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From Rock to Results: Elemental Analysis in Ores

October 7, 2025

In the mining and mineral processing world, knowing exactly what is in your ore is critical. Trace elements, major constituents, impurities – they all impact process efficiency, product quality, regulatory compliance, and profitability. That’s why elemental analysis is a cornerstone of quality control, process optimization, and strategic decision-making in the mining value chain.

Why Elemental Analysis Matters?

Here are some of the major drivers for doing elemental (and sometimes isotopic) analysis:

Grade determination & ore valuation – quantifying the content of target metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, etc.) vs gangue.
Impurity control – e.g. sulfur, phosphorus, arsenic, etc. can poison downstream catalysts or degrade product quality.
Process control & optimization – monitoring feed versus product streams to detect losses or inefficiencies.
Regulatory & environmental compliance – some elements (e.g. sulfur, heavy metals) are regulated in waste streams or emissions.
Product specification / quality assurance – for example, steel plants require strict limits on C, S, P, etc.

Because of variability in ore texture, mineralogy, and heterogeneity, sample preparation and analytical method robustness become vital.

Key Challenges in Ore Analysis

Before jumping into instrument methods, it’s helpful to recognize obstacles that must be addressed:

· Ore samples often contain minerals of very different hardness, size, densities, and textures. Without good comminution (grinding / homogenization), spot analyses may not be representative.

· During crushing, milling, or handling, contamination from grinding media, ambient dust, moisture, or cross-sample carryover can degrade accuracy.

· Some target elements (e.g. S, C, nitrogen) may volatilize or migrate during preparation. For example, heating or pre-drying steps must be controlled to avoid losing analyte.

· The presence of differing matrices (oxides, silicates, sulfides) can cause absorption or spectral interferences, requiring method-specific calibration, blank corrections, or matrix-matched standards.

· Some elements are present only at ppm levels, which requires careful optimization of instrument sensitivity, background subtraction, and noise control.

Case Example: Iron Ore

Crushing and Grinding

Proper crushing, grinding, homogenization, and splitting are critical to ensure a representative aliquot reaches the analyzer.

Jaw crushers for pre-crushing from 350x170 mm to 500 µm
Ball or planetary mills are typically used to achieve fine, uniform powders, < 100 µm.
Sample divider for representative sample splitting.

Carbon & Sulfur in Iron Ore

An ELTRA application note shows how C and S in iron ore can be precisely measured using induction furnace analyzers (e.g. CS-2000):

Grind to ~200 µm
Dry to constant weight
Add iron and tungsten accelerators to ensure complete combustion
Calibrate with certified reference materials

Typical results showed excellent repeatability (≈1–2 % RSD) for both carbon and sulfur.

Accurate elemental analysis turns raw rock into actionable information. By combining robust sample preparation with reliable instrumentation, mining labs can achieve the precision and throughput they need to stay competitive.

Click here to read the application note.

Milk Chocolate vs. Chocolate Milk: One Ingredient, Two Scientific Challenges

October 1, 2025

Chocolate is a universal favorite, but the science behind it is anything but simple. What makes a chocolate bar smooth is not the same factor that keeps a chocolate drink stable. Both rely on cocoa solids, yet the quality parameters differ.

For milk chocolate, the focus is particle size. For chocolate milk, the key is stability. Two products, nearly the same words – but very different analytical needs.

Milk Chocolate: Texture Through Particle Size

The creamy texture of milk chocolate is the result of careful milling. Cocoa solids, sugar, and milk powder must be reduced to particles generally smaller than 30 microns. Larger particles give an unpleasant gritty sensation, while overly fine particles increase viscosity, making conching and molding difficult. The goal is not just “as small as possible,” but a balanced distribution that ensures both smooth texture and efficient processing.

This is where the Microtrac SYNC proves invaluable. By combining laser diffraction with dynamic image analysis, SYNC provides a complete view of particle size and shape. Manufacturers can monitor refining steps, verify batch consistency, and adjust processes before texture problems appear. The result is chocolate that feels luxurious while remaining economical to produce.

Chocolate Milk: Stability in a Bottle

When the words are reversed, the science shifts. In chocolate milk, cocoa particles are suspended in liquid, and the challenge is preventing them from settling or clumping. Left unchecked, sedimentation and flocculation cause separation, shortening shelf life and disappointing consumers. Stabilizers such as carrageenan or guar gum are commonly used, but their effectiveness must be verified under real conditions.

Traditionally, stability could only be assessed through weeks of storage tests. The Microtrac Turbiscan changes that by detecting early signs of instability long before they are visible. Using multiple light scattering, Turbiscan quantifies sedimentation, creaming, and flocculation in just hours. This allows formulators to compare stabilizers, fine-tune recipes, and predict shelf life with confidence – accelerating development while ensuring product reliability.

Two Products, Two Solutions

Although milk chocolate and chocolate milk share ingredients, they demand distinct analytical approaches. Milk chocolate requires precise particle size control to guarantee smoothness and efficient processing. Chocolate milk depends on stability testing to maintain its homogeneous appearance and taste throughout storage.

Microtrac provides solutions for both. The SYNC delivers accurate particle size analysis for solid chocolate applications, while the Turbiscan offers rapid, predictive stability testing for liquid formulations. Together, they give manufacturers the tools to master the science behind both products.

Accurate Carbon and Sulfur Determination in Coal

September 24, 2025

Coal remains one of the most widely used energy sources worldwide, but its composition has a major impact on both performance and environmental footprint. Carbon content directly influences the fuel’s energy value, while sulfur content is closely monitored due to its role in air pollution, acid rain, and health risks. Precise determination of these elements is therefore essential for evaluating coal quality and ensuring regulatory compliance.

However, traditional methods for measuring carbon and sulfur in coal are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. Wet chemistry approaches, for example, involve complex sample preparation steps and hazardous reagents, which increase both operator risk and laboratory waste. In addition, achieving consistent combustion and complete sample decomposition can be difficult, leading to inaccurate or irreproducible results. For laboratories processing high sample volumes, these inefficiencies can quickly become costly.

Another common challenge is balancing accuracy with throughput. Many conventional techniques require long analysis times, frequent recalibrations, and costly consumables. This not only slows down workflows but also limits a lab’s ability to respond quickly to industry demands. At the same time, environmental regulations are tightening, pushing labs to deliver ever more reliable data on sulfur emissions while keeping operational costs under control. Laboratories therefore need solutions that are both precise and practical for routine use.

VELP Scientifica’s EMA 502 Elemental Analyzer offers a reliable, fast, and cost-effective solution for CHNS determination in coal and coke. Using the principle of flash combustion at over 1000 °C, the EMA 502 breaks down coal samples into elemental compounds for accurate analysis. With VELP’s Vcopper™ formulation, nitrogen oxides are effectively reduced to nitrogen, while the innovative LoGas™ Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) ensures highly sensitive gas detection without the need for a reference gas.

Why laboratories choose the EMA 502 for coal testing:

High precision and reproducibility: with detection limits as low as 0.001 mg N and excellent RSD values.
Efficiency and low operating cost: thanks to optimized consumables and innovative hardware.
Fast, intuitive workflow: complete results in just a few minutes with EMASoft™ software.
Connectivity and compliance: remote monitoring and service support via the VELP Ermes Cloud Platform, plus optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for regulated industries.
User-friendly operation: easy start-up, quick calibration, and simple maintenance.

Application results

In a recent study with certified coal reference materials, the EMA 502 delivered results fully consistent with certified values for both carbon and sulfur. For example, in samples containing ~0.35% and ~1.41% sulfur, the analyzer achieved excellent reproducibility and accuracy, confirming its reliability for routine coal testing.

Conclusion

The VELP EMA 502 Elemental Analyzer is an ideal instrument for laboratories analyzing coal and coke. It combines robust accuracy with user-friendly design, ensuring that research centers, energy companies, and quality control labs can confidently measure carbon and sulfur content to optimize fuel performance and minimize environmental impact.

Read the application note here VELP EMA 502 Micro Elemental Analyzer.

More Samples, Less Time – Smart Viscosity and Density Testing with OptiMVD

September 17, 2025

Viscosity and density are two of the most fundamental physical properties in petroleum products, lubricants, and specialty fluids. Accurate measurement of these parameters is critical for quality control, regulatory compliance, and product performance. Traditionally, analysis was performed on manual capillary viscometers (ASTM D445) and hydrometers for density measurements. While reliable, these were labor-intensive, slow, and prone to operator variability.

The OptiMVD, developed by PAC, integrates an advanced mini viscometer and oscillating U-tube density meter into a single compact platform. This combination not only accelerates testing but also ensures consistency across multiple production stages and laboratory testing.

Analytical Performance and Standards Alignment

The OptiMVD is designed to meet and exceed key international test methods:

Viscosity: ASTM D7945, ISO 18335, and SAE J300 for automotive engine oils.
Density: ASTM D7777, correlating with reference methods such as ASTM D4052 and ASTM D1298.

Ease of use is at the heart of the OptiMVD. A bright 13.3″ touchscreen makes operation intuitive, while built-in automation handles heating, cleaning, and drying of the test cell. Its integrated autosampler carousel can manage up to 48 samples in a single sequence. Paired with Smart Sample Ordering, the instrument automatically prioritizes the testing schedule for maximum efficiency. Operators can select predefined “Favorites,” start a run, and let the instrument complete the full analysis cycle. As a result, labs can cut total testing times by 20–50% compared to manual or older semi-automated systems.

Space is at a premium in most laboratories, and the OptiMVD was engineered with this in mind. Despite offering both viscosity and density testing in one unit, it occupies only about a foot of bench space and stands less than 20 inches tall. This small footprint makes it ideal for labs looking to expand capabilities without reconfiguring their workspace.

What’s the value for Labs?

For laboratories, the OptiMVD translates into faster results, lower operating costs, and improved efficiency. For distributors, it offers a versatile solution that appeals across industries – from petroleum and automotive to lubricants and industrial fluids. Its combination of speed, compliance, and ease of use makes it a strong choice for clients looking to modernize their operations.

Interested in transforming your lab operations? Contact us today to learn more about how the OptiMVD can deliver real results in your workflows.

To schedule a virtual demo for a personalized look, click here

Advancing Elemental Analysis of Petroleum Products through Microwave Digestion

September 10, 2025

Petroleum-based materials, including crude oils, lubricants, residues, and asphaltenes, present a particular challenge due to their complex composition of heavy hydrocarbons, metals, and additives that complicate full decomposition. Accurate determination of trace elements – such as vanadium, nickel, iron, sulfur, calcium, and zinc, which directly impact refining efficiency and product quality – depends on complete and reproducible sample digestion.

Standards and Methods in Petroleum Elemental Analysis

ASTM D5185 – Multielement determination of wear metals, contaminants, and additives in lubricating oils by ICP-OES.
ASTM D4951 – Additive elements in lubricating oils by ICP-OES, requiring complete digestion of complex organic additives.
ISO 10478 – Trace metals in crude petroleum and petroleum products by ICP techniques.
ASTM D5708 – Determination of nickel, vanadium, and iron in crude oils and residual fuels.

Each of these methods relies on quantitative sample decomposition. Incomplete digestion leads to poor recovery, spectral interferences, and compromised detection limits.

Why Microwave Digestion Stands Out

· Traditional open-vessel methods can take hours or even days. In contrast, microwave digestion completes the process in as little as 20 to 60 minutes – significantly boosting sample throughput and laboratory productivity

· Operating in a sealed environment reduces contamination risks and improves consistency. Close control over temperature and pressure ensures highly reproducible digestions, even with mixed sample batches

· Handling strong acids at elevated temperatures and pressures requires robust safety features. To this end, microwaves systems are equipped with interlocks, pressure relief valves, exhaust systems, and automatic shutdown protocols to maintain operator safety and protect lab integrity

How UltraWAVE Differs from Conventional Microwave Digestion

Unlike rotor-based systems, all samples in UltraWAVE are digested in one pressurized chamber – Single Reaction Chamber (SRC) Design. This ensures identical temperature and pressure conditions for every sample, eliminating variability between vessels.

The SRC approach reduces the amount of acid required compared to conventional microwave digestion. The result is lower reagent blanks, cleaner digests, and improved detection limits for trace elements in ICP-MS or ICP-OES analysis.

UltraWAVE operates at up to 300 °C and 199 bar, far beyond the limits of conventional vessels. These extreme conditions guarantee complete breakdown of even the most resistant petroleum matrices, including heavy oils and viscous residues.

Since all samples share the same reaction environment, petroleum products can be digested alongside lubricants, additives, or even inorganic matrices in the same run – without risk of cross-contamination or incomplete digestion.

Conclusion

UltraWAVE ensures reproducible, contamination-free digestions even for the most challenging petroleum matrices. For laboratories engaged in ASTM D5185, ASTM D4951, ISO 10478, or ASTM D5708, UltraWAVE provides not just operational efficiency but also the scientific rigor required for regulatory compliance and reliable decision-making in petroleum testing.

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