20 um Particles Detected in Samples 250 x 200 mm in Just a Few Minutes

Conventional X-ray CT systems require about 10 hours to detect metal particles 20 µm in diameter in battery electrode plates 250 × 200 mm (about B4-size). Hitachi High-Tech Science developed a new particle inspection technology, in combination with the X-ray transmission method, resulting in greatly reduced imaging time. Detection time can be reduced to 3 to 10 minutes, more than 100 times shorter than conventional times.

Automatic Particle Detection by Image Processing

EA8000 conducts high-speed image processing and detects particle position automatically over the entire 250 mm × 200 mm area using X-Ray image capture.

Automatic Elemental Identification of the Detected Particle

Fluorescent X-ray mapping at the particle location and automatic elemental identification can be performed.

Identification of Metal Particles in Battery Electrode plates

Conventional instruments are only able to identify metal particles 20 um in diameter when the particles are on the surface of the electrode plates. Signals from embedded metal particles are very small due to the absorption by the surrounding sample material. The EA8000 uses unique, focused X-ray optics to identify the elements in metal particles deeper within electrode plates and organic films.

All-in-one Instrument for Higher Efficiency

Detection speed and metal contaminants identification can be done in a much shorter time than conventional instruments. An X-ray imaging unit, fluorescent X-ray analyzer, and optical microscope are integrated into one system and linked to provide results automatically. The operator can simply place a sample and make measurements, resulting in efficient work and high throughput.