LimsPulse
Particle & solid-state

X-ray powder diffractometer (XRPD)

Directs X-rays at a powder and records the angles at which they are diffracted by the crystal lattice. The pattern is a fingerprint of the crystal form, used to identify polymorphs, salts and hydrates and to detect amorphous content.

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Minerals & mining
  • Cement & construction
  • Materials science
  • Chemicals
  • Forensics
Photo of a X-ray powder diffractometer (XRPD)
Photo: René Volfík, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Maintenance checklist

Daily / each use

  • Check chiller and generator status
  • Clean sample holders
  • Check warning lamps and interlocks

Monthly / quarterly

  • Run the silicon (or corundum) standard and trend peak position and intensity
  • Check chiller water level and filters
  • Radiation leak survey as per local regulations

Annual

  • Preventive maintenance and goniometer alignment by the vendor
  • X-ray tube condition check (replace when intensity falls)
  • Formal angle calibration and radiation safety survey
SAFETY

Safety precautions

Before you work on the XRPD
  • XRPD produces ionising radiation. Only trained, authorised users may operate it, and the site must follow local radiation regulations and licensing.
  • Never bypass interlocks or open the enclosure while the shutter is open.
  • Wear a personal dosimeter where required and follow periodic leak surveys.
  • The generator uses high voltage; only service engineers may open panels.
  • Handle potent APIs in a containment holder or ventilated enclosure; some holders can be sealed with a film.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every XRPD in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how