, use a USB cable to attach the fan to the analyzer (shown below).
i. A second method is to connect the fan to another power source, like a laptop,
using the USB to USB cable.

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How to Safely Operate the MTS

 To set up the MTS for soil samples

1. Set the tripod base on a level surface and attach the Velcro strap.

2. Secure the XL5 analyzer in the stand with the Velcro strap. Make sure the nose points
down and touches the ground.

Velcro strap

How to Safely Operate the MTS

The sample chamber uses an RFID tag to communicate that it is attached to the analyzer. The
RFID tag automatically enables Require proximity button and Easy trigger, to provide
optimal safety. No user configuration is required

If the sample chamber lid is open and the user attempts to take a reading, an error message
states “The test stand lid must be closed to perform a reading”. The reading cannot begin
until the lid is closed.

Transporting the Assembly

When the analyzer is connected to Mobile Test Stand and sample compartment, always
transport the assembly by holding onto the analyzer handle. Never transport the assembly by
holding the sample compartment or the legs of the test stand.

Using NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer

When the XL5 Analyzer is attached to the Mini Test Stand, you can operate the analyzer
remotely using NitonConnect Remote.

The procedure is identical to the one used for the Portable Test Stand. See See “Using
NitonConnect to Operate the XL5 Analyzer” on page 191.

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Using the Soil Guard

Using the Soil Guard

When testing soil or mining samples, the XL5 Soil Guard accessory (PN 581-11751) protects
the nose, measurement window, and proximity button of your analyzer from wear and
prevents particulates from clogging the analyzer’s measurement window.

Using the Soil Guard will impact the measurement of elements emitting fluorescence lines of
low energies (5keV and lower). This occurs because the film of the soil guard absorbs the
signal emitted by those elements, and the film also contains impurities of Ca, P and S.

Note We do not recommend using the soil guard for analyzes to quantify Mg, Al, Si, P, S,
Ca, K, Sc and Ti.

The Soil Guard clamps firmly over the nose of your analyzer, and comes off easily.

Front view Side view

The Soil Guard helps to keep the front of the instrument clean by preventing soil particles
from collecting on the window and the window bracket.

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Using the Back Scatter Shield

Using the Back Scatter Shield

The Back Scatter Shield accessory (PN 581-11541) provides radiation protection when
performing analysis of any of the following:
• Light materials (such as plastic, wood, or similarly low density/low atomic mass samples)
• Thin samples (such as foils, circuit boards, and wires)
• Samples that are smaller than the analysis window

Light Materials (such as plastics)

X-rays are attenuated more by denser and higher atomic mass materials, and less through
lighter materials such as plastic. This causes higher dose rates in the scattered radiation. If you
are frequently handling low density samples, you should consider the use of test stands,
backscatter shields, or the equivalent.

Thin or Small Samples

Thin or small samples may not entirely cover the primary beam and cause additional
scattering. A back scatter shield is a safe way of reducing your radiation exposure while
effectively analyzing an irregularly shaped sample.
Bottom view Top view

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Using the Mini-Hot Work Standoff

Using the Mini-Hot Work Standoff

The XL5 Mini Hot Work Standoff (P/N 800-02631) is a device that, by creating an insulated
air gap, allows the XL5 analyzer to directly analyze hot materials such as piping in-situ.

Using the special Kapton window, the Mini Hot Work Standoff allows measuring surfaces up
to 480C (900 F).

Figure 51. Mini Hot Work Standoff, front and back

Guidelines for Measurements Using Mini Hot Work Standoff

For measurements using Mini Hot Work Standoff:
• Maximum sample temperature is 480C (900F)
• Maximum measurement time = 5 seconds
• Recovery (cool-down) time between measurements = 20 seconds.

IMPORTANT Use only with Main and Low filter measurements. Light filter elements - Mg,
Al, Si, P, and S - will not be calibrated, so measurements with the Light filter will be invalid.

WARNING The user should wear appropriate protective hot work gear when working with
samples at elevated temperatures

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Using the Mini-Hot Work Standoff

Attaching the Mini Hot Work Standoff on the XL5 Analyzer

1. Remove the Measurement Window Bracket, before attaching the mini Hot Work
Standoff.

First loosen the top leg of the

Measurement Window Bracket.

Then remove the bracket from the nose

of the analyzer.

2. Now attach the Mini Hot Work Standoff to the nose of the XL5 analyzer, as shown
below.

Mini Hot Work

Standoff properly
attached.

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Using the Mini-Hot Work Standoff

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