The use of low cost X-ray fluorescence instruments in the determination of copper chromium and arsenic in preservative treated wood

IRG/WP 2278

J Norton, L E Leightley

Internal quality control in timber treatment plants can be pursued by analysis of preservative treatment solutions and treated timber. Treaters must proceed with costly and lengthy analyses through analytical laboratories. An alternative approach for the timber treater, is to use low cost analysers (L.C.A.'s) based upon x-ray fluorescence. Detailed comparisons have been made between standard methods (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) and L.C.A.'s for the analysis of CCA treated timber. Results indicated that no difference was found between different formulations. One L.C.A. tested provided more consistent results than those generated by standard methods. Average results provided by the L.C.A.'s were both higher and lower than standard methods. This finding may be related to the retention of preservative being tested. The results indicate that L.C.A.'s promise to be extremely useful to the timber treatment industry.


Keywords: LOW COST ANALYSERS; X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY; AAS; COPPER; CHROMIUM; ARSENIC; CCA; QUALITY CONTROL; PLANTS; ANALYSES; SAMPLING

Conference: 87-05-17/22 Honey Harbour, Ontario, Canada


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