Chemical Assays
We offer a full range of wet chemical analysis with the latest Agilent ICP-OES enabling us to offer a suite of 70+ elements or specific suites if required. We also have the ability to analyse for carbon, sulphur and nitrogen using the latest Leco equipment. We work closely with other accredited analytical laboratories to provide chemical analysis to specifically suit every project.
GSL also uses an Olympus pXRF for indicative assay results on test work, we calibrate these results with wet assays and now have an extensive database showing close correlation between analyses from similar regions.
Mineralogical Analysis
In conjunction with our external partners, we can offer a full range of mineralogical analysis from XRD, for specialist clay analysis, to automated mineralogy performed using Mineralogic Mining, the automated mineral analysis system from Zeiss, with a Zeiss EVO MS 25 SEM and Bruker EDS detectors. Mineralogic enables the automatic detection, investigation, and characterisation of particles of interest.
Particle Size Analysis
GSL offer particle size analysis using the Malvern Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction technology. With a measurement range of 0.01 – 3000µm, the system is ideally suited for mineral processing applications. The system is used regularly for applications such as sizing signature plot samples, ultrafine industrial mineral samples, optimising classification techniques and verifying particle size distributions for other laboratory testing when required. Analysis can be tailored to the needs of specific projects/ material with the comprehensive Mastersizer software. The Malvern can be used with various non aqueous liquids if required enabling particle size reduction to be carried out in various solvents should the process require.
We also offer particle size analysis performed by traditional dry and wet screening down to 20 microns using standard sets of screens and shakers as required.
Optical Microscopy
GSL use the ZEISS SteREO Discovery.V8 microscope with AxioVision software for optical microscopy analysis. The system allows detailed quantitative analysis of ceramic grinding media characteristics including sphericity and particle size distribution. Performing the analysis pre and post wear in conjunction with our wear test can give the client a detailed insight into poorly performing media by identifying the following issues:
- Mechanism of media wear
- Changes in sphericity
- Changes in size distribution
This is extremely useful in identifying and helping to resolve outstanding issues with media wear. It can also be used as a quality control tool, identifying deformed media or media with incorrect size distributions in fresh media samples.
The system is also capable of visualising particles down to approximately 50 µm for preliminary evaluation of mineral samples and has also proven to be a useful tool in identifying unexpected material in samples provided by clients.
