Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Testing: Detecting the Trace
Understanding ICP-MS and ICP-OES technology. The gold standard for detecting trace elements, precious metals, and impurities in mineral concentrates.
When Parts Per Million Matter
While XRF is excellent for major elements, Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) techniques are required when precision down to parts per billion (ppb) is needed. This is the gold standard for high-purity applications.
The Plasma Source
The core of the technology is the Argon plasma torch, which burns at temperatures rivaling the surface of the sun (6,000°C - 10,000°C).
The Process
- Nebulization: The dissolved mineral sample is turned into a fine mist.
- Ionization: The mist passes through the plasma, instantly vaporizing and ionizing the atoms.
- Detection:
- ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy): Measures the light emitted by excited ions.
- ICP-MS (Mass Spectrometry): Separates and counts ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio.
Critical Applications
Precious Metal Recovery
ICP verifies the exact content of Silver (Ag) and Gold (Au) often found as valuable by-products in Lead and Copper concentrates.
Impurity Monitoring
Certain elements are detrimental to smelting. ICP ensures that impurities like Arsenic, Cadmium, or Mercury are within strict commercial limits.
- Battery Grade: Verifying cobalt purity (99.8%) requires ICP precision.
- Environmental Safety: Ensuring products meet RoHS and REACH compliance.
The3Rocks utilizes accredited laboratories equipped with ICP-MS to provide the most accurate assay data available in the industry.