Laboratory

Samples are taken in the quarry, at various places in the plant : after washing, after filtering, after drying, after grinding. During a batch run, samples representing 1 or more days production are taken, aggregated and analysed:

The measures, tests and analyses are:

• powder pressing and 1200°C firing
• Baroid casting rate.
• Viscosity control by flow cup method and with a torsion wire viscometer (Gallenkamp).
• Residue and screening measures.
• Grinding of raw kaolin in a jar mill.
• Modulus of Rupture on extruded pieces.
• Particles size distribution with Malvern Laser or Sedigraph: 0 to 40 µm.
• XRF analysis of 11 principal elements : potash, iron, titanium and silica.
• Ph measure in a 10% kaolin water suspension.
• Raw and fired colours.
• Mineral examination with a stereoscopic microscope.
• Humidity on various products.

Results are processed as daily results, batch analysis or control data sheets sent to the customer.