Multielement analysis of unweighed oil samples by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry with two excitation sources

A method has been developed to compute matrix corrections for unweighed oil samples from the combined results of two separate energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectra from different (Ti K..cap alpha.., Zr Kchemically bond) excitation sources. The method utilizes the incoherent and coherent scatter intensities from the Zr-excited spectrum as a basis for multielement back-scatter/fundamental parameter matrix corrections for both spectra. The Ti-excited spectrum is collected in a helium atmosphere and provides more sensitive determination of elements in the Al-Ca range. The method utilizes thin film multielement calibrations of the spectrometer and permits the direct analysis of samples of varying unknown mass and composition with high accuracy and precision. 2 figures, 3 tables.