In summary, the difference between XRF and XRD is simple: XRF analyzes for Chemistry while XRD determines the mineralogy.
- XRD identifies and measures the presence and amounts of minerals and their species in the sample, as well as identify phases.
- XRF will produces and assay by giving information on the chemical composition of your sample without indicating what phases they are present in your sample.
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Analyzers provide qualitative and quantitative material characterization for detection, identification, analysis, quality control, process control, regulatory compliance, and screening, for metals and alloys, mining and geology, scrap and recycling, environmental and consumer safety, education and research, and general manufacturing.
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The Canadian analyzers are the same as the U.S ones. When I said they aren’t radioactive, I meant they do not have a radioactive source or isotope in them. All of the analyzers Olympus makes have miniature X-ray tubes instead of a radioactive source. This is much safer as there are no leaks and with a source based unit you can’t see any elements lighter than Ti on the periodic table so detection limits are much greater with a tube based system.
Some of the other advantages of a tube based system is the fact that you can travel without restrictions or special travel documents and licences, which would be important to your line of work.
The CNSC governs the isotopes in Canada and Health Canada and NR Canada are responsible for tube based systems.
The U.S treats isotopes more seriously and have no restrictions or certification for portable tube based analyzers, kind of a buy today and use tomorrow attitude.