ISC 2026 - Day 2

<h4>What if you could compress 179 days of grueling laboratory workflow into just 14 hours?</h4>In this episode of ‪ChromatographyTalk‬, ‪Organomation‬ General Manager David Oliva sits down with analytical chemist Laura Penabad to discuss her groundbreaking new research in biocatalysis and high-throughput screening. Evolving engineered enzymes typically requires checking thousands of variants—a massive bottleneck when traditional Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) runs take minutes per sample. Laura reveals how her team built a modular screening platform that shatters this limitation, running samples 128 times faster than standard methods without sacrificing analytical accuracy.Laura breaks down the "orchestra" of technologies making this possible, including coupling nanoliter droplet microfluidics with Cyclic Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry (cIM-MS) to separate complex chemical isomers in milliseconds. She also shares the chaotic but triumphant behind-the-scenes stories of her PhD journey—from presenting a "comically bad" early poster at ASMS to recruiting an undergraduate mechanical engineer to build custom automation software from scratch.If you are an early-career researcher, a mass spec enthusiast, or curious about the future of synthetic biology and machine learning in chemistry, this episode is packed with invaluable intuition and advice.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>From Months to Hours: Droplet Ion Mobility–MS for Biocatalysis Screening</h4>High-throughput screening is central to directed enzyme evolution, but conventional analytical workflows can create a difficult compromise: extremely fast screens often provide limited structural information, while techniques such as LC-MS offer much richer chemical insight at the cost of throughput. In a recent interview, analytical chemist Laura described how her work with droplet-based cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry is helping bridge that gap—providing rapid analysis while retaining the ability to distinguish structurally similar products.Her research grew from an initially modest proof of concept into a screening platform capable of analyzing a 96-well plate in roughly ten minutes. The resulting workflow was approximately 128 times faster than a conventional three-minute LC-MS analysis, opening new possibilities for directed evolution campaigns in which thousands of enzyme variants need to be evaluated.<h4>Directed evolution needs better analytical screening</h4>Biocatalysis takes advantage of enzymes as highly selective catalysts capable of performing reactions under relatively mild conditions. Directed evolution extends those capabilities by deliberately modifying enzyme sequences, expressing large numbers of variants, screening their activity, and using the best-performing mutants as starting points for subsequent rounds of evolution.The process can be repeated multiple times, progressively steering an enzyme toward improved activity, altered substrate specificity, or even chemistry that does not occur naturally.But the effectiveness of directed evolution depends heavily on the screening step. The more variants that can be analyzed—and the more useful chemical information that can be collected for each one—the more effectively researchers can explore the enormous sequence space available to an enzyme.For Laura, this created a clear analytical challenge: develop a screening platform that was substantially faster than conventional chromatographic analysis without sacrificing the structural discrimination needed for chemically similar products.<h4>From an imperfect first experiment to a working platform</h4>The project did not begin with a polished high-throughput workflow.Laura recalled looking back at her 2023 ASMS poster, where the early system was still working with standards rather than true isomeric samples. Droplet introduction was slow—around six seconds per droplet—and the signals were far from the ideal reproducible, square, flat-topped profiles expected from replicate droplets.Nevertheless, simply producing a droplet signal represented an important first milestone.The decisive change came when the project stopped being treated merely as a demonstration that droplet ion mobility–MS could work and instead became a deliberate effort to build a robust screening platform.Laura approached the problem in modules. First came reliable droplet introduction. Then the ion mobility separation method. Quantification became another independent component. Matrix effects were introduced later, gradually making the system resemble the conditions expected with real screening samples.Each layer was tested before another was added.This stepwise strategy became one of the central principles of the project: rather than attempting to optimize the entire system simultaneously, individual components were developed, challenged, and then assembled into an increasingly realistic workflow.<h4>Finding the middle ground between speed and structural information</h4>One of the biggest analytical problems in high-throughput screening is distinguishing products with the same nominal or exact mass.Constitutional isomers may contain the same atoms and therefore generate the same mass-to-charge ratio, while differing only in how functional groups are arranged within the molecular structure. Very rapid optical or mass-based screens may therefore struggle to distinguish them.Traditional LC-MS can solve many of these problems through chromatographic separation, but a several-minute analysis rapidly becomes impractical when thousands of enzyme variants must be screened.Ion mobility offered Laura’s team another option.Rather than separating compounds on a chromatographic timescale, ion mobility can differentiate ions according to their gas-phase behavior on a much shorter timescale. In the workflow described in the interview, this created a useful compromise: not the kilohertz throughput possible with some simple screening technologies, but dramatically faster structural differentiation than conventional LC-MS.The goal was therefore not simply to achieve the fastest possible screen, but to find a middle-throughput analytical regime with enough resolving power to answer chemically meaningful questions.<h4>A 96-well plate in about ten minutes</h4>That strategy eventually produced one of the most striking results of the project.The droplet cyclic ion mobility–MS platform processed a 96-well plate in roughly ten minutes, while maintaining quantitative results comparable with the conventional LC-MS workflow used for comparison. According to the interview, this represented an approximately 128-fold increase in analysis speed relative to a three-minute LC-MS run.Laura described the successful plate experiment less as a surprise than as confirmation that the modular development strategy had worked.Before reaching that point, the workflow had already been challenged through a sequence of increasingly demanding experiments: droplet formation, ion mobility separation, calibration, matrix-containing calibration, and cross-testing analytes at different concentrations. By the time the complete plate was analyzed, each individual part of the analytical system had already been tested under progressively more realistic conditions.<h4>What does that speed mean for directed evolution?</h4>The impact becomes even clearer when the workflow is considered at the scale of an entire directed-evolution campaign.Laura’s manuscript estimated that a five-round campaign involving 5,000 variants would require approximately 179 days using the conventional LC-MS workflow but only about 14 hours using the new platform.Compressing months of analytical work into less than a day has consequences beyond laboratory productivity.It allows researchers to screen more enzyme variants and therefore sample a larger portion of sequence space. But the resulting datasets may also become increasingly valuable for computational approaches.Rather than retaining information only about the best-performing enzyme variant, researchers can preserve data describing variants that performed poorly as well as those that succeeded. When genotype and phenotype information remain linked through the well-plate workflow, these larger datasets can potentially provide richer input for machine-learning models designed to guide subsequent rounds of enzyme evolution.Faster analysis therefore does more than accelerate an existing experiment—it can change the scale and design of the experiment itself.<h4>Balancing ion mobility resolution and signal</h4>Increasing cyclic ion mobility separation time can improve resolution, but it also introduces an important trade-off: additional passes can reduce signal.Laura optimized this balance experimentally by continuously infusing mixtures containing both isomers and progressively adjusting the ion mobility conditions. After tuning parameters such as wave height and velocity, increasing the separation to three passes provided baseline resolution at the high analyte concentrations used during method development.<blockquote>Concentration, however, also mattered.</blockquote>At higher ion populations, space-charge effects could broaden peaks and reduce the baseline separation. This meant that the optimal number of passes could not be selected independently of the concentration range required by the final assay.Her broader advice for optimization is therefore application-driven: decide first what the analytical method actually needs to accomplish.More speed will almost always require sacrificing something—resolution, signal intensity, quantitative precision, or another performance parameter. The key is to identify which compromise the application can tolerate and then optimize the system around that requirement.<h4>Solving droplet carryover with a practical compromise</h4>Droplet-based workflows present their own engineering challenges, including carryover between neighboring samples.In Laura’s system, analytes showed little tendency to partition into the fluorinated oil separating aqueous droplets within the Teflon tubing. The more troublesome carryover occurred closer to electrospray ionization, where a small amount of sample could remain associated with the interface and appear when the next droplet arrived.Rather than adding excessive engineering complexity to an already elaborate platform, the researchers adopted a pragmatic solution: a sacrificial wash droplet between analytical samples.It is an example of a recurring theme throughout the project. The objective was not to construct the theoretically most sophisticated droplet system, but to create a screening workflow that remained sufficiently robust, reproducible, and practical for large numbers of samples.<h4>High-throughput analysis also requires high-throughput data processing</h4>Accelerating the mass spectrometry experiment created another bottleneck: the data.The instrument produced a continuous intensity-versus-time trace rather than a neatly organized well-plate dataset. With small experiments, Laura could manually identify individual droplets and process the results in spreadsheets. That approach quickly became unrealistic as sample numbers increased.The solution emerged through collaboration with an undergraduate mentee, Aiden, who helped develop a dedicated software tool for processing the continuous traces.Laura defined how the software should behave and how the analytical information should be organized, while Aiden developed the computational implementation. The workflow itself was subsequently adjusted to make automated data processing more reliable—for example, by introducing marker columns that allowed the software to recognize the end of each plate row.The resulting tool can accept the acquired traces together with information about plate dimensions and replicates and automatically return parameters including peak identity, duration, and the corresponding well position. A later version also generated an automatically populated heat map.The experience illustrates how improving analytical throughput often requires simultaneous development of instrumentation, experimental design, and informatics. Making the measurement faster is useful only if the resulting data can be processed at a comparable speed.<h4>Mentoring became part of the scientific process</h4>The software project also reflects another theme Laura emphasized throughout the interview: the value of mentoring.Several younger researchers contributed directly to the development of the final platform. Laura described mentees not simply as additional hands in the laboratory but as scientists capable of proposing their own hypotheses and experimental ideas.Working with undergraduate researchers also influenced the way she organized experiments.Because their available laboratory time was limited, each task needed to have a clear purpose. That encouraged a more disciplined approach to experimental planning: instead of performing experiments simply because they could be done, the team had to ask which experiment would most efficiently answer the next important question.In that sense, mentoring became another mechanism for improving the research itself.<h4>The next step: continuous, automated screening</h4>Despite the dramatic increase in analytical speed, the current workflow still includes manual operations such as loading tubing and connecting the sample stream to the mass spectrometer.The next engineering challenge is therefore automation.Laura described ongoing work using the Venturi effect to pull samples directly from wells into the droplet system. Building on previous work in the laboratory with 96-well plates, she has already tested this approach with as many as 2,000 samples.The long-term direction is clear: continuous and robust droplet generation, automated handling of thousands of samples, rapid ion mobility separation, mass spectrometric detection, and automated reconstruction of the resulting data into plate-based outputs.Combining those elements could move the system closer to the type of large-scale screening required for increasingly ambitious biocatalysis campaigns.<h4>Learning mass spectrometry one problem at a time</h4>Laura also reflected on the broader experience of developing the platform during her PhD.Ion mobility and mass spectrometry initially appeared intimidating, particularly because they combine concepts from analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, separations, instrumentation, and electrical engineering. What eventually changed was not simply learning more facts, but developing the ability to move repeatedly between theory and experiment.An unexpected result sends the researcher back to the underlying theory. A better understanding suggests a modified experiment. That experiment creates another observation, gradually building intuition about how the system behaves.Her advice to early-career scientists is therefore to accept that this process takes time.Advanced analytical techniques may initially appear overwhelming, but understanding develops incrementally through repeated interaction between theory, experimentation, failure, and refinement. Equally important, she emphasized the role of the supportive ion mobility–mass spectrometry community in making a technically demanding field more approachable for young researchers.From the first inconsistent droplets to a platform capable of processing thousands of samples, that iterative mindset ultimately shaped the entire project.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

Droplet Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spec: Compressing Months of Enzyme Screening Into Just 14 Hours

ISC 2026 - Day 3

Article

Events

Video

Scientists

Interview

The International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC) represents the oldest conference series focussing on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is internationally recognised as one of the premier meeting series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.

International Symposium on Chromatography - (ISC)

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Thermo Scientific ARL PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Solve analytical challenges in a wide range of applications with X-ray fluorescence with sample surface mapping and small spot analysis with Thermo Scientific ARL PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Solve analytical challenges in a wide range of applications with one comprehensive tool. The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer for advanced materials characterization integrates bulk elemental analysis with mapping and small spot analysis to create a solution that evaluates up to 90 elements in nearly any solid or liquid sample.Industries as diverse as metallurgy, petroleum, polymers, mining, glass, cement and refractories as well as labs dealing with geochemistry, materials science, environmental research and forensics will benefit from its performance and versatility.With the ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer, analysis of materials in varied sizes, coatings, layers, heterogeneities and inclusions or requiring wide elemental coverage, wide concentration ranges and varied samples matrices is achieved with desired precision and limits of detection.<h5>Advanced Technology</h5><ul><li>Digitally mastered gearless goniometer based on Moiré fringe electro-optical technology, for precise and robust angular positioning of all its components.</li><li>Powerful OXSAS software and standard-less Thermo Scientific™ QuantAS™ and Thermo Scientific™ UniQuant™ Analysis Packages provide simple and rapid analysis of totally unknown samples with no standards required.</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ PetroilQuant™ Pre-calibration program, capable of quantifying up to 30 elements in a variety of fuels, light and heavy distillates and lubricants both quickly and cost-effectively.</li><li>UCCO technology: Ultra Closely Coupled Optics for highest performance from boron to uranium.</li><li>IQ/OQ &amp; Remote Diagnostics for easy installation and serviceability.</li></ul><h5>Main Features</h5><ul><li>Large library of factory calibrations covering many metals and non-metals applications.</li><li>Material composition mapping and quantification capability.</li><li>Small spot analysis for contamination or defect identification and quantification.</li><li>Industry-leading liquid sample recognition and leak prevention design.</li><li>Wide dynamic range (from sub ppm to 100%) and excellent precision.</li><li>Integrated comprehensive sample changer allows large numbers of different samples to be treated fully automatically in mixed batches.</li><li>Faster analysis cycle time for high throughput lab applications using XY-loader for fully automated sample management.</li><li>Easy, non-destructive sample preparation.</li></ul><h5>Models</h5><ul><li>ARL PERFORM'X 1500W: Cost effective low-power system, no external water cooling required.</li><li>ARL PERFORM'X 2500W: High performance mid-power system, no external water cooling required.</li><li>ARL PERFORM'X 4200W: Highest power system for the most demanding applications.</li></ul><h5>Recommended for</h5><ul><li>Geological and environmental applications.</li><li>Petroleum products, polymers and chemicals.</li><li>Materials science and forensics.</li><li>Major, minor and trace elemental analysis in raw materials, glasses, ceramics and refractories.</li><li>Specialty alloys, metals and ores.</li><li>Mining, minerals and cement.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_PERFORM_X_Sequential_X_Ray_Fluorescence_Spectrometer_5_6bac427b14.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: ARL PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer - Application" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_PERFORM_X_Sequential_X_Ray_Fluorescence_Spectrometer_5_6bac427b14.jpg 198w," sizes="100vw" width="547" height="432">

Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer

Confidently perform elemental analysis with the Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL5 Plus handheld XRF analyzer; it delivers unprecedented performance even for lightweight elements.

Confidently perform elemental analysis with the Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL5 Plus handheld XRF analyzer; it delivers unprecedented performance even for lightweight elements. Identify pure metals and alloys, detect tramp elements, or obtain geochemical data.&nbsp;Industrial businesses rely on the Niton XL5 Plus analyzer for more than just low detection limits. It generates fast results and offers great versatility such as the ability to scan a broad range of materials with a single analyzer.More than 75,000 Niton handheld XRF analyzers have been deployed worldwide since 1994, making them the trusted standard for in-field elemental analysis.<div><h3>⚙️ Features</h3><ul><li>5W X-ray tube</li><li>Proprietary large area drift detector for light element detection (Mg, Al, Si, P, S)</li><li>Lightweight design (2.8 lbs/ 1.3 kg)</li><li>Miniaturized nose</li><li>WiFi enabled</li><li>Macro and micro cameras</li><li>Hot swap battery</li><li>Tilting, color touchscreen</li><li>Directional keys</li><li>Password protected security</li><li>IP54 certified (splash/dust proof)</li></ul><h3>🧪 Applications</h3><ul><li>Verification of metals and alloys in manufacturing operations</li><li>Non-destructive field inspections for positive material identification</li><li>Point-and-shoot sorting at scrap recycling operations</li><li>Coating thickness measurements for single or binary metal layers</li><li>Precious metal assay of bullion and jewelry</li><li>Real-time geochemical analysis for mining exploration</li><li>On-site heavy metal screening of polluted soils</li><li>Screening of hazardous substances in consumer goods</li><li>Custom applications on demand</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XL_5_Plus_Handheld_XRF_Analyzer_2_2967c6cd9a.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XL_5_Plus_Handheld_XRF_Analyzer_2_2967c6cd9a.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="650"><h3>📏 Specifications</h3><ul><li>Certifications/Compliance: CE, RoHS, FCC, Industry Canada, Safety to IEC 61010-1:2010</li><li>Data Entry:<ul><li>Touchscreen keyboard</li><li>User customizable data entry</li><li>Optional wireless remote barcode reader</li></ul></li><li>Data Storage: 512 MB internal system memory / 16 GB industrial grade storage; Stores approximately 130,000 readings with spectra (fewer if macro and micro images are saved)</li><li>Data Transfer: WiFi, USB-c</li><li>Dimensions (L × W × H): 9.54 × 8.19 × 2.67 in. (24.23 × 20.8 × 6.78 cm)</li><li>Display Type: Tilting, color, resistive touchscreen display</li><li>Global Positioning System: Internal GPS and optional external GPS (via Bluetooth); GPS data are included with the sample information. NOTE: The GPS function is an optional feature.</li><li>Languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Turkish, Italian</li><li>Libraries: Default alloy libraries based on SAE, AISI, ASTM, AA, DIN, GB standards. Users may create, clone and edit libraries.</li><li>Licensing: Varies by region. Contact your local distributor.</li><li>Operating Environment:<ul><li>Temperature: 0°C to 50°C (external fan recommended when ambient temperature is greater than 33°C)</li><li>Humidity: 10% to 90% relative humidity non-condensing</li></ul></li><li>Operating System: Linux</li><li>Optional Accessories:<ul><li>Portable test stand</li><li>Mini test stand</li><li>Desk/wall holder</li><li>Hotwork stand off</li><li>Soil guard</li><li>Belt holster</li><li>Bluetooth printer</li></ul></li><li>Power Consumption: 12V lithium-ion battery, or 12V DC, 3A, 3.6W power supply. Hot swap functionality keeps analyzer powered during battery replacements.</li><li>Security Features: Password-protected user security</li><li>Software: Support software: NitonConnect PC software</li><li>Spot Size:<ul><li>Standard: 8mm collimation</li><li>Optional: 3mm small-spot collimation</li></ul></li><li>Standard Accessories:<ul><li>Locking shielded carrying case</li><li>Two (2) lithium-ion battery packs</li><li>One (1) 110/220 VAC battery charger/AC adapter</li><li>Check samples</li><li>Safety lanyard</li><li>PC connection cable (USB)</li></ul></li><li>System Details: Built-in standardization and health check verify system integrity and operating conditions</li><li>Type: XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer</li><li>Weight (English): 2.8 lb. with battery</li><li>Weight (Metric): 1.3 kg with battery</li><li>X-Ray Source Type:<ul><li>X-ray tube: Ag anode (6–50kV, 0–500µA, 5W max)</li><li>Filter: Six (6) position filter wheel for enhanced spectral range coverage</li><li>Current: Dynamically adjustable current for optimal sensitivity on every analysis</li></ul></li><li>Detector Type: High count rate, high resolution, extra large area silicon drift detector (11µm graphene window). Detector ProGuard protection included.</li><li>Unit Size: Each</li></ul><h3>Which analyzer for your application?</h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/1102;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XRF_Analyzer_e7e7a24b10.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ handheld XRF Analyzers - Niton handheld XRF analyzers are built for rugged use and deliver rapid, lab-quality results" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XRF_Analyzer_e7e7a24b10.jpg 145w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="1102"></figure><blockquote><h3>Helpful links</h3><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-xrf-analyzer-selection-guide.html">Which XRF analyzer is right for me?</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-xrf-analyzer-rental-leasing.html">Should I rent or lease this product?</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/xrf-radiation-safety-training.html">Where can I get radiation safety training?</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis-learning-center/elemental-analysis-information/xrf-technology.html">What is XRF Technology?</a></li><li>What are the applications for this handheld XRF analyzer?<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/portable-scrap-metal-recycling-analysis.html">Scrap Metal Recycling</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/portable-manufacturing-metal-fabrication-analysis.html">Manufacturing and Metal Fabrication</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/positive-material-identification-oil-gas.html">Positive Material Identification</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-mining-exploration-solutions.html">Mining and Exploration</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/portable-precious-metals-jewelry-analysis.html">Precious Metals</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-consumer-safety-regulatory-solutions.html">Consumer Safety &amp; Regulatory</a></li></ul></li></ul></blockquote></div>

Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer

Obtain fast, accurate elemental analysis for metal and alloy identification, PMI testing and more with the Niton™ XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer.

<div>Confidently perform elemental analysis with the Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL2 Plus handheld XRF analyzer. When durability, performance and productivity are top of mind, industrial businesses rely on the Niton XL2 Plus handheld XRF analyzer for fast results and low detection limits.&nbsp;Identify pure metals and alloys, or obtain geochemical data, the Niton XL2 Plus provides operators the ability to scan a broad range of materials in one versatile analyzer.</div>More than 75,000 Niton handheld XRF analyzers have been deployed worldwide since 1994, making them the trusted standard for in-field elemental analysis.<div><h3>⚙️ Features &amp; Benefits</h3><ul><li>2W X-Ray Tube</li><li>Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) for light element detection (Mg, Al, Si, P, S)</li><li>Detector ProGuard Protection</li><li>Micro Camera</li><li>Hot Swap Battery</li><li>Touch Screen and Directional Keys</li><li>Password Protected Security</li><li>IP54 Certified (Splash/ Dust Proof)</li><li>Nose Cone Alignment Guides</li></ul><h3>🧪 Applications</h3><ul><li>Verification of metals and alloys in manufacturing</li><li>Quality Assurance testing for positive material identification</li><li>Point-and-shoot sorting at scrap recycling operations</li><li>Coating thickness measurements from single element layers</li><li>Precious metal assay of bullion and jewelry</li><li>Geochemical analysis for ore trading and grade control</li><li>On-site heavy metal screening of polluted soils</li><li>Lead in paint inspection of industrial facilities</li><li>Screening of hazardous substances in consumer goods</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XL_2_Plus_Handheld_XRF_Analyzer_3_cb63ae77a5.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XL_2_Plus_Handheld_XRF_Analyzer_3_cb63ae77a5.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="650"><h3>📏 Specifications</h3><ul><li>Analytical Range: Mg–U</li><li>Available Analytical Modes: General Metals, Precious Metals, Coatings, Mining, Soils, Electronic Alloys, Plastics, Industrial Lead in Paint, Lead in Paint Products</li><li>Bluetooth: Supports print functionality, external GPS connectivity and barcode reader</li><li>Camera: Integrated CCD micro camera for locating and recording measurement positions</li><li>Certifications/Compliance: CE, RoHS, FCC, Industry Canada, Safety to IEC 61010-1, UL 61010-1, IP54 (splash and dust proof)</li><li>Data Entry:&nbsp;<ul><li>Touchscreen keyboard</li><li>User customizable data entry</li><li>Optional wireless remote barcode reader</li></ul></li><li>Data Storage:<ul><li>64 MB internal system memory / 128 MB internal user storage</li><li>Stores approximately 10,000 readings with spectra (fewer if images are saved)</li></ul></li><li>Data Transfer: USB, Bluetooth, RS-232 serial communication</li><li>Description: Niton XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer</li><li>Dimensions (L × W × H): 10 × 10.8 × 3.9 in (25.6 × 27.5 × 10 cm)</li><li>Display Type: Fixed angle, color, resistive touchscreen display</li><li>Global Positioning System: Optional external GPS (via Bluetooth)</li><li>Languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Italian, Czech</li><li>Libraries:&nbsp;<ul><li>Default alloy libraries based on SAE, AISI, ASTM, AA standards</li><li>Users may create and edit libraries</li></ul></li><li>Licensing: Varies by region. Contact your local distributor.</li><li>Operating Environment:<ul><li>Temperature: -10 °C to 50 °C</li><li>Humidity: 0% to 80% relative humidity non-condensing</li></ul></li><li>Operating System: Proprietary</li><li>Optional Accessories:<ul><li>Thermo Scientific™ portable test stand</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ mobile test stand</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ field mate test stand</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ soil guard</li></ul></li><li>Power Consumption:<ul><li>7.4V lithium-ion battery, or 12V DC, 3A, 36W power supply</li><li>Hot swap functionality keeps analyzer powered during battery replacements</li></ul></li><li>Security Features: Password-protected user security</li><li>Software: Support Software: Niton Data Transfer (NDT) PC software</li><li>Spot Size: 8 mm collimation</li><li>Standard Accessories:<ul><li>Locking shielded carrying case</li><li>Two (2) lithium-ion battery packs</li><li>One (1) 110/220 VAC battery charger/ AC adaptor</li><li>Check samples</li><li>Belt holster</li><li>Safety lanyard</li><li>PC connection cables (USB and RS-232)</li></ul></li><li>System Details: Built-in standardization via automatic system check</li><li>Weight (English): 3.4 lbs with battery</li><li>Weight (Metric): 1.53 kg with battery</li><li>X-Ray Source Type:<ul><li>X-Ray Tube: Ag anode (6–45 kV, 1–200 µA, 2W max)</li><li>Dynamically adjustable current for optimal sensitivity on every analysis</li></ul></li><li>Applications: Identify pure metals and alloys, detect tramp elements, or obtain geochemical data</li><li>Detector Type:&nbsp;<ul><li>Silicon Drift Detector (SDD)</li><li>Detector ProGuard protection included</li></ul></li><li>Tube Voltage: 6 to 45 kV</li><li>Unit Size: Each</li></ul><h3>Which analyzer for your application?</h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/1102;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XRF_Analyzer_e7e7a24b10.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ handheld XRF Analyzers - Niton handheld XRF analyzers are built for rugged use and deliver rapid, lab-quality results" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XRF_Analyzer_e7e7a24b10.jpg 145w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="1102"></figure><blockquote><h3>Helpful links</h3><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-xrf-analyzer-selection-guide.html">Which XRF analyzer is right for me?</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-xrf-analyzer-rental-leasing.html">Should I rent or lease this product?</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/xrf-radiation-safety-training.html">Where can I get radiation safety training?</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis-learning-center/elemental-analysis-information/xrf-technology.html">What is XRF Technology?</a></li><li>What are the applications for this handheld XRF analyzer?<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/portable-scrap-metal-recycling-analysis.html">Scrap Metal Recycling</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/portable-manufacturing-metal-fabrication-analysis.html">Manufacturing and Metal Fabrication</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/positive-material-identification-oil-gas.html">Positive Material Identification</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-mining-exploration-solutions.html">Mining and Exploration</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-metal-manufacturing-inspection-recycling-solutions/portable-precious-metals-jewelry-analysis.html">Precious Metals</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/portable-analysis-material-id/portable-consumer-safety-regulatory-solutions.html">Consumer Safety &amp; Regulatory</a></li></ul></li></ul></blockquote></div>

Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t GOLDD+ XRF Analyzer

High-performance handheld XRF analyzer with GOLDD™ technology for fast, accurate analysis of metals, light elements, ores, soils and contaminants – no helium or vacuum needed.

<div><div><div>Industries from mining and exploration to scrap metal recycling depend on fast, accurate elemental analysis. The Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL3t GOLDD+ XRF Analyzer provides reliable, real-time data for sample identification and positive material identification for even difficult-to-analyze light elements, without helium purging or vacuum pumps.&nbsp;The Niton XL3t GOLDD+ Analyzer delivers a feature-rich package enhanced with Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD™) technology for improved light element (Mg-S) analysis, the lowest limits of detection and fastest measurement times.</div><div><h3>⚡ Performance:</h3>GOLDD Technology:&nbsp;When low detection limits and high sample throughput are critical, the Niton XL3t GOLDD+ XRF analyzer delivers measurement times up to 10-times faster than conventional Si-PIN detectors and up to 3-times more precise than conventional smaller silicon drift detectors (SDD) - without helium purge or vacuum. For further enhancing light element analysis, a helium purge option is available. Niton analyzers also feature the highest performance X-ray tube and speed detector available on the market.<h3>🧪 Wide Range of Applications:</h3><ul><li>Scrap Metal Recycling:&nbsp;<ul><li>Sorts aluminum, titanium and bronze alloys, and achieves superior performance for tramp and trace element analysis.</li></ul></li><li>Mining Exploration:&nbsp;<ul><li>Fast, accurate analysis of light elements.&nbsp;</li><li>Identifies anomalies near the averages naturally found in the earth's crust.&nbsp;</li><li>Facilitates advanced exploration and soil analysis, concentrate measurement, ore blending, precious metal identification and lab analysis prequalification.</li></ul></li><li>Environmental:&nbsp;<ul><li>Detects contaminants such as chlorine and sulfur in sediment and arsenic in soil.&nbsp;</li><li>Identifies environmental hazards in residential, commercial and industrial settings, such as toxic drywall.</li></ul></li></ul></div></div><h3>⚙️ Features</h3><ul><li>Standard analytical range: Up to 30 elements from Mg to U (varies by application).</li><li>Most powerful x-ray tube on the market for handheld XRF analysis.</li><li>Point and shoot simplicity- very easy to use even by nontechnical personnel.</li><li>Rugged design for real-world industrial environments.</li><li>Nondestructive analysis with near instantaneous results.</li><li>Sealed against moisture and dust.</li><li>Ergonomically designed.</li><li>Daylight-readable icons.</li><li>Incorporates multi-language options.</li><li>Color, touch-screen display.</li></ul></div><div><h3>🔗 Connectivity</h3><ul><li>Integrated USB and Bluetooth™ communications provide direct data transfer to your PC or networked storage device. &nbsp;</li><li>Standard Thermo Scientific™ Niton Data Transfer (NDT™) PC software allows you to: &nbsp;<ul><li>Set operator permissions &nbsp;</li><li>Generate custom reports &nbsp;</li><li>Print certificates of analysis &nbsp;</li><li>Remotely monitor and control the instrument from your PC &nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Optional accessories: Bluetooth barcode reader, Bluetooth printer, Bluetooth GPS</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XL_3t_GOLDD_XRF_Analyzer_5_9e51a6a9ac.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL3t GOLDD+ XRF Analyzer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XL_3t_GOLDD_XRF_Analyzer_5_9e51a6a9ac.jpg 219w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="464"><h3>📏 Specifications</h3><ul><li>Analytical Range: Up to 30 elements from Mg to U (varies by application)</li><li>Available Analytical Modes: Varies by application<ul><li>Alloy Modes: Metal Alloy, Electronics Alloy, Precious Metals</li><li>Bulk Modes: Soil, Mining, TestAll</li><li>Plastic Modes: RoHS Plastics, Toy and Consumer Goods, Plastics, TestAll, Painted Products</li><li>Custom Modes: Upon request</li></ul></li><li>Certifications/Compliance: CE, RoHS</li><li>Data Entry: Touch-screen keyboard, user-programmable pick lists, optional wireless remote barcode reader</li><li>Data Memory: 32MB internal system memory / 128 MB internal user storage</li><li>Data Storage: Internal &gt;10,000 readings with spectra</li><li>Data Transfer: USB, Bluetooth and RS-232 serial communication</li><li>Description: Niton XL3t GOLDD+ XRF Analyzer</li><li>Dimensions (L × W × H): 9.6 × 9.05 × 3.75 in. (244 × 230 × 95.5 mm)</li><li>Display Type: Tilting, color, touch-screen display</li><li>Height (English): 3.75 in.</li><li>Height (Metric): 95.5 mm</li><li>Item Description: XL3t GOLDD+ XRF Analyzer</li><li>Length (English): 9.6 in.</li><li>Length (Metric): 244 mm</li><li>Licensing: Varies by region. Contact your local distributor.</li><li>Max. Power: 2W</li><li>Operating System: Ownership</li><li>Optional Accessories:<ul><li>3mm small-spot collimation</li><li>Portable test stand</li><li>Stationary (benchtop) test stand</li><li>Mobile test stand</li><li>Field Mate</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ Extend-a-Pole™</li><li>Welding mask</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ HotFoot™ hot surface adapter</li><li>Soil testing guard</li></ul></li><li>Power Consumption: 0 to 200 μA</li><li>Security Features: Password-protected user security</li><li>Standard Accessories:<ul><li>Integrated CCD camera for locating and storing images</li><li>Locking shielded carrying case</li><li>Shielded belt holster</li><li>Two lithium-ion battery packs</li><li>Spare battery pack</li><li>110/220 VAC battery charger/AC adaptor</li><li>PC connection cables (USB and RS-232)</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ Niton Data Transfer (NDT™) PC software</li><li>Safety lanyard</li><li>Check samples/standards</li></ul></li><li>System Electronics: 533 MHz ARM 11 CPU, 300 MHz dedicated DSP, 80 MHz ASICS DSP for signal processing</li><li>Tube Type: Ag anode 50 kV and 200 μA</li><li>Voltage: 6 to 50 kV</li><li>Weight (English): 3 lb.</li><li>Weight (Metric): 1.3 kg</li><li>Width (English): 9.05 in.</li><li>Width (Metric): 230 mm</li><li>Applications: Sample Identification, Positive Material Identification</li><li>Detector Type: Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector</li><li>Tube Voltage: 6 to 50 kV</li><li>Unit Size: Each</li></ul><h3>Which analyzer for your application?</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XRF_Analyzer_e7e7a24b10.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ handheld XRF Analyzers - Niton handheld XRF analyzers are built for rugged use and deliver rapid, lab-quality results" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Niton_XRF_Analyzer_e7e7a24b10.jpg 145w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="1102"></div>

Products focused on X-ray distributed by Thermo Fisher Scientific (EMEA) - page 1

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