Automated sample preparation equipment for mineralogy (QemScan MLA)

Passionately known as "auto potting"

IMP - Herzog together with Anglo platinum and Freeport-McMoran have developed an automated system for encapsulating mineralogical samples in resin for preparation and analysis by electron microscopy applications such as (QemScan and MLA).

The project was mainly driven by the fact that producing these kinds of samples manually is very time consuming and subject to human error. Automating the process therefore not only eliminates the time taken for people to prepare the samples but also eliminates human error.

The first system has been delivered to Anglo platinum and the second system is currently being built for Freeport-McMoran.

The system automatically adds resin and hardener into a sample cup, adds the sample, then adds more resin and hardener and homogenizes the sample into the resin by stirring action. This process is repeated automatically to make up a batch of 12 samples in a carousel. The machine automatically transfers the entire carousel into one of five pressure/vacuum/heating chambers where, depending on the software program selected, the sample is subjected to vacuum, pressure and/or temperature for a selected pre-programmed period of time. Once the sample carousel is complete it is transferred to an output position where the operator can remove the carousel and place it into a grinding and polishing machine.

It is also possible to label samples and backfill with resin, prior to ejecting the sample.

For more information on this kindly contact our offices

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