AGAT Laboratories uses the most advanced technology and techniques available in the analysis of your samples. Following are some examples of instrumentation used.
ICPMS
Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectroscopy is generally considered to be the most technologically advanced technique in the analysis of metals in a variety of matrices. It combines the convenience of multi-element concurrent analysis with superior analytical sensitivity resulting in the best detection limits possible.ICP-MS uses atomic mass of elements in a sample as the basis for quantification. This process leads to high sensitivity and selectivity making it the preferred method of metals analysis when trace amount determination is required. ICPMS is used at AGAT's Mississauga Laboratory for the anlaysis of metals in a wide variety of matrices.
ICP-OES
Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emissions Spectroscopy is a metals analysis technique that quantifies metals in a digested sample. After undergoing digestion with Acid, a liquid sample is introduced into the ICP. The ICP quantifies concentrations of metals in a sample by measuring the atomic emission of light from individual elements in a sample. ICP is a very powerful technique because it enables the analyst to measure up to 40 metals in a sample concurrently. Once the concentration of a particular metal is determined using ICP, the concentration in the original rock sample can then be readily determined.
ATOMIC ABSORPTION
Another metals analysis technique, Flame Atomic Absorption is the oldest but a still very reliable technique in metals analysis. After a sample has undergone sample preparation by acid digestion it is aspirated into a Flame that has a lamp sending a wavelength of monochromatic light through the flame. The amount a particular sample absorbs that light is proportional to the amount of analyte of interest. Atomic absorption is a popular technique when the concentration of a single analyte is required and in field situations where the use of ICP or ICPMS is not practical.
FIRE ASSAY
Fire assaying is a process that has been around almost as long as people have been searching for precious metals.
The basic technique in fire assaying involves adding flux and silver to a crushed rock sample and fusing the sample at high temperature (2000 C). The Gold is concentrated on the added Silver and Lead, ensuring ease of handling.
After the sample is cooled, a Lead “button” is covered with a glass cover which can be chipped away enabling the analyst access to the precious metal.
Upon further heating the lead is oxidized and absorbed, leaving a small amount of precious metal.
The concentration of the precious metals (Gold, Platinum or Silver) are then measured by way of ICP, AAS or ICPMS, which constitute the analytical finish. The concentration in the original sample can then be easily calculated.