Sample Preparation
 To obtain meaningful analytical results, it is imperative that sample collection and preparation be done properly. ACTLABS can advise on sampling protocol for your field program if requested. Once the samples arrive in the laboratory, ACTLABS will ensure that they are prepared properly. As a routine practice with rock and core, the entire sample is crushed to a nominal minus 10 mesh (1.7 mm), mechanically split (riffle) to obtain a representative sample and then pulverized to at least 95% minus 150 mesh (106 microns).
As a routine practice, we will automatically use cleaner sand between each sample at no cost to the customer. Quality of crushing and pulverization is routinely checked as part of our quality assurance program. Randomization of samples in larger orders (>100) provides an excellent means to monitor data for systematic errors. The data is resorted after analysis according to sample number. If you prefer randomization, please request Code Random
Samples submitted in an unorganized fashion will be subject to a sorting surcharge and may substantially slow turnaround time. Providing an accurate detailed sample list by e-mail will also aid in improving turnaround time and for Quality Control purposes.
Additional charges may apply for poorly organized batches. Code CP2 - Sample list not provided for orders over 25 samples; Code CP3 - Sorting chaotic shipments
See page 7 of the pricelist for preparation and additional fees Rock, Core, and Drill Cuttings RX1
Rx1 -Terminator
| Crush (<5kg> up to 75% passing 2mm, split (250g) and pulverize (hardened steel) to 95% passing 105u | Crush (<5kg) up to 90% passing 2mm, split (250g) and pulverize (hardened steel) to 95% passing 105u | RX1+500 RX1+800 RX1+1.3 | 500 grams pulverized | 800 grams pulverized | 1.3 kg pulverized | RX2
RX3
RX4 RX5 | Crush (<5kg), split and pulverize with mild steel (100g) (best for low contamination) | Oversize charge per kilogram for crushing | Pulverization only (mild steel) (coarse pulp or crushed rock) (<800g) | Pulverize Ceramic (100g) | RX6 RX7 RX8 RX9 RX10 RX11 | Hand Pulverize Small samples (agate mortar & pestle) | Crush and Split (<5Kg) | Sample Prep only surcharge, no analyses | Compositing (per composite) dry weight | Dry Drill Cuttings in plastic bags | Checking Quality of pulps or rejects prepared by other labs and issuing reports |
Note: Larger sample sizes than listed above can be pulverized at additional costs
Pulverization Contaminants Added Mill Type | Contaminant Added | Mild Steel
(best choice) | Fe (up to 0.2%) | Hardened Steel | Fe (up to 0.2%). Cr (up to 200ppm), trace Ni, Si, Mn, and C | Ceramic | Al (up to 0.2%), Ba, Trace REE | Tungsten Carbide | W (up to 0.1%), Co, C, Ta, Nb, Ti | Agate | Si (up to 0.3%), Al, Na, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, Pb |
Note: Amount added depends on hardness of material and particle size required
Soils, Stream, and Lake Bottom Sediments S1 S1 DIS S1-230 S1-230 DIS | Drying (60oC) and sieving (-80mesh), save all portions | Drying (60oC) and sieving (-80mesh), discard oversize | Drying (60oC) and sieving (-230mesh), save oversize | Drying (60oC) and sieving (-230mesh), discard oversize | S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 | Lake Bottom Sediment preparation crush & sieve (-80mesh) | Alternate size fractions and bracket sieving, add | Enzyme Leach or SGH drying (40oC) & sieving (-60mesh) | Wet or damp samples submitted in plastic bags, add | Separating -2 micron material | Methyelene iodide heavy mineral separation
Specific gravity of 3.3 (250grams) |
Biogeochemical Samples B1 | Drying and Blending Humus | B2 | Drying and Macerating vegetation | B3 | Dry ashing | B4 | Washing vegetation | B5 | Samples submitted in plastic bags, add |
Special Digestion Procedures MDI | Microwave Digestion – Closed Vessel |
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