Front-loading sample preparation apparatus
Disclosed, is a sample preparation apparatus which is configured to prepare a material sample suitable for X-ray diffraction. The apparatus comprises a dished sample holder bottom configured to fit within an annular sample holder. The dished sample holder bottom has a concave dished surface which is adapted to distribute sample material under pressing forces. A method of preparing a material sample suitable for X-ray diffraction is also disclosed. The method comprises dosing a dished sample holder bottom which is configured to fit within an annular sample holder with sample material, wherein the dished sample holder bottom preferably has a concave dished surface which is adapted to distribute sample material under pressing forces.
1. A sample preparation apparatus configured to prepare a material sample suitable for X-ray diffraction comprising:
a dished sample holder bottom configured to fit within an annular sample holder, the dished sample holder bottom having a concave dished surface which is configured to distribute sample material under pressing forces;
wherein the dished sample holder is provided within the annular sample holder and is configured to move within the annular sample holder in piston fashion;
wherein said dished sample holder bottom further comprises a seal ring disposed between the inner surface of the annular sample holder and an outer surface of the dished sampled holder bottom.
2. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said seal ring is disposed in a retaining groove provided on the outer surface comprised of a number of groove surfaces.
3. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said seal ring comprises an outer lip and an inner portion.
4. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein said seal ring further comprises a recess between said outer lip and inner portion.
5. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the annular sample holder further comprises a retaining groove provided at its outer surface which is configured to receive one or more retaining claws.
6. The sample preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the dished sample holder bottom is used in a front-loading process, and wherein the sample preparation apparatus is configured to produce a quality material sample suitable for X-ray diffraction via said front-loading process.
7. A method of preparing a material sample suitable for X-ray diffraction comprising:
dosing a dished sample holder bottom configured to fit within an annular sample holder with sample material, the dished sample holder bottom having a concave dished surface which is configured to distribute sample material under pressing forces;
pressing the sample material; and
distributing sample material within the dished sample holder bottom by virtue of the concave dished surface;
wherein the step of dosing comprises bringing a leveling device into contact with said sample material prior to pressing, the leveling device comprising a shaft, and a plurality of fingers having different lengths.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the step of dosing further comprises a dosing funnel configured to place the sample material in central portions of the dished sample holder bottom.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the step of pressing further comprises avoiding over-pressing of the sample material.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the step of pressing further comprises pressing with a textured or flat punch.
11. The method of claim 7 , wherein all steps are automated and part of a front-loading process.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein distal ends of the fingers are further from a tip at a radially outwardly portion of the leveling device, and closer to a tip at a radially inwardly portion of the leveling device.