Laboratory
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) is used for minor and trace level chemical analysis. We operate a flame system and our latest model is a Perkins Elmer AAnalyst 300. The following is an example of our AAS capability.
| Items | Elements | Limit of determination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ag, Be, Ca, Cd, K, Li, Mg, Na, Zn | < 2 ppm |
| 2 | Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni | 2–5 ppm |
| 3 | Ba, Bi, In, Pb | 5–20 ppm |
| 4 | Al, As, Sb | 10–50 ppm |
| 5 | Sn | 50–100 ppm |
Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES)
Our laboratory operates simultaneous OES systems carrying out multi-element chemical analysis at trace and minor levels on a range of materials after suitable dissolution procedures. Our latest model is Spectro Lab-NG (M9).
| Items | Elements | Limit of determination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pb, Bi, Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Ag, Cd, Al, Au, In | 1–5 ppm |
| 2 | Sb, Zn | 5–10 ppm |
| 3 | As | 10 ppm |
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF)
The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to identify and determine the concentrations of elements present in solid and powdered samples. XRF is capable of measuring all elements from Sodium to Uranium at trace levels of ppm and up to 100%. Results are typically delivered within minutes or even seconds.
Specifically Analyzed: Tin Concentrates and work in process samples.
Oxygen Analyzer
Using Leco RO400 Oxygen Determinator, oxygen content can be measured within the following limits:
Range: 2 ppm to 3.0%
Precision: 1 ppm or 0.5% RSD, whichever is greater
Readability: 0.01 ppm
Laser Particle Size Analysis
Thaisarco operates a Beckman Coulter LS 13 320 Series Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer for measuring particle size distribution, using Fraunhofer and Mie theories. It offers resolution and accuracy from 0.04 to 2000 microns.
ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometer)
Thaisarco uses a sequential ICP system (Spectro Arcos) for multi-element chemical analysis at trace and minor levels. Example capability:
| Items | Elements | Limit of determination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Li, Be, Mg, Ca, Sc, Fe, Sr, Cd, Ba | < 0.1 ppb |
| 2 | Na, Al, K, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ge, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Ag, In, La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Pt, Au, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm | 0.1–1 ppb |
| 3 | B, C, Si, P, S, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sn, Sb, Te, Cs, Os, Tl, Pb, Bi, Ce, Nd, Th, U | 1–10 ppb |
| 4 | Cl, Br, I | > 10 ppb |
Tin Assay
Method for determination of tin by Iodometric titration. Typically used for materials with ~80% tin.
Specifically Analyzed: Tin Concentration, Tin Slag.
Sieve Analysis
Thaisarco uses the Octagon 2000 sieve shaker from Endecotts (UK). Certified sieves available:
| Micron (ISO 3310) | 20, 20, 38, 40, 45, 53, 63, 80, 125, 150, 180, 200, 250, 300, 315, 355 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh (BS 410) | 635 | 510 | 400 | - | 350 | 300 | 240 | 200 | 120 | 100 | 85 | 88 | 60 | 52 | - | 44 |
| No. (ASTM) | - | - | 400 | - | 325 | 270 | 230 | - | 120 | 100 | 80 | - | 60 | 50 | - | 45 |
Apparent Density (AD) & Flow Rate
Thaisarco uses a Hall Flow meter (ACu Powder) to measure the flow characteristics and apparent density of free-flowing metal powders. With the Carney Funnel, it can also measure non-free-flowing powders (density only).
Standards:
Apparent density – ISO 3923/1
Flow rate – ISO 4490