Investigation of the Internal Structure and Gold-thin Layer of the Gilt-bronze Seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva at Anseong Cheonryong Temple through the Non-destructive Analysis

Anseong Cheonryongsa, a temple located in Anseong Seoun Mountain, is a part of the second Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, under the Yongju Temple, and enshrines a gilt-bronze seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed that this statue is composed of Cu-27.2 wt%, Sn-12.6 wt% and Pb-48 wt%. A gamma (γ) ray (Ir-192) image confirmed damage on the backside of the statue, which was later repaired with wood. The XRF analysis and visual observation determined the boundary between the metal and wood in the statue. In addition, results of standard X-ray peak intensity of gold foil and correlation with thickness helped to derive an equation for calculating the thickness of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s gold foil. It was determined that the gilded chest (21 µm) and face (20.7 µm) of the statue were the thickest sections, the wooden substratum (11.9 µm) was the next-most thick, and the bronze (7.4 µm) was the thinnest layer.

Integration of Cutting Spectroscopy Analysis and Open-Hole Logs to Increase Evaluation Certainty of Complex Clastic Formations – Advantages and Limitations

This paper presents an approach by integrating advanced cutting analysis, such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and open-hole logs for enhanced formation evaluation of complex clastic formations in near real-time. To verify the methodology, results of surface cuttings analyses are compared to and validated with downhole elemental spectroscopy measurements. In general, when the formation contains clays, the minimum logging requirement to evaluate clastic formations is a triple combo (density, neutron and resistivity) with spectral gamma ray (SGR) logs. In addition to correcting the impact of the drilling fluid additives and properties such as the presence of k-formate in mud, SGR logs become very crucial to differentiate clay types present in the formation. In the absence of SGR, advanced cuttings measurements can be utilized to provide elemental data of major elements including SGR components from the cuttings in near real-time. A comparison was made to evaluate the cuttings analysis as a replacement for SGR. As a part of this work and to validate the petrophysical evaluation results, downhole wireline SGR and elemental spectroscopy data were acquired and compared to the analysis using advanced cutting measurements. This work was conducted in a siliciclastic formation containing abrasive sandstones of mixed clean quartz and clay minerals. The analysis of cuttings XRF was integrated with basic downhole logs to quantify the clay typing required for representative formation evaluation and well geosteering. Limitations of this approach are identified in drilling complex clastic formations including cutting sampling frequency and effects of drilling including drilling fluid contamination, mud additives, drilling parameters and drilling driving mechanism. Controlling these factors has led to good results from cuttings measurements. The advanced cuttings XRF analysis was benchmarked with wireline SGR and elemental spectroscopy logs. This approach of using cuttings XRF analysis and basic open-hole logs is a valid option for geosteering in a complex clastic mineralogy formation and providing a near real-time formation evaluation in the absence of spectral gamma ray or elemental spectroscopy. XRF has been proven to provide near real-time analysis with improved reliability across bad hole, wider spectrum of elements and eliminate critical operations risk. Recommendations to optimize the parameters for reliable measurements will be discussed in this paper.

Characterization of European Medieval Silver Bars Using Micro X-ray Fluorescence, Conductivity Meter and Scanning Electron Microscopy

The objective of this paper is to use μ-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to evaluate the fineness and components of European Medieval Silver Bars samples. Conductivity measurements were used to assess the fineness and localization of the faults found in the samples. Because unevenness causes a change in conductivity, the tests were performed on the flattest areas of the Bars. Some rods, such as B3 and B9, have greater conductivity than others. All bars were subjected to the segregation test. In the instance of certain bars, it was not always practicable to categorically state that segregation had happened. There is no diminishing conductivity curve as one moves away from the zero height, as there is for bars B1, B8, and B9. As a result, there may be no solidification on these bars from Obverse to Reverse. A scanning electron microscope was used to record the following bars at various positions on the bars, and quantitative determinations were achieved using energy-dispersed XRF analysis through intensity measurements of the element-specific wavelength.

Analysis and treatment of insulation abnormality of a 220kV wall bushing end shield

This work expounds a case of insulation abnormality of a 220kV wall bushing end shield caused by the failure of rubber seal gasket. The mechanism and causes of insulation abnormality were put forward combined with the method of on-site inspection, XRF analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR) analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. And suggestions for the improvement of sealing performance to prevent this kind of defect and management of operation and maintenance of bushing end shield were proposed.

A Study on the Retouching Materials for Oil Paintings - Using Restoration Colors and Acrylic Gouache -

In this study, we compare the properties and estimate the durability of five oil colors that are the most popularly used colors in the conservation of oil paintings. A set of these colors was obtained form four manufacturers each, and their properties were analyzed by conducting deterioration experiments. Subsequently, we observed the colors and performed X-ray fluorescence analysis. As a result of colour observation and XRF analysis, it was confirmed that there are the differences according to the pigment types, mixing rations and the manufacturers even for colors having the same product name. The deterioration test indicated differences in the appearance of the colors ; for instance, the color difference was above 12.0 in most of the samples, including restoration color and acrylic gouache. In the case of Lemon Yellow a lot of discoloration and cracking occurred, and difference in gloss was ob served in Viridian of manufacturer C. Most cracks were ob served in the restoration color obtained from manufacturer B and were assumed to be because of the resin used by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, additional research will have to be conducted by controlling variables in order to find out the cause. Through this study, we demonstrated that retouching materials for conservation of oil painting differed in their physical properties according to the color and manufacturer. Therefore a conservator should be mindful during the selection and use of materials for retouching oil paintings.

Studying the Effect of Potassium Amyl Xanthate Surfactant on Fe, Cu and U Ions for the Pretreatment of Abu Zeneima Sulphate Leach Liquor

In this study, batch experiments were performed to study the behavior of potassium amyl xanthate surfactant on Fe, Cu and U ions for the pretreatment of Abu Zeneima sulphate leach liquor. Various parameters, such as amount of potassium amyl xanthate, pH, stirring time, sample volume to potassium amyl xanthate mass (v/m ratio) and temperature were tested to determine the optimum conditions. The numerical results obtained support the experimental data on decreasing the iron and copper values where 0.1 g potassium amyl xanthate could remove 86.8 mg Fe and 0.98 mg Cu from the studied sulphate solution with no effect on uranium content. FTIR spectroscopy and XRF analysis were used for investigation.