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Lead Based Paint (LBP) Analysis using DELTA Handheld XRF


DELTA SmartScreen

The DELTA Tube Based Handheld XRF with the new, proprietary SmartScreen™ method for LBP measurements provides fast and accurate analysis of lead (Pb) in paint without radioactive isotopes.

Fast, Accurate Handheld XRF with New SmartScreen™ Method*

For LBP testing, the DELTA XRF with SmartScreen™ adjusts speed of measurement for optimum accuracy and maximum productivity. Most tests take less than 3 seconds. Even the longest tests are typically less than 10 seconds.

The absolute sensitivity for the DELTA tube based - SDD technology on surface coatings and materials, based on a 120 second test time, is 0.1μg/cm2 or 0.0001mg/cm2. Although many other conditions exist, the table below gives precision data in the context of residential Pb paint testing - where the action levels are typically in the 1.0mg/cm2 range and testing times are often less than 10 seconds.

DELTA XRF SmartScreen™ 3-σ Precision

Pb Concentration 0.3 mg/cm2 Pb in Paint
LBP Sample Type Surface Buried
(12 layers of blank paint)
3 seconds test 0.053 0.08
10 seconds test 0.03 0.04

For most paint matrices, whether positive or negative for Pb, SmartScreen™ can deliver a rapid, accurate result. However, when SmartScreen™ identifies a challenging paint matrix through spectral analysis, it extends the measurement time as required for greater accuracy and analytical confidence.

Tube Based LBP Inspections No Radioactive Isotopes

  • DELTA handheld XRF analyzers use X-ray tube sources, unlike radioactive isotope sources which are known to be slower and fade over time, requiring frequent resourcing or factory recalibrations.
  • The X-ray tube output of a DELTA remains constant for testing with the same precision and speed for its entire life; it starts fast and stays fast.
  • X-ray tube based analyzers are much less likely to report false LBP positives than radioactive isotope based analyzers when the Pb is actually in a solid structure, for example on the far side of a wall or door.
  • X-ray tube based analyzers eliminate business liabilities associated with owning hazardous radioactive isotopes.
  • DELTA handheld XRF analyzers are reliable, light-weight, and ergonomically designed. Optionally available dust wipe, filter, and soil analysis add-on capabilities can help expand business opportunities to other environmental safety inspections without having to purchase a second analyzer.
  • The overall low total cost of ownership is a benefit with the DELTA handheld XRF - no resourcing, no biannual leak tests, no radioactive disposal costs, and no increased testing time with age.

*Patent rights Protection by but not limited to US61727350

*The DELTA does not have a HUD PCS; therefore, it is not suitable for HUD LBP applications.

Olympus IMS

Products Used for This Application
DELTA Lead Paint Handheld XRF Analyzers test for Lead (Pb) in seconds. These reliable, tube-based units are light in weight and ergonomically designed for all-day testing. They start fast and stay fast - no isotope fade. And, they have a low total cost of ownership. Before you begin structural repair - grinding, cutting or painting - screen for Pb; then, check your work area after clean-up.
Combining a Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) and a 4W optimized X-ray tube, the DELTA Professional provides superior performance in speed, LODs, and elemental range. It analyzes Mg and higher for Alloys and Mining. The DELTA Professional is the best value solution from Olympus for handheld XRF.
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