In mining engineering, laboratories use specialized equipment to analyze minerals, ores, rocks, and other geological materials. Below is a list of essential laboratory equipment used in mining engineering:
1. Sample Preparation Equipment
– Jaw Crusher – Reduces large rock samples into smaller particles.
– Pulverizer/Ring Mill – Grinds samples into fine powder for analysis.
– Sieve Shaker & Sieves – Separates particles by size (e.g., ASTM standard sieves).
– Splitter (Riffle Splitter) – Divides samples into representative portions.
– Drying Oven – Removes moisture from samples before testing.
2. Mineral & Chemical Analysis
– X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer – Determines elemental composition.
– Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) – Measures trace metal concentrations.
– Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES/MS) – High-precision elemental analysis.
– Fire Assay Kit – Traditional method for gold and precious metal analysis.
– Titration Equipment – For chemical composition testing (e.g., acid-base titrations).
3. Rock & Ore Testing
– Hardness Testers (Bond Ball Mill, Los Angeles Abrasion Machine) – Measures rock hardness and abrasion resistance.
– Point Load Tester – Estimates rock strength.
– Uniaxial & Triaxial Compression Machines – Tests rock strength under stress.
– Petrographic Microscope – Examines thin sections of rocks/minerals.
4. Particle Size & Surface Area Analysis
– Laser Particle Size Analyzer – Measures particle size distribution.
– Sedigraph/Sieve Analysis Set – Determines particle size in fine materials.
– BET Surface Area Analyzer – Measures surface area of powders.
5. Flotation & Beneficiation Testing
– Denver Flotation Cell (Lab Scale) – Tests mineral separation via froth flotation.
– Magnetic Separator (Davis Tube Tester) – Evaluates magnetic mineral separation.
– Gravity Separation Equipment (Wilfley Table, Spiral Concentrator) – Tests density-based separation.
6. Environmental & Geotechnical Testing
– pH Meter & Conductivity Meter – Measures water/soil chemistry.
– Permeability Test Apparatus – Evaluates fluid flow through rocks/soils.