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Handheld XRF for Shipwrecks - Insight from Olympus NDT
Handheld XRF for Shipwrecks - Insight from Olympus NDT
Topics Covered
Introduction
Sparrow-Hawk: The 1626 Shipwreck
Handheld XRF for Non-Destructive In-Situ Analysis of Historic Specimens
Handheld XRF Methodology for Shipwreck Analysis
Metal Posts and Fasteners
Olympus Innov-X Research & Discovery Grants
About Olympus NDT
Introduction
Underwater Archaeologist, Dr. Raymond Hayes made a key discovery in his investigation of shipwrecks. He found a quick, non-destructive method to analyze them - Handheld XRF.
He is now able to analyze specimens wherever he find them even when they move on platforms off-shore such as boat decks. There is no need for him to remove a piece from the wreck and analyze, he can do it on the spot without affecting the wreck.
Wooden shipbuilding materials are analyzed by Hayes that include oakum, Irish felt, pine tar, caulking cotton, copper sheathing, treenails, and metal fasteners. Hayes has analyzed ship timbers, raw lumber, and several wood treatments for comparative baseline data. Shipwrecks studied by Hayes include the Gunboat Philadelphia, Boca Chica Channel Wreck, USS Scorpion, Cleopatra's Barge or Pride of Hawaii, Charles W Morgan, Indiana, USS Tulip, USS Housatonic, CSS Neuse and the CSS Alabama.
Sparrow-Hawk: The 1626 Shipwreck
The Sparrow-Hawk shipwreck has been recently studied by Dr Hayes, which is housed at the Hyannis, MA-based Cape Cod Maritime Museum. Executive Director, Janet Preston assisted Dr Hayes. Ann Berry, Executive Director, representatives of Sparrow Hawk’s Owner, Stephen O’Neill, Associate Director and Curator of Collections and the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, MA joined the study.
In the year, 1626, the Sparrow-Hawk ran aground near Plymouth in 1626 carrying English settlers headed for Jamestown, Virginia. It was discovered after a storm in 1863 and exhibited at Boston Common in 1865.
Figure 2. Remains of the Sparrow-Hawk, Cape Cod's Oldest Shipwreck.
Handheld XRF for Non-Destructive In-Situ Analysis of Historic Specimens
Dr. Hayes used an Olympus Innov-X DE LTA Standard Handheld XRF Analyzer. This handheld XRF combines a high resolution, large-area silicon drift detector (SDD) with a powerful 4 W tube to deliver quick and accurate compositional analysis of a range of materials that include metals, alloys, soil, sediment, wood, wood treatments, and fluids. The DELTA has dramatically reduced testing times enabling hundreds of tests per day enabling immediate in-the-field decisions, optimizing any research and discovery budget.
The XRF analysis showed that the wood absorbed elements from materials it came in contact with over the years. Iron (Fe) could be from original posts and fasteners. Chlorine (Cl) is likely from the salt of the ocean. Elements such as sulfur (S) and calcium (Ca) may be remnants from sea life attached to the wood over time. Silicon (Si) could simply be from sand.
Handheld XRF Methodology for Shipwreck Analysis
Analysis objectives for the shipwreck were mapped by Dr Hayes before taking measurements. A schematic of the wreck was created and areas of analytical interest were marked off. A measuring tape is then placed along the specimen to enable accurate analysis locations. A DELTA soil foot is used and a piece of the boat to keep the analyzer steady on curved pieces during analysis.
Metal Posts and Fasteners
It is not likely that any metal from the Sparrow-Hawk would have survived over time simply from scavenging. However, the metal post in the stern and the metal fasteners found where the rudder attached did have different compositions. The post may have been inserted in the 1860's when it was brought from Cape Cod to be exhibited on Boston Common. The fasteners may have been attached around 1890 when it was transported back to Plymouth.
Olympus Innov-X Research & Discovery Grants
This applications brief is based on a 2011 Grant that was awarded to Dr Ray Hayes. His work involves analyzing materials that are used in present and historic ship building as also seawater and marine sediment as an added source of elemental chemistry in shipwreck specimens. Shipwrecks studied by Dr Hayes span around 200 years and cover a wide range of origins and densities. In addition to complementing the overall knowledge base, the research of Dr Hayes on the Sparrow-Hawk may shed more light on its voyage.
From the year 2008, Olympus Innov-X has been sponsoring worldwide research and discovery projects through its Aademic Grant Program. This is a flexible program in that it supports work in the form of access to analytical equipment, research collaboration, publication, and/or sponsorship at conferences and workshops.
About Olympus NDT
Olympus Corporation is an international company specializing in optics, electronics and precision engineering. Olympus operates in the industrial, medical and consumer markets, providing a leading portfolio of innovative test, measurement and imaging instruments. Olympus testing technologies include remote visual inspection, microscopy, ultrasound, phased array, eddy current, eddy current array, X-ray fluorescence and diffraction, high-speed video, and optical metrology.
ABOUT OLYMPUS NDT
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Olympus NDT.
For more information on this source, please visit Olympus NDT at Olympus NDT Analytical Instruments : Quotes, Address, Contact
Handheld XRF for Shipwrecks - Insight from Olympus NDT
Handheld XRF for Shipwrecks - Insight from Olympus NDT
Topics Covered
Introduction
Sparrow-Hawk: The 1626 Shipwreck
Handheld XRF for Non-Destructive In-Situ Analysis of Historic Specimens
Handheld XRF Methodology for Shipwreck Analysis
Metal Posts and Fasteners
Olympus Innov-X Research & Discovery Grants
About Olympus NDT
Introduction
Underwater Archaeologist, Dr. Raymond Hayes made a key discovery in his investigation of shipwrecks. He found a quick, non-destructive method to analyze them - Handheld XRF.
He is now able to analyze specimens wherever he find them even when they move on platforms off-shore such as boat decks. There is no need for him to remove a piece from the wreck and analyze, he can do it on the spot without affecting the wreck.
Wooden shipbuilding materials are analyzed by Hayes that include oakum, Irish felt, pine tar, caulking cotton, copper sheathing, treenails, and metal fasteners. Hayes has analyzed ship timbers, raw lumber, and several wood treatments for comparative baseline data. Shipwrecks studied by Hayes include the Gunboat Philadelphia, Boca Chica Channel Wreck, USS Scorpion, Cleopatra's Barge or Pride of Hawaii, Charles W Morgan, Indiana, USS Tulip, USS Housatonic, CSS Neuse and the CSS Alabama.
Sparrow-Hawk: The 1626 Shipwreck
The Sparrow-Hawk shipwreck has been recently studied by Dr Hayes, which is housed at the Hyannis, MA-based Cape Cod Maritime Museum. Executive Director, Janet Preston assisted Dr Hayes. Ann Berry, Executive Director, representatives of Sparrow Hawk’s Owner, Stephen O’Neill, Associate Director and Curator of Collections and the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, MA joined the study.
In the year, 1626, the Sparrow-Hawk ran aground near Plymouth in 1626 carrying English settlers headed for Jamestown, Virginia. It was discovered after a storm in 1863 and exhibited at Boston Common in 1865.
Figure 2. Remains of the Sparrow-Hawk, Cape Cod's Oldest Shipwreck.
Handheld XRF for Non-Destructive In-Situ Analysis of Historic Specimens
Dr. Hayes used an Olympus Innov-X DE LTA Standard Handheld XRF Analyzer. This handheld XRF combines a high resolution, large-area silicon drift detector (SDD) with a powerful 4 W tube to deliver quick and accurate compositional analysis of a range of materials that include metals, alloys, soil, sediment, wood, wood treatments, and fluids. The DELTA has dramatically reduced testing times enabling hundreds of tests per day enabling immediate in-the-field decisions, optimizing any research and discovery budget.
The XRF analysis showed that the wood absorbed elements from materials it came in contact with over the years. Iron (Fe) could be from original posts and fasteners. Chlorine (Cl) is likely from the salt of the ocean. Elements such as sulfur (S) and calcium (Ca) may be remnants from sea life attached to the wood over time. Silicon (Si) could simply be from sand.
Handheld XRF Methodology for Shipwreck Analysis
Analysis objectives for the shipwreck were mapped by Dr Hayes before taking measurements. A schematic of the wreck was created and areas of analytical interest were marked off. A measuring tape is then placed along the specimen to enable accurate analysis locations. A DELTA soil foot is used and a piece of the boat to keep the analyzer steady on curved pieces during analysis.
Metal Posts and Fasteners
It is not likely that any metal from the Sparrow-Hawk would have survived over time simply from scavenging. However, the metal post in the stern and the metal fasteners found where the rudder attached did have different compositions. The post may have been inserted in the 1860's when it was brought from Cape Cod to be exhibited on Boston Common. The fasteners may have been attached around 1890 when it was transported back to Plymouth.
Olympus Innov-X Research & Discovery Grants
This applications brief is based on a 2011 Grant that was awarded to Dr Ray Hayes. His work involves analyzing materials that are used in present and historic ship building as also seawater and marine sediment as an added source of elemental chemistry in shipwreck specimens. Shipwrecks studied by Dr Hayes span around 200 years and cover a wide range of origins and densities. In addition to complementing the overall knowledge base, the research of Dr Hayes on the Sparrow-Hawk may shed more light on its voyage.
From the year 2008, Olympus Innov-X has been sponsoring worldwide research and discovery projects through its Aademic Grant Program. This is a flexible program in that it supports work in the form of access to analytical equipment, research collaboration, publication, and/or sponsorship at conferences and workshops.
About Olympus NDT
Olympus Corporation is an international company specializing in optics, electronics and precision engineering. Olympus operates in the industrial, medical and consumer markets, providing a leading portfolio of innovative test, measurement and imaging instruments. Olympus testing technologies include remote visual inspection, microscopy, ultrasound, phased array, eddy current, eddy current array, X-ray fluorescence and diffraction, high-speed video, and optical metrology.
ABOUT OLYMPUS NDT
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Olympus NDT.
For more information on this source, please visit Olympus NDT at Olympus NDT Analytical Instruments : Quotes, Address, Contact
