ANALYTICAL CAPABILITIES
The ability to accurately analyze representative samples of process materials is vital to a well-conceived process development program. Hazen has developed an internal network of analytical laboratories to support our research and development activities. This network includes our inorganic, energy fuels, process mineralogy, and fire assay laboratories. The Thermal Processing Department has developed specialized analytical capabilities to augment these services.
An effective means of capturing and treating furnace emissions is a critical component of any thermal processing facility. To develop the requisite design information, Hazen’s thermal processing systems are equipped with online instrumentation and a computer data acquisition system that continuously monitors and records process temperatures, pressures, and gas flow rates and compositions during laboratory and pilot plant tests. For organic compounds, metals, or other inorganic species, we can provide emission sampling according to EPA-approved protocols.
Available offline capabilities include thermoanalytical methods that can be used as diagnostic tools in support of a process development program. Specifically, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) examine various physical and chemical changes that take place as the temperature of a sample is varied under a controlled furnace atmosphere.
Hazen is one of the few commercial research facilities with a Mössbauer spectrometer. This instrument is particularly useful for identifying and quantifying the iron compounds present in a sample.
We have also developed special sample evaluation methods in response to client needs. Two examples are assessing lime and limestone quality and testing limestone for fluidized-bed combustion applications.