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  • Particle size analysis, sediment testing
    Particle size analysis, sediment testing
  • Laser Diffraction
    Laser Diffraction

Sediment Testing

 

  • PSA Dry Sieving Method
This method covers the quantitative determination of the particle size distribution in cohesionless sediment down to the fine sand size (63mm - 63µm). Dry sieving is undertaken either following wet sieving or on its own if wet sieving is not required. The dry sieving method is UKAS accredited, and is carried out in accordance with Emu in-house procedures based on BS1377-1&2: 1990.
  • PSA Wet Sieving Method for Laser Diffraction
This method covers the quantitative determination of the particle size distribution in an essentially cohesionless sample down to the fine sand and clay/silt size. The procedure involves preparation of a sample by wet sieving to remove the fine sand and silt sized particles of <63µm. Samples which are subsequently found to contain >5% fine material (particles of <63¼m diameter) are then subjected to further analysis via laser diffraction to determine the proportion and distribution of the silt/clay components of <63¼m. The wet sieving method is carried out in accordance with EMU in-house procedures based on BS1377-1&2: 1990.
  • PSA Laser Diffraction
The determination of particle size distribution by laser diffraction is carried out in accordance with Emu in-house procedures using a Malvern Mastersizer Micro Laser Diffractor. Laser diffraction determines particle distribution, based on the principal of laser ensemble light scattering and is equivalent to sedimentation by the pipette method (based on BS1377-2: 1990).
  • Measurement range of 0.313µm - 301µm at 0.5 phi intervals
  • Results are volume based
  • Results are expressed in terms of equivalent spheres
  • All parameters are derived from fundamental distributions
Test results can be integrated with particle size distribution results for sample fractions >63µm (derived by dry sieving) to provide distribution for the full size ranges. The Malvern Microsizer can analyse particles in the range 0.313µm - 301µm at 0.5 phi intervals; therefore, where determination of distribution is required in this size range only (i.e. liquid samples), analysis can be carried out without the preliminary sample preparation.
  • Total Suspended Sediment (TSS)
The determination of the total weight of suspended sediment in: fresh water, saline water and effluent. UKAS accredited - method based on HMSO Methods 1980.
  • Loss on Ignition / Organic Content
Loss on Ignition (LOI) determines the proportion by mass that is lost from the sediment by ignition at a specific temperature using an electric muffle furnace capable of maintaining temperatures of >600°C. The mass loss on ignition is related to the organic content of certain sediments, such as sand which contains little or no clay, or chalky material, peats and organic clays which may contain more than 10% organic matter, the method based on BS1377-3: 1990.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide Pre-Treatment of Organic Matter
Hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment of organic matter can be stipulated by the client as part of the analysis procedure. The process is normally undertaken when organic matter is present in the sediment in significant quantity (0.5% or more). The method is based on BS1377-3: 1990.
  • Sodium Sulphate Soundness Testing of Biological Filter Bed Media
The sodium sulphate soundness test (BS1438: 2004) is used to determine the probable durability of new filter media, for which there are standard criteria. The test can also be used to analyse the condition of existing media.
  • Freeze drying of Sediments and Shellfish Tissue
Sediment and biological tissue can be freeze fried to meet requirements as requested by the client. For further details please contact us.
  • Vibrocore Logging
 
Specialised core logging laboratory designed for efficient and detailed logging of vibrocore samples in accordance with BS5930: 1999. The facility is fully equipped to carry out additional geotechnical testing associated with core logging well as core photography.
 
  • Sediment Tracer UV Analysis
 
Manufacture of sediment tracer to client requirements including: colour, particle size and specific gravity. 
 
Specialised UV laboratory designed for direct UV enumeration of fluorescent tracer particles in all sediment types.