Sample preparation and final grinding

The laboratory is responsible for final size reduction of all customer samples to analytical portions in a statistically sound manner

- Ring mill grinder and sifter for final preparation of samples from slag, ash and other friable materials
- State of the art rotary sample splitter for subdividing final samples in a statistically valid manner

Fire assay laboratory

Used for precise quantitative determination of precious metals in all samples derived from customer material. The capability spans the range from low grade refractory materials such as ceramic circuit components and catalyst materials to high grade metallic materials such as sputtering targets and bullion.

- Complete fusion capability to collect and determine precious metals in refractory and non-metallic samples
- Scorification and cupellation capability to collect and separate precious metals in metallic samples
- Two electronically controlled electric furnaces with 1200°C peak temperature

Three inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometers

Used for analysis of precious metals from Fire Assay collection, low level impurities in raw materials and products. Automated analysis capability for multi-element determinations.

- Computer controlled spectrometers and data collection
- Radial and axial plasma sources with Argon purged entrance for operation into UV
- - Varian Vista Pro and Model 220, Spectro Cirros

Atomic absorption spectrometer

Instrument is primarily dedicated to determination of precious metals in purchased materials and as a backup for brass and specialty alloy furnace control.

- Computer controlled spectrometer and data collection
- Flame source sample introduction, air and Nitrous oxide
- Automated 8 lamp turrets for rapid sequential determination of multiple elements
- GBC Sigma model

Spark source optical emission spectrometer

Primarily used for control of constituents in specialty alloys, including Copper and Nickel based systems.

- Computer controlled spectrometer and data collection
- 96 line simultaneous polychromators, Argon purged for operation into UV
- SPECTRO Lab S model

Electro-analyzer

Used for electrogravimetric determination of Copper in all shipped products.

- Dual cathode
- Sargent brand

Automatic electro-titrator

Used for determination of Silver in brazing alloys and other high Silver materials.

- Microprocessor controlled electro-chemical titrator
- Mettler model DL21

Metallurgical microscope

Used for examination of microstructures in cast billets.

- Mechanical stage, self-contained illumination
- Video adapter with SONY color image production capability
- OLYMPUS model PME3

Structure and grain visualization capability

Used to ascertain proper grain structure and cooling patterns in continuous cast billets.

- Reagent etching facilities to visualize grain growth and cooling patterns
- Macro camera for documentation

Hardness determination

Used to determine hardness of produced alloys.

- Brinell hardness
- Rockwell hardness

Eddy current based conductivity meter

Used for determination of conductivity (%IACS) of specialty alloy products.

- Centurion model FM-140