SkyRay Instrument SMART 100 PLUS Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Overview

The SkyRay Instrument SMART 100 PLUS is a high-performance benchtop/floor-standing energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer engineered for rapid, non-destructive quantitative and qualitative analysis of precious metals and associated impurities. It operates on the fundamental principle of X-ray fluorescence: primary X-rays from a high-power microfocus X-ray tube excite inner-shell electrons in sample atoms; upon electron relaxation, characteristic secondary X-rays are emitted, with energies uniquely identifying elemental species and intensities correlating quantitatively with concentration. Designed specifically for regulatory-compliant precious metal assay—including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium—the SMART 100 PLUS meets the spectral resolution requirements specified in GB/T 18043–2013 and supports trace-level detection down to 0.1 ppm across the full S–U element range.

Key Features

• FAST-SDD detector with 25 mm² active area and <125 eV Mn Kα resolution—enabling high photon collection efficiency and superior peak separation for overlapping transitions (e.g., Au L-lines vs. Pb M-lines)
• Digital multi-channel analyzer (MCA) architecture delivering sustained count rates exceeding 300 kcps—critical for statistical precision in sub-second acquisitions
• High-power X-ray tube coupled with an integrated collimator/filter selection system: eight interchangeable collimators (down to 0.2 mm diameter) and five filter options for optimized excitation and background suppression per matrix
• Motorized 2D XYZ sample stage with real-time image-guided positioning via integrated industrial-grade camera (5 MP resolution)—supporting single-point, multi-point, and automated grid mapping protocols
• Optimized beam gating mechanism: high-voltage remains active during sample exchange, eliminating thermal stabilization delays and preserving long-term calibration stability
• Built-in certified Au reference curve library—validated for distinguishing 99.90% and 99.99% fineness in gold alloys with <0.03% RSD repeatability on homogeneous major-element matrices

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SMART 100 PLUS accommodates diverse physical forms including coins, bars, jewelry components, granules, foils, and plated substrates—with minimum detectable feature size of 0.2 mm. Its non-vacuum measurement environment eliminates the need for conductive coating or vacuum pumping, ensuring operational continuity in high-throughput laboratory or production-floor settings. The instrument complies with GB/T 18043–2013 for jewelry assay, and its analytical methodology aligns with ASTM E1621 (Standard Guide for XRF Analysis of Metals), ISO 22071 (Jewellery — Determination of Gold Content), and USP (Elemental Impurities – Procedures). Optional hazardous element module enables simultaneous quantification of regulated impurities (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) per EU RoHS Directive and China GB 28480–2012.

Software & Data Management

Powered by SkyRay’s proprietary EDXRF Control Suite v4.2, the system provides intuitive workflow-driven operation—from method setup and calibration to report generation and audit trail review. All acquisition parameters, calibration curves, and raw spectra are timestamped and stored with user attribution. Software supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit logs—meeting GLP and GMP documentation requirements for accredited testing laboratories. Data export formats include CSV, PDF, XML, and direct integration with LIMS via ODBC. Calibration verification checks (e.g., daily drift correction using internal reference standards) are fully automated and logged.

Applications

• Quality assurance in precious metal refineries and bullion minting facilities
• Incoming material inspection at jewelry manufacturers and electroplating lines
• Fineness verification and hallmarking support for national metrology institutes and certification bodies
• Routine assay in pawn shops, second-hand precious metal recyclers, and retail appraisal centers
• Impurity screening in compliance with consumer safety regulations (e.g., Pb/Cd limits in costume jewelry)
• Research and development of novel alloy compositions in metallurgical R&D labs

FAQ

Does the SMART 100 PLUS require vacuum or helium purge for light element analysis?
No. The instrument performs robust sulfur-to-uranium analysis under atmospheric conditions; no gas purge or vacuum chamber is needed.
Can it distinguish between 99.99% and 99.9% gold purity reliably?
Yes—using the built-in high-purity gold calibration curve and optimized excitation geometry, the system achieves ≤0.03% RSD for major-element repeatability, enabling statistically significant differentiation at the fourth decimal place.
Is the software compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
Yes. The EDXRF Control Suite includes electronic signature capability, audit trail logging, and data integrity safeguards validated for regulated environments.
What is the smallest sample feature size resolvable with the 0.2 mm collimator?
The 0.2 mm collimator enables precise targeting of features ≥0.2 mm in diameter; spatial resolution is further enhanced by real-time optical imaging and motorized stage feedback control.
How often does the instrument require recalibration?
Calibration stability is maintained for ≥72 hours under standard lab conditions; daily verification using internal reference standards is recommended and fully automated.