KMEZ has acquired a new atomic absorption spectrometer with electrothermal atomization
An ultrasensitive device of American production is installed in the Central Plant Laboratory at the division in charge of the Tankhouse. With its help, laboratory staff to analyse the content of platinum and palladium in blister and anode copper, in slags and secondary raw materials of precious metals.
“A similar spectrometer has proven itself in the best possible way, has served us faithfully since 2006,” comments Yaroslav Andreev, head of the CPL. “When it reached the end of its service life, we made a choice in favour of a more modern model of exactly the same equipment.”
Like its predecessor, the new device allows detecting the precious metals presence in the samples even in smallest quantities – even if it is 0, 000001 percent. Equally sensitive, the latest model offers lots of advantages. One of them is a video camera with which the oven is equipped. Laboratory assistants have the opportunity to judge how the sample is atomized, i.e. its evaporation at a temperature of 1200 degrees, not only by digital indicators, but also by observing the process visually, in real time.
In addition, the spectrometer is equipped with an autosampler or auto-feeder. It is enough for laboratory assistants to load up to one hundred samples of copper, slag or secondary raw materials into the carousel and program the device. Then it by itself will figure out which of the samples to take, where to forward it. That greatly facilitates the work of laboratory technicians and minimizes the possibility of errors.
For specialists of the Central Laboratory, operation on an atomic absorption spectrometer is not a novelty. They studied the previous device like the back of their hand. It was not difficult for them to adapt to its replacement. But, as says CPL staff, it is always more interesting to work with a new equipment. It seems to shake up, refresh the perception, and make one even more attentive and responsible.
The values that specialists receive as a result of studies on a spectrometer are very important for the subsequent extraction of precious metals. KMEZ produces several types of them, including platinum and palladium in powder. The Russian Foil’s products are used not only in the jewellery industry, but also in the chemical, metallurgical and electronics industries.
