Analytical Lab
On-Site Precious Metal Analytics
Precious metal settlements are based upon a series of production processes and laboratory methodologies that are handled with great care and attention by the highly skilled staff in our custom-built laboratory. Results are achieved under demanding quality standards to help ensure optimal recovery.
Precious metal analyses are achieved through several different testing standards. Commonly referred to as assaying, these are detailed methods used to quantify metallic composition.
Noble Metal Services excels in the use of Commercial Fire Assaying and ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma). We also use XRF technology to spot check material during our rigorous receiving process.
Commercial Fire Assaying
Commercial Fire Assaying is the most widely accepted method for calculating gold & silver content within the refining industry. This analysis places the sample under high heat in a specialized laboratory furnace. Whether fusion is performed first-hand for difficult sample mediums, or a metal pin sample is weighed directly into lead boats, the material undergoes cupellation in bone ash cupels, which absorb lead oxides and base metals. This results in a bead of pure precious metals. Further steps are taken using acids to part the bead for gold determination. In the case of a gold-only sample, fire assaying produces a pure gold bead which is then weighed. The ratio of pure gold compared to the sample’s starting weight indicates the percentage of gold in the sample. The percentage of gold is then applied to the lot weight for final settlement.
ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) Analysis
Our ICP-OES analyzer is a highly sophisticated instrument that measures light intensity to determine which elements are present and at what concentration. This is an excellent tool to quantify precious metals and most metallic elements.
Procedures include digesting samples into a liquid state using acids, which can then be fed into superheated plasma using a series of tubing and a quartz torch. Reaching up to 18,000° Fahrenheit, Temperatures of ICP Plasma are hotter than the surface of the sun. This extreme environment excites the atomic structure of metals, producing a specific light intensity that can be compared to known standards.
ICP allows dozens of metals to be analyzed simultaneously, determining the percentage of composition for elements that cannot be measured using Fire Assay.
Experience Precision Analytics That Protect Your Bottom Line
We see every project as an opportunity to create value for our customers, recovering the maximum precious metals from your materials while maintaining strict environmental and safety standards. We combine cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and individualized service to deliver results you can trust.