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The formation of scales consists in one of the most relevant problems in the oil prospecting field and occurs when incompatible types of water (injected sea water and formation water) are mixed in the reservoir, unavoidably undergoing chemical interaction followed by mineral precipitation. In this work, scale samples extracted from obstructed oil pipes were characterized through X-Ray Microfluorescence and X-Ray microtomography by analyzing their elemental and structural composition. Different types of scale were found according to their elemental distribution (mainly BaSO 4 and CaCO 3) and to the way that they were deposited inside the pipes. The results of both techniques provided data that can be used to optimize the prevention and removal methods of such materials from pipes and equipments used in oil facilities. • Micro-XRF and microCT images of scale samples extracted from oil pipes were acquired. • The distribution and quantification of each element from samples of different piping material was obtained through micro-XRF. • The scale deposition behavior was evaluated by microCT and the fraction of pores and high density materials was quantified. • PCA analysis was performed in order to sort different types of scales. • The predominant type of scale for each piping application and material was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, the painting “Gioventú” (Eliseu Visconti, 1898) was analyzed by means of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and computed radiography. A portable EDXRF system was employed to identify the pigments used by the artist: yellow, red and brown ocher; umber; vermilion; cobalt blue; lead white and viridian (or chromium oxide). The CR analysis revealed that the painting was in a good state of conservation and also a previous composition hidden under the painting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, Nerium oleander L. leaves were used as biomonitors to evaluate environmental pollutants levels in a sub-region in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro City (Brazil) through X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Control samples were collected in a rural zone next to the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca/RJ. The samples were collected during all seasons of 2015 (summer, fall, winter and spring). The concentration of 13 elements (S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Ba and Pb) was determined. Most of the elements showed, during all seasons, median concentrations of sampling sites higher than the results obtained from the control sites. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed the grouping of the elements in two main factors that can be associated to emission sources of these elements. The elements Cl, K, Ca, Cu, Rb and Sr can be associated as a possible influence from the soil (root uptake and/or resuspension). On the other hand, the elements Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb can be associated to vehicle and industry emission sources. The study showed that the XRF technique applied to Nerium oleander L. leaves is efficient to environmental pollution analysis in Metropolitan Regions since it is precise, fast and low-cost, besides allowing the monitoring of pollution levels over time. • Analyze Nerium oleander L. leaves using X-ray Fluorescence. • Environmental pollution by heavy metals. • Deposition, accumulation and distribution of metal pollutants. • Air pollutants can be generated by natural or anthropogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]