Hi, I want to set up a fire assay business for gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Would someone be able to tell me exactly what equipment I need (for example, types of furnaces etc)?
Thanks
Vince
Hi Vince:
You will need the appropriate sample prep equipment (this will depend on the type and size of sample).
For the actual assaying, you will need balances (both sample and microbalance).
You will need probably two furnaces: fusion and cupellation.
These can be either gas or electric. Pay close attention to venting of both furnaces to remove lead fumes. Also, pay close attention to air/oxygen in the cupellation furnace. Proper airflow is needed to provide oxygen to the molten lead for oxidation to PbO.
There are quite a few specialty tools and safety equipment you will need (tongs, gloves, hoods, etc).
If you can provide a bit more information on the type of samples, and number of samples per day I can provide more specific recommendations.
Mark