Introduction to Common Sample Grinding Methods for Fluorescence Spectrometers

Quartz Sand Grinding Sample

Step 1: Preparation (Cleaning and Weighing)

First, use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of anhydrous ethanol to wipe clean the inner surface of the vibrating grinding box, the pendulum, and the weighing spoon. Then dry them thoroughly using a bulb syringe.

Next, weigh 3 grams of quartz sand and grind it for 10 seconds in the grinding box (to clean the box). Remove the box, discard the ground sand, and thoroughly clean it with a brush. Wipe the inner surface of the grinding box and the pendulum with a small amount of anhydrous ethanol using lint-free cotton, then dry them with a bulb syringe.

Step 2: Sample Grinding

Wipe the weighing spoon clean. Weigh 5 grams of quartz sand and 0.5 grams of boric acid. Place both into the grinding box, secure the lid, and grind for 2 minutes. Remove the grinding box and collect only the sample from the bottom of the box into a bag.

Calcite, Dolomite, Marble Sample Grinding (Particle size below 6 mesh)

Step 1: Preparation (Cleaning and Weighing)

First, use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of anhydrous ethanol to wipe the inside of the vibrating mortar, the pendulum, and the weighing spoon clean. Then dry them thoroughly using a bulb syringe.

Next, weigh 3 grams of sample into the grinding box and grind for 5 seconds (to clean the box). Remove the box, discard the ground sample, and thoroughly clean the box with a brush. Wipe the interior of the grinding box and the pendulum with a small amount of anhydrous ethanol on a lint-free cotton swab, then dry thoroughly with a bulb syringe.

Step 2: Sample Grinding

Wipe the weighing spoon. Weigh 5 grams of sample into the grinding box. Add one drop of glycerol (one drop is sufficient; excess may cause clumping and affect results). This prevents sample adhesion to the box walls. Cover the box and grind for 30 seconds. Remove the box and collect only the sample from the bottom. Transfer to a bag, label with name and date.

Calcite, Dolomite, Marble Sample Grinding (Particle Size ≥ 6 Mesh)

Step 1: Preparation (Cleaning and Weighing)

First, use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of anhydrous ethanol to wipe the inner surface of the vibrating mortar, the pendulum, and the weighing spoon clean. Then dry thoroughly with an ear syringe.

Next, weigh 3 grams of sample and grind for 5 seconds (to clean the milling box). Remove the box, discard the ground sample, and thoroughly clean the interior with a brush. Wipe the interior of the vibrating milling box and the pendulum with a small amount of anhydrous ethanol on a lint-free cotton swab, then dry thoroughly using a bulb syringe.

Due to the relatively large particle size, coarse grinding is required first (which also serves to mix the sample evenly). Weigh 20 grams of sample, place it in the grinding jar, and grind for 10 seconds. After grinding, remove the sample and place it in a large bag without washing. Then take another 20 grams of sample, place it in the grinding jar, and grind for 10 seconds. Finally, combine the 40 grams of sample into the same bag and mix thoroughly.

Step 2: Sample Grinding

Wipe the weighing spoon clean. Weigh 5 grams of sample into the mortar, add one drop of glycerol (one drop is sufficient; excess may cause clumping and affect results. This prevents sample adhesion to the mortar walls). Cover and grind for 30 seconds. Remove the mortar, collect only the sample from the bottom, transfer to a bag, and label with name and date.