Determination of Sulfur in Ore Concentrate (CS844, S844)

Importance of Topic

Determining sulfur in ore concentrates is critical for evaluating concentrate quality and process efficiency in mining laboratories. Accurate sulfur measurement informs metal recovery estimates and ensures consistent product specifications.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the use of a LECO CS844/S844 combustion analyzer for quantifying sulfur in ore concentrates. Goals include establishing blank measurements, defining calibration procedures, and analyzing replicate samples to verify precision and accuracy across a broad sulfur range.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

• Sample preparation: Ore concentrates are crushed to a fine, uniform powder.
• Blank determination: At least three blank replicates with LECOCEL II and iron chips to correct baseline signals.
• Calibration: Zinc sulfide reference material is analyzed in triplicate at mass points from 0.05 to 0.20 g to establish calibration curves or drift correction.
• Sample analysis: Weigh 0.05–0.20 g of sample, add reagent mix, and combust under high-temperature furnace mode, using a 100% power setting, 10 s purge, 20 s delay, and 55 s integration per run.

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration with zinc sulfide yielded an average sulfur content very close to the certified 32.9%, with a standard deviation below 0.3%. Analysis of a copper concentrate standard (approximately 33.3% S) produced an average of 33.4% sulfur and improved precision (s ≈ 0.17%). These findings confirm method linearity across the tested mass range and demonstrate reliable repeatability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High-throughput quality control: Rapid blank, calibration, and sample runs accommodate large sample volumes.
• Wide detection range: Reliable quantification up to 60 mg sulfur per run suits diverse ore types.
• User-friendly interface: Touch-screen operation and optional autoloader support streamline workflows.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Further integration with automated sampling systems will enhance throughput in mining QA/QC. Advances in furnace materials and detector technology may expand detection limits and shorten analysis times. Combining sulfur analysis with simultaneous multi-element detection could consolidate metallurgical assessments.

Conclusion

The LECO CS844/S844 analyzer provides a robust, precise method for sulfur determination in ore concentrates. Established protocols for blanks, calibration, and sample analysis deliver reliable data vital for process control and product specification in mining laboratories.

References

LECO Corporation Application Note, Form No. 203-821-507, 2016.