Analytical
LAB
CM Solutions has an active and ongoing system of quality assurance and quality control. As an organization, we are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
Analytical LAB
The assay and chemical analysis of samples is critical for all metallurgical flowsheet development. CM Solutions has an experienced and efficient team of chemists and analysts who ensure quality data under time constraints. This laboratory is dedicated to serving the needs of our metallurgical test work clients.
Our Capabilities
Method Development and validation
Our team is experienced and skilled in the developing methods of analysis and the associated quality standards for validating the method. The goal of method development and validation is to ensure that the methods used are accurate, precise, and reliable.
Our analytical team has developed techniques using sample preparation techniques such as digestion, microwave digestion, and peroxide fusion, coupled with ICP-OES or titration.
Analysis packages
Our analysis packages include:
Battery metals and black mass recycling
Co, Ni, Mn, Li, Cu, Fe, and the impurity suite in these materials.
Copper-cobalt ores and associated process solutions:
Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Al, and the impurity suite in these ores.
Precious metals
Au, Ag, and their associated impurities, such as Pb, As, Sb
Platinum Group Metals in ores and solutions
Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os (with Cu, Ni, Co and other impurities)
Rare earth elements
Rare earth suite
Quality assurance
CM Solutions has an active and ongoing system of quality assurance and quality control. As an organization, we are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Our systems and procedures are audited on an annual basis. Within the analytical laboratory, our quality assurance and quality control activities are designed to ensure the accuracy and precision of the analytical data.
ICP-OES calibration and control standards prepared from custom made, ultraspec, multi-element, aqueous standards are prepared externally to the highest standards. Elemental concentrations are traceable to NIST Standard Reference Material.
Blank & QC samples are analyzed after calibration and repeated after every 15 samples.
Automated in-line addition 10 mg/L yttrium (Y) as an internal standard to account for matrix interferences.
Blank, certified reference materials (CRMs) and/or in-house references analyzed with each sample batch.
Participation in external round robins with external laboratories.
Analytical techniques
Our team of chemists are highly skilled in analytical procedures and will develop methods suitable for and appropriate to the sample matrix.
Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES)
Central to our laboratory are the set of ICP-OES instruments (currently Agilent 5800 Vertical Dual View) which allows our team to perform multi-element assay on aqueous and organic samples. Our ICP-OES measure the plasma in both the axial and radial orientations, increasing sensitivity and facilitating the analysis of more complex matrices.
Our ICP instruments are each equipped with a seven-port Advanced Valve System that reduces sample introduction and rinse times, thus increasing sample throughput.
Sample Preparation for ICP
Samples need to be diluted so that their concentrations are within the linear region of calibration for the ICP. At CM Solutions, our analysts perform this automatically using auto-dilution systems (Hamilton).
Solid sample preparation
Solid samples are digested prior to assay by ICP. This digestion is performed either by microwave digestion, peroxide fusion, or acid digestion, depending on the system and the matrix material.
Fire Assay
Fire assay is a technique for the determining of gold in solid samples. Our analysts are skilled in the art and science of fire assay, although we take advantage of the ICP to perform an ICP finish rather than a gravimetric finish. For very low gold contents, our analysts have developed techniques using solvent extraction to improve sensitivity and accuracy.
Ion-Selective Electrodes
At CM Solutions, our team of analysts have a variety of ion selective electrodes for the determination of, for example, fluoride and ammonium ions in solution.
Titration
Our team of analysts is skilled at many of the great variety of titration techniques, for example, for the determination of the concentrations of acid, hydroxide, Cu(II), Ni(II) Fe(II).
Colorimetric analysis
Colorimetric analysis is used by our analysts for the determination of, for example, the concentration of ammonia, chloride, and sulphate ions in solution.
Physical parameters
Techniques such as turbidity, conductivity, and density are important measurements performed by our team of analysts.
Gravimetric analysis
Gravimetric techniques are used for the analysis of total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids, and moisture.