Ensuring potash sample integrity and advanced analysis at RESPEC’s Rock Mechanics Laboratory
By Jakub Hladysz
RESPEC has a strong reputation for helping clients increase profitability through its world-class Rock Mechanics Laboratory. Whether a mine is in development or operations, taking and testing core samples reveals how the rock performs and where more ore could be extracted. RESPEC’s materials laboratory in Rapid City, South Dakota, has operated since the 1970s and pioneered rock mechanics technologies. Companies are hard-pressed to find a laboratory that outperforms RESPEC.
Ensuring sample integrity from collection to analysis
At the heart of RESPEC’s success is its specialized approach to handling and testing not just any samples but specifically salt and potash samples. From the moment of collection, every sample goes through meticulous handling to prevent any compromise in its integrity. This is particularly important for potash samples, where errors at early stages like drilling can lead to significant analytical errors, impacting a project’s economic feasibility. RESPEC employs specific strategies, such as using oil-based mud or diesel during drilling to prevent the washout of potash and preserve its complex mineral composition.
Once in the laboratory, samples are carefully processed to maintain their original condition as much as possible. Techniques include immediate washing with appropriate fluids to minimize dissolution, minimal atmospheric exposure, and long-term storage methods like shrink wrapping and cellophane to maintain integrity. Special attention is given to hydrophilic minerals like carnallite, ensuring that they do not dissolve during handling. Also, the pre-consolidation of potash samples before creep and dilation strength testing brings the samples closer to their in-situ state.
Advanced testing facilities for comprehensive analysis
RESPEC’s laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for preparing and analyzing these samples. The laboratory features 16 creep machines for testing large-diameter cores, a constant mean stress testing machine for determining potash’s dilation strength, and specialized equipment and techniques for managing samples with large crystal sizes or those from challenging formations. Dissolution testing is another service RESPEC’s laboratory provides, being an important variable in solution mine design.
Analytical capabilities extend to advanced tests such as gamma logging, which employs a spectral gamma logger for detecting uranium, thorium, and potassium, giving insights into ore grade and potassium concentration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used for mineralogical analysis, effectively revealing the presence of sylvite and other minerals at low concentrations through the pulverization of samples and assessment using an X-ray diffractometer.
Customized solutions for unique client needs
RESPEC goes beyond standard laboratory practices by developing and modifying equipment to meet specific client needs, including the design of the direct shear testing machine and the constant mean stress test. These tests not only evaluate the technical aspects of rock and potash but also translate findings into actionable insights for enhancing mine designs, ensuring that our clients receive the most relevant and accurate data for their specific projects.
The Rock Mechanics program’s expertise extends to on-site work, where geologists implement rigorous core handling procedures for materials such as potash, salt, and non-salt. From logging recovered cores to preparing them for transport while minimizing environmental exposure, RESPEC’s attention to detail ensures the highest standard of sample integrity. This approach increases the reliability of subsequent tests and builds confidence in the results.
RESPEC’s Rock Mechanics Laboratory provides a thorough and specialized approach to managing, preparing, and analyzing samples for potash mining companies. We focus on maintaining the integrity of each sample from the moment of collection through our advanced testing, which delivers accurate and dependable data crucial for successful mining operations. Our laboratory is dedicated to expanding the possibilities in mineral analysis, ensuring our clients receive the data they need for informed decision-making and advancing their projects.
