Safer and More Sustainable Fusion Technology in the Philippines
The FORJ fusion machine offers a sustainable, reliable alternative to traditional gas-based fusion. It cuts carbon emissions and eliminates hazardous acids in sample preparation, reducing waste and boosting workplace safety.
Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC), based in Barangay Rio Tuba, exports saprolite and limonite ore. Additionally, RTNMC supplies limonite ore and various non-mining services to the nearby Coral Bay HPAL plant, operated by Coral Bay Nickel Corporation. The company also holds a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for limestone quarrying in the Philippines. Accurate elemental analysis of these ore samples is critical to RTNMC’s operations, as it ensures the reliability and reproducibility of analytical results used for export quality assurance and buyer satisfaction.
Challenge
Accurate elemental analysis of ore samples heavily depends on reliable and reproducible sample preparation methods. Traditionally, silica digestion using Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) was a key step in this process to ensure accurate analysis of nickel and iron content. However, HF is now prohibited due to its hazardous nature and the risks it poses to human health and the environment. As a result, RTNMC needed a safer, more compliant alternative for its analytical processes.
In addition to HF, the use of other acids such as hydrochloric and nitric acid for sample digestion has become increasingly challenging. These acids are now highly regulated in the Philippines, requiring complex and time-consuming permits from agencies like the PDEA and PNP. Obtaining these permits for acid usage from local authorities had become increasingly challenging. The regulatory challenge has made it difficult to sustain traditional acid digestion methods, prompting the need for innovation in sample preparation.
Traditional sample preparation methods through third-party labs posed accuracy issues. Even slight variations in nickel content—within ±0.03% Ni—can lead to payment disputes on large shipments, where precision is essential.
Approach
DKSH Philippines offered the FORJ Fusion Machine, a solution that excels in quality, performance, and innovation.
Unlike traditional fusion methods that rely on gas fusion (with butane or propane), FORJ’s electric fusion significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Additionally, FORJ fusion eliminates the need for hazardous acids in the sample preparation process, thereby reducing environmental waste and enhancing workplace safety.
The FORJ Fusion Machine features a robust design that not only reduces consumable use compared to earlier models but also increases efficiency with a faster fusion cycle of just 16 minutes for each nickel ore sample. This reduction in fusion time has significantly boosted productivity, enabling quicker and more reliable sample processing.
The machine’s user-friendly design ensures consistently flat, homogeneous, high-quality fused beads, crucial for precise nickel content measurements. This accuracy helps RTNMC avoid payment disputes by providing a reliable basis for transaction values.
With RTNMC’s Japanese buyer also using a fusion machine and endorsing fusion-based sample preparation, FORJ is an ideal choice for pre-XRF analysis.
We also provided comprehensive support, including application guidance, technical expertise, method validation, and 24/7 after-sales support. Training was also offered to ensure effective and confident usage of FORJ.
Result
This project marked the first installation of the FORJ Fusion Machine in the Philippines, establishing a new industry benchmark for environmentally conscious, high-quality fusion technology.
FORJ’s fusion technology delivers reliable, consistent sample preparation, allowing RTNMC to accurately monitor nickel content. This precision is crucial for preventing disputes and ensuring that payments align with expected values, thereby strengthening confidence in the transaction process.
DKSH provides a complete solution for our application. The FORJ Fusion Machine delivers versatility, speed, and high-quality results. Additionally, DKSH offers local support for applications and services, meeting all our needs.
– Sharlene Sacluti, QA Manager
