At Aurum Laboratories, we understand that accurate sample preparation is crucial for reliable geochemical analysis.
Proper handling of samples ensures that the integrity of the material is maintained, preventing contamination and producing consistent results. Our state-of-the-art laboratory follows industry best practices to prepare rock and core samples for further testing, including gold analysis through fire assay.
The Sample Preparation Process
The sample preparation process at Aurum Laboratories involves several critical steps to ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality control. This includes drying, crushing, splitting, and pulverising rock or core samples in specialised equipment.
Drying
Upon arrival, samples are carefully sorted and placed in drying ovens to remove any residual moisture. Proper drying ensures moisture content does not affect subsequent sample processing or analysis. Samples remain in the oven until fully dry, with no visible moisture present.
Crushing
Once dried, samples are processed through a crusher to reduce them to a fine, uniform particle size. Depending on the material, samples may undergo crushing once or twice to achieve the desired consistency. This step is essential for obtaining representative portions for further analysis.
Splitting
After crushing, samples are split to obtain a suitable sub-sample for pulverisation. Typically, a one-kilogram portion is taken for pulverising, but a two-stage splitting process may be required for larger samples. This ensures that an appropriate and manageable sample size is obtained for analysis.
Pulverising
The split sample is then pulverised using chrome steel bowls to achieve a fine powder of 90% passing 75 microns. This step is critical for ensuring that the sample is homogenised, making it suitable for accurate chemical analysis. If the sample requires chromium-free processing, we utilise specialised pulverising bowls to prevent contamination.
Cleaning and Quality Control
To maintain accuracy and prevent cross-contamination between samples, pulverising bowls are thoroughly cleaned using compressed air inside a dust-controlled environment.
A barren wash is performed before and after processing each batch if necessary.
Clients can request the retention of barren washes for independent analysis or opt for immediate disposal.
Sample Integrity and Traceability
We meticulously ensure that each sample is correctly labelled and placed in the appropriate pulp packet after pulverisation.
Samples are consistently tracked throughout the process to prevent mix-ups, and strict quality control measures are in place.
In case of any discrepancies or concerns, our team immediately halts processing and communicates with the client to resolve the issue before proceeding.
- High-Quality Standards - Our advanced laboratory follows strict protocols to ensure precision and reliability.
- Contamination Prevention - Regular cleaning, barren washes, and strict sample handling procedures eliminate cross-contamination risks.
- Efficient Processing - Our streamlined sample preparation ensures quick turnaround times without compromising accuracy.
- Client Communication - If any inconsistencies arise between submitted samples and accompanying paperwork, our team promptly contacts our clients to resolve them.