Dispersive and non-dispersive X-ray fluorescence for manganese nodule analysis on board research vessels

In future prospecting for manganese nodules it will be more and more necessary to have information on board a ship, both for large- and small-scale prospections. It is the purpose of this paper to present two types of instruments for chemical analysis of manganese nodules, already used on board, and which can be each considered as a function of required precision and ship capabilities. One is a dispersive X-ray fluorescence instrument, the other a non-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyser; the two methods involve simple sample preparation with measurements being made from powdered samples or pellets.