ATLAS provides quick and accurate chemical composition analysis, with no sample preparation, allowing the cement to be continuously produced on a 24/7 basis with no delays or reworks. Elemental mapping of concrete and cements may also be performed with ATLAS providing the analyst with the opportunity to visually and chemically inspect the physical sample. X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is one of the simplest instrumental techniques for analysis in a cement works because there is no sample preparation and results can be reviewed minutes after a sample is taken. XRF analysis can be used at many stages of the cement analysis process, from raw materials, i.e. at the quarry, to intermediate products (clinker, gypsum, limestone) and the finished product (cement). But also, waste materials are increasingly being used in the cement making process. When they contain the main cement making components, waste materials can replace some of the natural raw materials and combustible wastes. This means more testing of the incoming raw materials, both during the process and in the final product.
