We specialise in the commercial analysis of metals, minerals and solid fuels. We also specialise in production analysis, physical testing and sample preparation of these materials.
Our extensive international network of laboratories and sample preparation facilities operate through the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.
In the UK, our Group’s principal commercial laboratory and sample preparation facility is ISO/IEC 17025:2005* and ISO 9001:2008 compliant. Our laboratory serves as a quality control centre and benchmark for all AHK group laboratories. This is achieved through our quality principles to UK standards and continuous external quality control proficiency exercises.
Our qualified and experienced chemists are supported by our Group Quality Assurance Department and our Group Research Department.
Combined with our continued investment in equipment, technology and personnel, we ensure our clients benefit from fast, accurate results through improvements in efficiency, measurement techniques and quality.
Our laboratories combine traditional methods of analysis with cutting-edge technology. Advanced instrumentation includes:
- CIC (combustion ion chromatography)
- ICPOES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy)
- OES (optical emission spectroscopy)
- FAAS (flame atomic absorption spectroscopy)
- WDXRF (wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry)
- EDXRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry)
- Various automated titration systems
- Modern Fire Assay Systems. One of the most important components of our laboratories is our modern fire assay facilities, incorporating automated mixing and multi-pour technology, which is used to analyse precious metals in a variety of commodities.
Laboratory Information Management System
From the moment a sample is received at our laboratory, our bespoke Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) allows samples and results to be tracked throughout the entire analytical process, to maximise efficiency and deliver effective communication.
The development of our LIMS system has been driven by the requirements of the Group’s commercial laboratories and has been comprehensively tested to produce a robust and flexible system that meets the needs of each laboratory and the analytical requirements of our clients.
Metals and Minerals Analysis
We specialise in analysing a wide range of commodities within base and minor metals, precious metals, platinum group metals, catalysts, ferro alloys, steel raw materials and industrial minerals.
We fully utilise the technical skills and knowledge of our personnel, built on over 135 years of practical and technical experience within the industry.
Our analytical services include:
- Chemical Analysis
- Sample Preparation
- Moisture Determination
- Oil Determination
- Loss on Ignition
- Insoluble Analysis
- Specific Gravity
- Bulk Density
- Screen Analysis
- Flow Moisture Determination to IMSBC Code
*A UKAS accredited testing laboratory 1543
Solid Fuel Testing
Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Knight Energy Services (KES), we are also a leading provider of testing services for the global coal, coke and biomass industry.
Coal & Coke
Through KES, we offer a full range of coal and coke quality characterisation parameters and are ISO/IEC 17025:2005* accredited for several coal and coke sampling, sample preparation and analytical test methods.
Solid fuel testing can be carried out in accordance with ISO, BSI and ASTM standards at the client’s request. This includes:
- Total Moisture
- Inherent Moisture
- Equilibrium Moisture
- Ash Content
- Volatile Matter
- Total Sulphur
- Chlorine
- Fluorine
- Gross and Net Calorific Value
- Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
- Hardgrove Index (HGI)
- Abrasivity Index (YGP)
- Ash Fusion Temperatures (Reducing / Oxidising Atmospheres)
- Elemental Ash Analysis (Ash Oxides)
- Trace Element Analysis
- Size Analysis
- Free Swelling Index (FSI)
- Roga Index
- Gray King Coke Analysis
- Plastometry (Geiseler Fluidity)
- Dilatometry (Rhur Dilatometer)
- Coke Reactivity (CRI/CSR)
- Petrographic Analysis
- Proximate Analysis
- Ultimate Analysis
*A UKAS accredited testing laboratory 1765
Biomass
Through KES, we provide a full range of chemical and physical tests appropriate to the characterisation of Biomass, Refuse Derived Fuels (RDF) and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
Located in Scotland, our principal biomass laboratory is dedicated to the testing of solid fuels and acts as a quality control centre for the Group’s overseas biomass testing activities.
KES boasts a high level of experience in the sampling, preparation and analysis of many different types of biomass recyclable materials that are currently used for fuel. These include wood chips, RDF, grains, seeds, wood pellets and olive meal. Testing may include parameters for fuel quality assessment and/or environmental considerations, such as toxic metals.
KES is ISO/IEC 17025:2005* accredited for several biomass sampling, sample preparation and analysis test methods.
Biomass analysis includes:
- Total and Air Dried Moisture
- Particle Size and Distribution
- Particle and Bulk Density
- Durability and Fines of Briquettes and Pellets
- Ash Content and Fusion Characteristics
- Ash Mineral Composition
- Volatile, Organic and Fixed Carbon
- Gross and Net Calorific Value
- Elemental Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen and Sulphur
- Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine and Iodine
- Biomass Content
- Heavy Metals
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls
- Pentachlorophenol
- Polychlorinated Terphenyls
- Oil Content
- Dioxins and Furans
- Plastics Characterisation in MSW and RDF
*A UKAS accredited testing laboratory 1765
