Malvern Panalytical Scientific Award 2023

Our 2023 Scientific Award is now open – and there’s a €5,000 prize for the best entry.
Entries close August 31st – you’ve still got time!

Asbestos Resources And Information Guide

Asbestos Resources And Information Guide

Finding asbestos at a site creates not only a potentially dangerous situation for workers, but it leads to stoppages that cost businesses money while the area is tested and cleared.

We have compiled a very useful list of resources on asbestos, which we refer to in our detection and sampling process, including links to all the important Australian government bodies that monitor and regulate asbestos issues in the community. 

We are – as are many in the industry – working diligently to stay ahead of any potential risks associated with asbestos. 

Asbestos Information And Links 

Since 2013, the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has been overseeing national initiatives to raise awareness of asbestos-containing materials, and to provide management, removal and disposal of asbestos in an effective and safe manner. It provides advice and assistance, but does not enforce the law.

 

The Asbestos Disease Research Institute (ADRI) came to be in 2009 to address emerging public health concerns surrounding asbestos-related diseases. ADRI studies asbestos-related diseases in terms of pre-clinical (basic), clinical, and epidemiological methods, leading to improved methods of prevention, diagnostic, therapeutic procedures, and treatment strategies. As part of its national work on prevention and public health, the organisation provides support for patients, advocates for public policy, and raises awareness about preventing future exposure to asbestos.

 

In 1945, all states and the Federal Government attended a conference on testing services coordination that led to NATA being formed two years later. As Australia’s foremost laboratory accreditation body, it provides a national testing service that covers all technical, industrial, and geographical areas of the country. So NATA enjoys a leading position on the international stage as an authority in ensuring technical standards in Australia.

 

The Australian Asbestos Network was developed through a project funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council that began in 2006. It aims to develop an online resource for people in the community who would like to learn more about asbestos; its history, current impacts on Australia and how they can all help minimise its harmful effects on our health and well-being.

 

The NSW Government is required under the Home Building Act 1989 to maintain a register of residential properties that contain loose-fill asbestos insulation. The register is known as the Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Register (LFAI Register). The LFAI is in place in order to “provide safety, increased certainty and support to the community”, according to a statement from NSW Fair Trading.

 

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is the primary environmental regulator for New South Wales. It partners with business, government and the community to reduce pollution and waste, protect human health, and prevent degradation of the environment. It encourages businesses to make sure their activities do not harm the environment and human health by: issuing environment protection licences; monitoring compliance; ordering the clean-up of pollution and imposing fines or prosecuting organisations and individuals who break the law. It also responds to and manages pollution incidents involving hazardous materials such as asbestos (in collaboration with other government agencies).

 

You can find asbestos disposal facilities using this search tool provided by The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency. Always call or contact your disposal facility prior to transporting any asbestos waste. Many facilities will only accept and handle asbestos waste at certain times, in order to maximise landfill efficiency and minimise health risks. Most facilities also have procedures (for example, asbestos waste wrapping requirements) that people disposing will need to follow carefully, to ensure asbestos waste is accepted by the facility.

 

The NSW Asbestos Coordination Committee (NACC) works to improve the management, monitoring and response to asbestos issues in NSW through collaboration and programs. A number of NSW state agencies and other organisations collaborate through the NACC.

 

The SWA was established in 2008 by the Australian government to develop national policies on occupational safety and health. Workers’ compensation and WHS policies are developed through this agency. It is responsible for developing and evaluating national policies and strategies; developing and evaluating model WHS legislative frameworks; conducting research; and collecting, analysing and reporting data. The national policy body has no regulating authority over workplace safety laws. WHS laws are regulated and enforced by the Commonwealth and the states and territories. If you manage or control a workplace, you are responsible for ensuring an asbestos register is prepared, maintained, and accessible.

 

As well as developing and delivering policies and programs, the Department advises the Australian Government on health issues. Assuring better health for all Australians is one of its goals. It provides valuable information to all Australians regarding asbestos health risks. It is the 100th anniversary of the Department of Health this year. It was created in 1921 after a pandemic, and now it is dealing with a COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

 

The WHS Act aims to protect the health and safety of workers and workplaces by eliminating or minimising hazards and risks, in order to provide maximum protection against hazards and risks. Compliance and enforcement guidelines support the WHS legislation.


For help with non-destructive asbestos screening, detection and identification, Portable Analytical Solutions has an effective, real-time and reliable solution. Contact us today.

Niton™Apollo

Niton Apollo

Thermo Fisher ScientificLIBs

Laser focused carbon analysis.

Discover high-speed performance combined with point and shoot simplicity. With minimal training, the Niton Apollo is easily operated even by non-technical users. Fast analysis times help increase sample throughput and production. A hot-swap Milwaukee® battery also keeps users up and running when it’s time to replace a low battery.

Niton™Apollo 2
Niton™Apollo 3

Designed to provide fast analysis and low detection limits, the Niton Apollo ensures superior results.

Engineered to help conquer your toughest analytical challenges, the Niton Apollo specialises in measuring carbon content in a convenient, portable form factor.

Powered by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), the Niton Apollo delivers unmatched speed, superior performance and enhanced productivity. Unleash the possibilities and bring the power of lab analysis to the field.

  • Determine alloy composition and grade for a wide range of metallurgical samples
  • Calculate carbon equivalency to determine piping weldability
  • Verify critical assets, such as, piping, valves and reaction vessels for Positive Material Identification (PMI)
  • Inspect materials at receiving, in-process fabrication and outgoing Quality Control (QC)
  • Validate Material Test Reports (MTR)
  • Prevent contaminated scrap from entering the supply stream 
  • Detect tramp and trace elements to meet regulatory standards

Key Applications for the Niton Apollo

Alloys / Metal Fabrication / Scrap Metal / Oil & Gas

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about the Thermo Fisher Niton Apollo

Demonstration Videos

MicroPhazir PC

microPHAZIR PC Analyzer

Plastic/ Polymer Identification

MicroPHAZIR device

Recycling of plastics, carpeting and other polymer materials is increasing as more of these products are being recovered, recycled and reused by consumers and recycling facilities. Post-industrial and post-consumer materials need to be accurately identified and sorted to achieve high quality reprocessed material. The Thermo Scientific™ microPHAZIR™ PC Analyzer for Plastic/Polymer Identification is an NIR spectroscopy tool that rapidly screens and identifies a variety of polymers, plastics and fiber types on-site to streamline inspection without compromising accuracy and quality.

Thermo Scientific microPHAZAIR PC Analyzer for Plastic/Polymer Identification

The 2.75 lb (1.25 kg) microPHAZIR PC Analyzer for Plastic/Polymer Identification is a completely self-contained, powerful and cost-effective tool for the proper sorting and recycling of post-industrial and post-consumer polymer materials and carpet fibers. Simple point-and-shoot operation designed for non-expert users, the analyzer is fully automated, precalibrated, and requires no user input.

Key Applications for the MicroPhazir PC Anlyzer

Identification of a variety of plastic types, including:
PLA, PET, PP, PS, ABS, PI, PSO, PE, PPS, TPV, PTT, PC, PMP, PBT, PA, PETG, SAN, EVA, PB, PPO, CA, Nylon, PMMA, PUR, PI, PVC, PVA, PLA, Ionomer, Pollyalomer, Vinyl, Styrenic terpolymer, Elastomer

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about the Thermo Scientific microPHAZIR PC

MicroPhazir PC 7

MicroPhazir PC 8


MicroPhazir PC 9

microPHAZIR AS

microPHAZIR AS
Asbestos Analyser

Thermo Fisher Scientific – NIR

The microPHAZIR AS enables powerful, in-field rapid screening and identification of six types of regulated asbestos fibres using non-destructive analysis through NIR technology.

MicroPHAZIR AS Asbestos Analyser
microPHAZIR AS 10

Fast, accurate asbestos detection saves lives.

The microPHAZIR AS enables powerful, in-field rapid screening and identification of six (6) types of regulated asbestos fibres using non-destructive analysis through NIR technology.

Currently, asbestos detection is limited to accredited lab-based analysis such as polarised light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. These lab-based tests can be costly and time consuming.

Portable Analytical Solutions is proud to bring this critical solution for portable asbestos analysis to the competitive construction, environment and waste management industries.

  • Weighs 1.25kg
  • Point and shoot operation
  • Results in under 10 seconds, stored on-board until later download
  • Reliable analysis of 6 types of asbestos fibres

Key Applications for microPHAZIR AS

Environmental / Waste Management / Construction / Government Regulation

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about the Thermo Fisher microPHAZIR AS.

MicroPHAZIR device
MicroPhazir PC Side Shot
MicroPHAZIR AS Benefits:
  • Achieve real time, reliable decisions, on site
  • Avoid costly unnecessary shutdowns and business interruption
  • Empower non-experts to perform safe testing for immediate feedback
  • Exercise duty of care for workers, the public and environment
  • Short term ROI Recovery by avoiding costly errors

Niton™XL2 Precious Metals

Niton™XL2 Precious Metals 11

Niton XL2 Precious Metal Analyser

Thermo Fisher Scientific – XRF

Perform precious metal testing with certainty

With the volatility and high price of gold, failing to detect just a small variation in composition can be an expensive mistake. The Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ XL2 XRF Precious Metal Analyser provides a fast, accurate, and most importantly, nondestructive method to test the purity and chemistry of all precious metals. The Niton XL2 XRF Precious Metal Analyser quickly detects gold plating and counterfeit gold and gives you the exact elemental composition of jewellery and coins so you can be absolutely certain of the value of the precious metals you buy and sell.

  • Easier, faster and more accurate than nitric acid test methods.
  • Faster, more comprehensive analysis than fire assay with comparable accuracy.
  • Efficiently identify most gold-plated items with Thermo Scientific AuDIT™ gold-plating detection technology.
  • Precisely determine the presence and concentration of other trace alloying elements and dangerous heavy elements, which could impact valuation and future refining needs.

Key Features Of the Niton XL2

  • Standard analytical range: >25 elements from S to U (varies by application).
  • Point and shoot simplicity—very easy to use even by nontechnical personnel.
  • Ideally suited for retail environments.
  • Nondestructive analysis with near-instantaneous results.
  • Ergonomic design.

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about which Thermo Fisher Niton XL2 best suits your application and particular conditions.

Niton™XL2 Precious Metals 11
PXRF In The Field
Man testing gold and precious metals with handheld XL2 analyser
XRF is a boon to gold exploration

Niton™ XL2

Niton XL2 & XL2 Plus Analysers

Thermo Fisher Scientific – Portable Handheld XRF

Niton XL2 Plus Analyser

xl2 Plus Powerful Handheld instrument that identifies metal alloys and mineral ores

The Niton XL2 Plus is a tough, powerful, handheld instrument for identifying metal alloys and mineral ores easily in the field.

The XL2 Plus is the latest in the XL2 product range of Portable X-Ray fluorescence analysers (PXRF). There are two models: XL2 980 Plus is calibrated for metals, and XL2 950 Plus for mining.

The XL2 Plus can identify Niobium in Titanium alloys down to 200 ppm and more generally, elements from Magnesium to Uranium, down to 20 ppm in some common alloys.

Key Applications for the Niton XL2 Plus

General Metal / Ore / Lead Contamination / RoHS / Alloy / Mine Management / Scrap Recycling / Waste / Hazmat

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about which Thermo Fisher Niton XL2 best suits your application and particular conditions.

Niton™ XL2 13
The XL2 Plus easy in-field identification of metal alloys and mineral ores
Niton XL2 Plus 1 analysing metal alloys
Niton XL2 Interface
Features & Benefits:
  • IP Certified (Splash/ Dust Proof)
  • Detector ProGuard Protection
  • 2W X-Ray Tube
  • Silicon Drift Detector 
  • Micro Camera
  • Hot Swap Battery
  • Touch Screen and Directional Keys
  • Password Protected Security
  • Nose Cone Alignment Guides

Niton XL2 Analyser

Get fast, accurate analysis for manufacturing quality assurance with the Niton XL2 Analyser.

With four models in the range, the XL2 Portable XRF Analyser provides immediate, nondestructive elemental analysis for a wide range of applications including scrap metal identification, mining and exploration, and lead screening for consumer and electronic goods.

It can detect  alloy materials from titanium to nickel as well as tramp and trace element analysis. The XL2’s standard analytical range spans up to 30 elements from sulphur to uranium.

Lightweight, rugged handheld Niton Portable XL2 Analysers is built for the harsh conditions it will face:

  • Sealed against moisture and dust.
  • Ergonomically designed.
  • Daylight-readable icons on colour, touch-screen display.

Key Applications for the Niton XL2

General Metal / Gold / Ore / Lead Contamination / RoHS / Alloy / Mine Management / Waste / Hazmat

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about which Thermo Fisher Niton XL2 best suits your application and particular conditions.

Niton XL2 In Field -2 elemental analysis
Man testing gold and precious metals with handheld XL2 analyser
Niton XL2 - In Field general metal analysis

Differences Between The Niton XL2 and Niton XL2 Plus

Whilst the Niton XL2 and the Niton XL2 Plus portable XRF units are similar, both units are suited to different applications. Due to a difference in analytical source between the units, the elemental range that can be detected is different. The XL2 Plus also features additional benefits like a swappable battery.

Niton™ XL2

Analytical source: 2W X-Ray Tube, and SI-PIN detector

Elemental Range: Ti-Bi

Features: Fixed Angle touchscreen display, micro camera, bluetooth

Niton™ XL2 Plus

Analytical source: 2W X-Ray Tube, and Silicon Drift Detector (SDD)

Elemental Range: Mg-U

Features: Fixed Angle touchscreen display, micro camera, Bluetooth, swappable battery, IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, detector protection.

Niton™DXL

Niton™ DXL Analyser

Thermo Fisher Scientific – Portable Bench top XRF

Niton gold spectrometers quickly provide the exact karat weight and percentages of all elements within an item – easily identifying non-standard, under-karated, and even advanced counterfeit gold with fire assay-comparable accuracy.

Thermo Scientific Niton DXL precious metal Analyser

Be absolutely sure of the value of the precious metals you buy and sell with a fast, simple non-destructive solution for gold analysis. Quickly distinguish between gold plating and solid gold and determine the accurate karat (K) weight of gold jewelry with the Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ DXL Precious Metal Analyser.

  • Fast and accurate

  • Handles small pieces or multiple items simultaneously.

  • Non-destructive and simple to operate.

With an innovative colour touch-screen display and touch-screen keyboard, the DXL analyses precious metals with speed and accuracy. Its features include an improved intuitive interface, CCD Camera, large sample chamber with a back window for customer view and an optional small spot for the isolation of small components.

Niton™DXL 14
Man pressing test button on Niton DXL precious metal analyser
Man measuring the content of gold and precious metals

Key Applications for Niton DXL

Gold Buying / Jewellers / Secondhand Dealers / Collectors

  • Simultaneously measure the content of all gold and precious metals without manually changing your calibration based on the metal you’re analysing 
  • Precisely determine the presence and concentration of other trace alloying elements including lead
  • Eliminate the toxicity associated with nitric acid test methods
  • Capture images and focus in on small areas using our integrated cameral and small spot feature (depends on model).

Contact PAS for expert guidance about the Thermo Fisher Niton DXL.

Niton™XL5 Plus

Niton XL5 Plus Handheld Analyser

Thermo Fisher ScientificXRF

Niton™XL5 Plus 15

The Niton XL5 Plus Portable Analyser

NEW Top Range model – best limits of detection in the range, smaller, lighter, even more ergonomic.

Identify pure metals and alloys, detect tramp elements, or obtain geochemical data. with a compact, lightweight handheld XRF analyser built for the most demanding analytical applications.

The XL5 Plus allows the x-ray source and fluorescence detector to be closer to the sample, improving limits of detection and shortening measurement time, especially for light elements.

As well as metals, the XL5 Plus measures the elemental composition of scale, sludge, oil, powders and slurries.

Niton XL5 Plus is a powerful Handheld XRF analyser that features:

  • Vivid navigation; customisable user profiles
  • Micro and macro cameras
  • Advanced analytical performance
  • Lightweight ergonomic design
    Smaller, faster, lighter
  • Segment leading light element performance
  • Customisable for individual applications
  • Accessories built for the industry
  • Backed by local support, knowledge and service
  • Large, installed customer database

Utilise mining mode to gather accurate, real time geochemical data and maximise overall productivity.

Mining mode enables users to determine the concentration of elements from Mg to U in various types of geochemical materials. Reduce overheads by implementing the Niton XL5 Plus for cost effective oil and gas exploration, mineral discovery and mining operations.

Key Applications for the Niton XL5 Plus

Mining & ExplorationAlloys /Metal Fabrication / Scrap Metal 

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about the Thermo Fisher Niton XL5

Demonstration Videos

Niton™XL3

Niton™ XL3 Analyser

Thermo Fisher Scientific – Portable Handheld XRF

The Niton XL3 is an advanced Portable XRF analyser (PXRF) with sophisticated models designed for specific industry applications. A tilting, color, touch-screen display allows easy viewing of sample results under any condition.

The optional integrated camera allows users to locate, view, and store the analysis image and the test results for later reference.

The handheld Niton XL3t GOLDD+ for light element (Mg-S) analysis offers the lowest limits of detection and fastest measurement times.

  • Integrated GPS on some models
  • Rapid accurate decisions on-site
  • Low limits of detection
  • Optimisation for light elements in some models

Key Applications for the Niton XL3

Geochemical / Mining and Exploration / Manufacturing / Engineering / PMI / Scrap Metal Recycling

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about which Thermo Fisher Niton XL3 best suits your application and particular conditions.

Niton™XL3 17
Niton™ XL3 Analyser Handheld

Niton™XL2 Plus

Niton XL2 Analyser

Thermo Fisher Scientific – XRF

Niton XL2 Analyser

Thermo Fisher Scientific – XRF

xl2-xrf-analyzer

NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT- NITON XL2 PLUS

xl2 Plus Powerful Handheld instrument that identifies metal alloys and mineral ores

The Niton XL2 Plus is a tough, powerful, handheld instrument for identifying metal alloys and mineral ores easily in the field.

The XL2 Plus is the latest in the XL2 product range of X-Ray fluorescence analysers. There are two models: XL2 980 Plus is calibrated for metals, and XL2 950 Plus for mining.

The XL2 Plus can identify Niobium in Titanium alloys down to 200 ppm and more generally, elements from Magnesium to Uranium, down to 20 ppm in some common alloys.

Applications:
  • Verification of metals and alloys in manufacturing operations
  • Quality Assurance testing for positive material identification
  • Point-and-shoot sorting at scrap recycling operations
  • Precious metal assay of bullion and jewellery 
The XL2 Plus easy in-field identification of metal alloys and mineral ores
Niton XL2 Plus 1 analysing metal alloys
Niton XL2 Interface
Features & Benefits:
  • IP Certified (Splash/ Dust Proof)
  • Detector ProGuard Protection
  • 2W X-Ray Tube
  • Silicon Drift Detector 
  • Micro Camera
  • Hot Swap Battery
  • Touch Screen and Directional Keys
  • Password Protected Security
  • Nose Cone Alignment Guides

Niton XL2 Analyser

Get fast, accurate analysis for manufacturing quality assurance with the Niton XL2 Analyser.

With four models in the range, the XL2 Analyser provides immediate, nondestructive elemental analysis for a wide range of applications including scrap metal identification, mining and exploration, and lead screening for consumer and electronic goods.

It can detect  alloy materials from titanium to nickel as well as tramp and trace element analysis. The XL2’s standard analytical range spans up to 30 elements from sulphur to uranium.

Lightweight, rugged handheld Niton XL2 Analysers is built for the harsh conditions it will face:

  • Sealed against moisture and dust.
  • Ergonomically designed.
  • Daylight-readable icons on colour, touch-screen display.

Key Applications for the Niton XL2

General Metal / Gold / Ore / Lead Contamination / RoHS / Alloy / Mine Management / Waste / Hazmat

Speak to PAS for expert guidance about which Thermo Fisher Niton XL2 best suits your application and particular conditions.

Niton XL2 In Field -2 elemental analysis
Man testing gold and precious metals with handheld XL2 analyser
Niton XL2 - In Field general metal analysis