Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Techniques and Capabilities

Coanda’s analytical capabilities include a suite of industry-standard analyses. These techniques, focused on providing precision results to clients in mining and tailings-related sectors, can be adapted to handle a variety of sample types and matrices found in a wide range of other industries.

• Particle Size Distribution and Sizing by Laser Diffraction
• Identification and Clay Content by X-Ray Diffraction
• Insoluble and Solids–Bitumen–Water by Solvent Reflux
• Characterization of Vapour-Liquid Equilibrium
• Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis by GC-FID/Mass Spectrometry
• Diluent and Solvent Content in Tailings by GC-FID
• Simulated Distillation by High-Temperature GC-FID
• Permanent Gasses by micro-GC TCD
• Anion and Cation Analysis by Ion Chromatography
• Total Organic/Inorganic Carbon by Combustion Analyzer
• Total Nitrogen by Thermal Decomposition and Chemiluminescence
• Water Content by Automated Karl Fischer Titration
• Quantitative Analysis by UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
• Rheological Properties

Recent Projects Synopses

Over the past 30 years, we have carried out countless projects involving advanced measurements and characterization. Below are a few examples of the types of samples and studies we can carry out to bring clarity to our clients, and allow them to make the right decisions based on the right results:

1. Particle Shape and Size measurement for Process Application – read more
2. Instrumentation validation and customized method development of Clay Identification and Quantification – read more
3. Process chemistry analysis used to enhance decision making for next stage of experimental conditions – read more
4. In-situ analysis of permanent gases in active microbial consortia – read more
5. Vapour-Liquid Equilibria of Oilsand Tailings – read more
6. Molecular identification of complex organic compounds in aqueous samples – read more
7. Detailed hydrocarbon characterization of affected Mature Fine Tailings (MFT) – read more
8. Universal protocol for the measurement of hydrocarbons in complex tailing samples – read more
9. Kinetic study of sulfide in diluted tailings – read more
10. Online measurement for diluent solvent in tailings – read more

Project Details

A brief overview of each of the above projects is outlined below:

1. Particle Shape and Size measurement for Process Application – Observing changes in particle size and shape is essential for many process applications. These measurements help us understand interphase transport phenomena, suspension hydrodynamics, and particle attrition within a system. To capture this information, particle size distributions were measured using a Malvern 3000 with a HydroLV laser diffraction unit. In parallel, custom processed microscope images were collected using a Zeiss Axio inverted reflective microscope equipped with a digital camera. A calibrated Python script—using micrometer stage slides and micro-beads for reference—was applied to the microscope images to quantify particle shape, area, and temporal changes. By combining the PSD results with the calibrated image analysis, we were able to more accurately interpret how particle morphology evolved over time.  back to project list

2. Instrumentation validation and customized method development of Clay Identification and Quantification by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis – supporting client lab operations in the mining and energy sector. Unique sample preparation techniques were developed, applied to a large-scale sampling survey, resulting in the generation of a rich database of clay minerals that is utilized for clients mining operations. This Clay Content by XRD analysis uses less sample and provides a more precise and detailed measurement compared to routine colorimetric clay measurements.  back to project list

   

   X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Mature Fine Tailings (MFT)

3. Process chemistry analysis used to enhance decision making for next stage of experimental conditions – Process solution chemistry was monitored throughout the experiments using ion chromatography, potentiometric titration, and carbon/nitrogen analyzers to track changes in ionic species, carbon content, and nitrogen levels, with additional pH and density measurements used to supplement the results. Initial and post-experiment process materials are also characterized using Ion Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry via third-party vendor to ensure completeness of analysis. These analyses were used to refine operational conditions for continual internal experimentations as well as support field operation changes and decisions.  back to project list

4. In-situ analysis of permanent gases in active microbial consortia – Custom designed in-situ analysis of permanent gases (O2, N2, CH4, CO2, H2S, C1 to C5) for the continuous quantification of metabolic product of active microbial consortia. data collected tracked concentration changes over time with ensuring sample integrity and preserving data quality drawing upon the capabilities of a microGC.  back to project list

5. Vapour-Liquid Equilibria of Oilsand Tailings – utilizing the VLE apparatus and subsequent analysis which was used to generate compositional data of the equilibrium gas and liquid phases of samples. The results were used to derive a thermodynamic model and evaluate solvent recovery as a function of operating conditions, including temperature and composition. back to project list

   

   Vapour Liquid Equilibrium Analysis

6. Molecular identification of complex organic compounds in aqueous samples – Process troubleshooting through molecular identification of complex organic compounds in aqueous samples by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry. Determination and interpretation of main structural features and functional groups of analytes resolved by GC-MS, and abundancies compared for semi-quantitative analysis.  back to project list

   

   Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry

7. Detailed hydrocarbon characterization of affected Mature Fine Tailings (MFT) – Development of an analytical method for detailed hydrocarbon characterization and study of affected Mature Fine Tailings (MFT) in the diluent solvent range. Compound identification and hydrocarbon quantification was supported by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify chemical changes arising as a result of the biological process studied.  back to project list

   

   Hydrocarbon Quantification by Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

8. Development of an approved and universal protocol for the measurement of hydrocarbons in complex tailing samples – This method is reproducible, reliable, and robust for the quantification of diluent solvent found in small sample sizes and can now be found across the industry and third-party vendors. back to project list

9. Kinetic study of sulfide in diluted tailings – Analytical technique design for the kinetic study of sulfide in diluted tailings by UV-Vis. Custom apparatus design and analytical methodology developed to determine the rate of disappearance of sulfide in various chemical environments. the results were used to size commercial equipment including support for in-line instrumentation validations.  back to project list

   

   UV-Vis Measurements

10. Online measurement for diluent solvent in tailings – Feasibility study of online measurement sensor for diluent solvent in tailings, identifying operating variables and constraints which may impact the quantification process. Sensor results were validated against sample analysis using Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionization Detector capabilities and in-house sample extraction techniques.  back to project list

Further details and information about our equipment and capabilities are listed in our Analytical Laboratory page.

If you are facing a challenging measurement hurdle, get in touch. Solving the unsolvable is our specialty!