KIT XRF-FB 2 (CEM II+ to CEM V)

METHODS OF CONTROL AND CALIBRATION XRF with Fuse Bead

The SNL is currently developing different calibration kits for your XRF & XRD with three sets of kits

1. « KIT XRF-FB » enabling to calibrate your XRF on several componants with a large range of measures . 3 versions are available
   • SNL-XRF-FB1 for the analysis of CEM I and CEM II/A cements
   • SNL-XRF-FB CEM II+ for cement analysis with more than 10% additions.
   • SNL-XRF-FB 3 for the analysis of raw mix and clinker
2. « KIT XRF-componant » allowing to analyse the same componant on a broad range of measures
   • Chlorine
   • SO3 and Alkalis
   • P205

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The XRF Fused Beads Reference Materials “Kit 2: CEM II/A (>10%) to CEM V” (excluding CEM III cement) consist of 7 homogenized and stable cement samples that have been rigorously validated through international interlaboratory testing. These samples serve as essential reference materials to ensure and maintain the accuracy of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) calibrations during routine laboratory operations. They enable continuous monitoring and detection of calibration drift using recommended control charts. 

The SNL XRF Kit 2 complements the SNL XRF Kit 1, which is specifically designed for the calibration and validation of XRF fused-bead analyses of CEM I and CEM II/A cements containing less than 10% additional constituents.

• SNL XRF Kit 2 focuses on the characterization of cements containing 10% or more additional constituents, including other CEM II types and blended cements. It extends the calibration range to cover the growing diversity of low-carbon cement formulations while maintaining high analytical accuracy and robustness.
• Together with SNL XRF Kit 3, dedicated to kiln feed and clinker characterization, and the forthcoming SNL XRF Kit 4 (planned for Q1 2027), these reference materials provide a complete and comprehensive portfolio of XRF fused-bead reference materials for the cement industry, covering the entire production process from raw materials to finished cement and supporting the characterization of both conventional and emerging low-carbon cementitious materials.

Note: SNL XRF Fused Bead Reference Materials are not suitable for use with XRF pressed pellet methods — using them in this context can result in inaccurate calibrations and control values due to significant matrix effect differences, ultimately compromising the reliability of analytical results. It is essential to understand that the mineralogy of each produced and purchased material is highly specific. The fused bead method is the only approach that effectively eliminates mineralogical and matrix-related variability, ensuring accurate and consistent XRF calibration. Please refer to the requirements specified by your XRF equipment suppliers for further guidance.

Each of the inter-laboratory campaigns involves more than 150 international cement laboratories, as well as XRF suppliers and some accredited laboratories. The logic of the ISO 5725-2: 2019 “Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results Part 2: Basic method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard measurement method” is applied at each step of the elaboration process (excluding Grubbs and Cochran tests, replaced by the “interquartile method”).

2- SNL XRF Fused Bead Reference Samples Characteristics

The properties of the seven SNL XRF Fused Bead Reference Cement Samples represent the most accurate estimates of their true values. These reference values are derived from the statistical evaluation of results obtained by all participants in the Round Robin Tests, with outliers excluded according to robust statistical methods. Each value is accompanied by an estimate of measurement uncertainty, including both the combined standard uncertainty and the expanded uncertainty (typically at a 95% confidence level).

For chemical analysis, it is important to note that the majority of participating laboratories calibrate their instruments using Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) with metrologically traceable certified values. Consequently, the assigned values of the SNL XRF Fused Bead  Reference Samples inherit a level of traceability to the International System of Units (SI) through an unbroken metrological chain.

The SNL XRF Fused Bead Reference Samples are developed and certified by the principles and guidelines outlined in ISO Guide 35: Reference Materials — Guidance for Characterization and Assessment of Homogeneity and Stability. Comprehensive characterization has been performed using robust analytical methods across multiple international laboratories. Statistical assessments confirm the homogeneity and long-term stability of the samples. The assigned reference values are accompanied by combined and expanded uncertainties, estimated in full compliance with the Guide’s requirements. This rigorous approach ensures that the SNL XRF Fused Bead materials are fit for use as reliable and metrologically traceable reference standards in cement chemical analysis and XRF calibration.

The Reference Samples provide a significant range for each parameter, as illustrated below.

The KIT consists of a case of 7 samples in hermetically sealed glass containers of about 10 grams and a spatula. The calibration best practices manual is provided with the certificates when ordering. This manual is the exclusive property of SNL and may not be communicated to a third party or purchased separately from the SNL-XRF-FB KIT.