Metallurgy Testing

Metallography is the study of the structure of Metals and Alloys. Metallographic analysis can be used as a tool to help identify a metal or alloy, to determine whetheer an alloy was processed correctly, to examine multiple phases within a material, to locate and characterize imperfections such as voids or impurities, or to observe or degraded areas in failure analysis investigations.

We have the complete range of equipments for carrying out studies of Metallic Microstructures. These equipments include those required for microstructure samples preaparation like Specimen Cut-off Machine, Mopunting Press, Disc Polishers.

The following tests are done in our Lab:

  • Microstructure Analysis
  • Average of Grain Size
  • Measuring case Depth in Steel
  • Inclusion Rating 
  • Microstructure of Cast Irons
  • Measuring Decarburised depth.
  • Determination of Volume Fraction of Phase
  • Measurement of Coating Thickness
  • Weld evaluations
  • Macro Examination
  • Nitriding Thickness
  • Cracks and other defects
  • Intergranular attack(IGA)
  • Sensitization
  • Anodizing Layer Measurement.

Metallurgical testing helps de-risk projects, enhance value and maximize return. Here’s a look at how it works.

Metallurgy is the science and study of the behaviors and properties of metals. It serves an important purpose in a number of industries, especially in regards to quality control.

 

In the mining industry, metallurgical science and technology play a critical role in extracting metals from ore and refining them for end-use.

In fact, metallurgical testing is one of the most important components of successfully transforming an exploration-stage project into a profitable mine. It’s during metallurgical testing that mining engineers can assess the condition and composition of the material to be mined, and determine if commercial-level extraction and processing can be done economically.

Metallurgical testing helps de-risk projects and secure funding

Once a company has successfully identified a deposit and delineated sufficient resources, the next step is development and mine construction; an expensive undertaking that’s also risky for investors betting on whether those resources are in fact economically recoverable.

The higher the recoveries (the percentage of a metal extracted from the ore during processing), the higher the profit margin and the quicker investors will see returns. Positive metallurgical testing results tell the market not only whether an operation will be feasible, but also if it will be profitable.

Metallurgical testing can de-risk projects in other ways, such as by helping mine engineers determine the best flowsheet design, which can have a huge impact on capital and operating costs as well a project’s environmental footprint. Not all ores are created equally, and not every deposit will be amenable to simple, environmentally friendly, low-cost operations — metallurgical testing can help determine the viability of such methods on a given orebody.

The key to ensuring metallurgical tests are an accurate window into future production on the deposit starts with the testing samples themselves. “The samples must reflect the full range of characteristics expected throughout the deposit. 

Each stage of a project requires more advanced metallurgical studies

Metallurgical testing is usually a part of later-stage exploration and development programs to gather logistical and economic data for use in scoping, prefeasibility and bankable feasibility studies. The studies often include grind optimization, gravity separation, flotation and cyanide leach testing.

Resource companies conduct metallurgical testing to help determine the processing parameters for flow sheets and to guide further optimization test work (including grade control and recoveries), all of which are an integral part of future engineering studies once a project nears construction.

“Designing and selecting the optimal process flowsheet is the result of a well-planned testwork program, some creativity and the knowledge a metallurgist has gained from practical experience on similar projects,” said Yermakov.

How a metallurgical testing program is designed depends on the stage of the project and the orebody itself — different variables will require different approaches to gaining an understanding of the economic parameters for a an optimized flow sheet.

As the project advances through exploration and development, there are three levels of technical studies of which metallurgical testwork is an essential component: scoping, prefeasibility and feasibility.