Metals Wet Chemistry Analysis
At BOC Sciences, we offer expertise in wet chemical testing techniques for a variety of metals. We are able to provide precise and accurate test analyses of your metallic materials using classical wet chemistry knowledge.
Wet Metal Assay Techniques
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis is also known as 'wet' chemical analysis due to the nature of the metal solution being analyzed. Metal fragments are dissolved or 'digested' into an acid to form a metal solution. This solution is then 'excited' by a plasma flame, which analyzes its characteristic wavelengths and determines the concentration of elements in the solution. BOC Sciences is a leader in performing ICP chemical analysis of metals. We are able to perform metal chemical analysis on the following alloy materials:
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Titanium
- Gray iron/cast iron
- Copper/brass/bronze
- Tool steel
- Magnesium
Precious Metal Analysis
Wet chemistry is a form of analytical chemistry that uses classical methods to perform the analysis of materials. It is also called wet chemistry because most analyses are performed in the liquid phase. Although wet chemical analysis of precious metals is more time consuming and delicate than instrumental analysis, it is more reliable and accurate for highly concentrated precious metal samples. Our wet chemistry lab is capable of expertly handling a wide range of precious metals. Our precious metals analysis ranges from a variety of materials, from gold bars and films to refinements and catalysts. Our precious metal testing analysis identifies a wide range of precious metals including gold, iridium, platinum and silver. For precious metals in the trace amounts to a few percent, our analysts will perform a separation and then send the solution to our ICP department for the accurate measurement. We adhere to ASTM methods adapted to the dental, electronics, jewelry, oil and gas, and refining industries.
BOC Sciences' well-established wet chemical method and gravimetric analysis has been proven to measure highly concentrated and valuable precious metal materials for recovery and refining. BOC Sciences' chemists will perform quantitative chemical measurements of various elements using these methods:
- Gravimetry - for the quantification of silicon, aluminum, nickel, etc.
- Titration - for the quantification of manganese, antimony and titanium
- Colorimetric - for the measurement of phosphorus and Cr6+
Determination of Gas Content in Metallic Materials
In general, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen are often found in metallic materials during processing, as a result of the melting process and subsequent hot and cold working methods. Keeping the content of these gases at low levels minimizes their adverse effects on mechanical properties such as strength and ductility.
BOC Sciences is able to determine the gas content in ferrous and non-ferrous materials using inert gas fusion techniques. The inert gas method is capable of reversing the bonding between the gas and these metals, resulting in dissociation of the gases. Then, the dissociated gas is moved along a very complex separation chamber in the presence of an inert carrier gas. The gas to be analyzed flows into a detection system. Finally, we use an infrared system to detect oxygen, and a thermo-conductivity system to analyze hydrogen and nitrogen.