Technology / XRFX-Ray Fluorescence

Elemental analysis.
Without destroying the sample.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) delivers non-destructive elemental analysis and alloy grade verification across solids, liquids, and powders. From incoming PMI and piping corrosion monitoring to precious metals and geochemical exploration, XRF provides rapid material chemistry directly where your components reside.

NONDESTRUCTIVEMaterial Analysis
FIELD-READYHandheld Platforms
MULTI-APPMetals · Mining · Jewellery
Mg → USelect Platforms (e.g. XL2 Plus)
Handheld XRF analyzer performing non-destructive elemental verification on industrial component
Elemental Chemistry · Alloy Grade Identification
Live Readout
Scientific Principle

How Energy-Dispersive XRF Operates

When high-energy primary X-rays strike a sample, they displace inner-shell electrons. As outer-shell electrons fill the vacancies, they emit secondary X-rays with characteristic photon energies specific to each element present.

Step 01

Primary X-Ray Excitation

A miniaturized X-ray tube emits high-energy photons into the sample surface, dislodging inner-shell electrons.

Step 02

Electron Shell Transition

Outer-shell electrons fill the inner vacancies, releasing discrete photon energies in the process.

Step 03

Characteristic Fluorescence

The released energy manifests as secondary X-rays with wavelengths characteristic of the specific elements present.

Step 04

Quantitative Processing

Silicon Drift Detectors (SDD) process the detected X-ray energies to identify elements and, where applicable, determine material chemistry and alloy grade.

Analytical Scope

Light Elements to Heavy Metals on Supported Platforms

Silicon Drift Detectors (SDD) and optimized X-ray tube geometries allow portable XRF to quantify light elements (Mg, Al, Si, P, S) on supported configurations as well as standard transition and heavy metals without requiring external vacuum or gas flushes in the field.

Application Spectrum

Where XRF Delivers Value

From ensuring supply-chain integrity in industrial fabrication to authenticating high-value precious metals, Rivora's XRF instruments address specialized elemental testing challenges across demanding sectors.

[01]Metals & Fabrication

Positive Material Identification (PMI)

Non-destructive verification of piping, pressure vessels, and machined alloy components across petrochemical, refining, and manufacturing facilities.

Key Elements AnalysedFe, Cr, Ni, Mo, Ti, V, W, Co, Cu
[02]Power Generation

Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) Inspection

In-situ analysis of trace chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and molybdenum (Mo) in carbon steel piping as part of plant corrosion monitoring programs.

Key Elements AnalysedTrace Cr, Cu and Mo
[03]Recycling & Yards

Scrap Metal Sorting & Grade Identification

Rapid sorting of superalloys, stainless steels, titanium alloys, and red metals to support recycling classification and melt quality.

Key Elements AnalysedBroad alloy matrix library
[04]Jewellery & Bullion

Precious Metal & Gold Karat Analysis

Instant, non-destructive karat determination and detection of gold plating or adulteration without acid or fire assays.

Key Elements AnalysedAu, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir + base metals
[05]Mining & Geosciences

Mining, Exploration & Geochemical Grade Control

In-situ elemental analysis of drill core, soil, grab samples, and concentrates for exploration and geochemical grade control.

Key Elements AnalysedBase metals, pathfinders, and light elements on supported configurations
[06]Compliance & Safety

RoHS, Consumer Goods & Environmental Screening

Screening for restricted substances (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, bromine) in electronics, polymers, toys, and regulated soils.

Key Elements AnalysedPb, Cd, Hg, Cr, Br, As, Ba, Se
Product Ecosystem

The Rivora XRF Portfolio

Each XRF instrument is engineered for specific analytical objectives, sample form factors, and operational environments. Explore our range of handheld and countertop platforms.

Industrial & High-Performance Metallurgy

High-sensitivity field XRF for demanding industrial workflows
Flagship Analyzer

Niton XL5 Plus

Lightweight Industrial XRF

Compact, high-performance handheld XRF analyzer designed for low detection limits, light-element analysis, and trace-level FAC inspection in tight test locations.

  • 5W X-ray tube for high count rates
  • Compact geometry designed for tight pipe welds
  • Trace Cr, Cu, and Mo analysis for FAC programs
  • Integrated micro and macro cameras
View Platform Details
Industrial Workhorse

Niton XL2 Plus

Versatile Handheld XRF

Durable, weather-resistant handheld XRF for shop-floor PMI, metal manufacturing QC, scrap recycling, and geochemical field exploration.

  • 2W X-ray tube with silicon drift detector
  • IP54 rated for dust and water resistance
  • Elemental range: Magnesium (Mg) to Uranium (U)
  • Field-swappable battery packs
View Platform Details
Broad Analytical Platform

Niton XL3t

High-Flux Multi-Purpose XRF

Proven handheld platform offering high X-ray tube power and flexible calibration modes across metals, minerals, consumer safety, and environmental screening.

  • 50kV X-ray tube configuration
  • Tilting color display for ergonomics
  • Multi-matrix calibration modes
  • Established analytical platform
View Platform Details
Dedicated Alloy Sorter

Niton XL2 100G

General Metals Identification

Straightforward, purpose-built handheld analyzer configured for rapid alloy grade verification and high-throughput scrap sorting.

  • Standard analytical range: 25 elements (Ti to Bi)
  • High-speed alloy grade verification
  • Optimized for standard industrial alloys
  • Point-and-shoot user interface
View Platform Details

Precious Metals & Jewellery Analysis

Nondestructive gold, platinum, and bullion authentication
Countertop Benchmark

Niton DXL

Countertop Precious Metal XRF

Enclosed benchtop analyzer designed for jewellery retail, pawn counters, and precious metal refiners with customer-facing glass inspection window.

  • AuDIT™ technology detects gold plating & adulteration
  • Simultaneous assay of 22+ precious & base elements
  • Shielded measurement chamber with front viewing window
  • USB/PC data export and report generation
View Platform Details
Mobile Precious Metal XRF

Niton XL2 Precious Metal

Handheld Precious Metal Testing

Portable precious metal analyzer for mobile gold buyers, pawnbrokers, and hallmark verification in field or off-site environments.

  • Direct karatage indication for gold alloys
  • Nondestructive testing replaces hazardous chemical acids
  • Assay of silver, platinum, and palladium
  • Compact handheld form factor
View Platform Details
Application Study

Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) Monitoring

In power-generation facilities, Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) causes wall thinning in carbon steel piping. Chromium content has an important influence on FAC behaviour, which is why trace-alloy monitoring forms part of FAC inspection programs.

The Niton XL5 Plus handheld XRF enables in-situ analysis of trace chromium, copper, and molybdenum in carbon steel piping, allowing maintenance and inspection teams to assess material composition directly at difficult-to-access test points without cutting spools or removing components from service.

Application Study Data

R² > 0.99

Very good agreement between certified laboratory results and Niton XL5 Plus results in the presented comparison.

15 s

Total measurement time used for the reported Cr/Cu/Mo repeatability test.

~0.01% Cr

Reliably detected in steel with appropriate sample preparation in the supplied study.

Niton XL5 Plus analyzing power plant piping for trace chromium

Note: Results are from the supplied FAC application study. Measurement performance depends on sample preparation, alloy matrix and test conditions.

Decision Framework

Which XRF Analyzer Fits Your Workflow?

Selecting the right instrument depends on elements of interest, analytical requirements, sample geometry, and whether your testing takes place on the shop floor, in the field, or at an inspection counter.

Scenario 01

Trace Elements & Specialized Inspection

  • •Trace Cr, Cu, and Mo analysis for FAC inspection programs
  • •Tight inspection geometries or hard-to-reach piping
  • •High-throughput alloy grade verification
  • •Light elements analysis on supported matrices (Mg, Al, Si, P, S)
Recommended SolutionNiton XL5 Plus
Scenario 02

Shop-Floor PMI & Tough Environments

  • •Daily incoming material verification and fabrication QC
  • •Harsh industrial environments requiring IP54 ingress protection
  • •Scrap metal sorting and general alloy identification
  • •Mining exploration and field geochemical screening
Recommended SolutionNiton XL2 Plus / XL3t
Scenario 03

Precious Metals & Jewellery Testing

  • •Retail jewellery, bullion assay, or pawn evaluation
  • •Requirement for customer-visible inspection chamber
  • •Detection of gold-plated vs solid gold items (AuDIT™)
  • •Replacement of destructive acid scratch methods
Recommended SolutionNiton DXL (Benchtop) or XL2 PM (Mobile)
Expert Technical Guidance

Discuss Your XRF Application

With over 22 years of specialized analytical experience, Rivora provides sample testing, on-site demonstrations, operator training, and technical support across India.