ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JANUARY 2026 22 Case study results using the HORIBA EMIA and EMGA series of analyzers. These systems can analyze extremely small amounts of impurities in 1 to 2 minutes. REAL-TIME FINGERPRINTING FOR RESOURCE SECURITY To meet these demanding standards, analytical scientists specializing in materials testing have turned to advanced combustion and inert gas fusion techniques—rapid thermal methods that precisely measure these light elements. This application is focused on the fast and nondestructive quantification of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur within the metal matrix. The process works by heating the sample intensely in a controlled atmosphere, causing the light elements within the metal to evolve as gases (CO2, SO2, N2, etc.). These gases are then channeled to highly sensitive detectors that provide an instant and exact measure of the original impurity content. CASE STUDY: PURITY ANALYSIS IN PRECIOUS METAL RECYCLING To further illustrate purity analysis in metal recycling, a case study was performed using samples from the quality testing division of a recycling manufacturer. To achieve extreme purity in recycled precious metals, the quantification of light element impurities—specifically carbon, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen—was conducted. The analytical protocol was designed to address the scarcity of instruments capable of detecting trace amounts of these elements while meeting strict cost-effectiveness constraints: rapid analysis, no pre-treatment, and the ability to recover the precious material post-analysis. Methodology. In this example, analysis was performed using specialized C/S and O/N/H analyzers For recyclers and refiners, the analysis must also adhere to strict operational requirements that govern speed, cost, and sample integrity. The first mandate is speed for quality assurance: To maintain product flow and certify quality before the material leaves the facility, a vast number of samples must be analyzed quickly. The entire process, from sample loading to result, needs to be completed in just a few minutes. The second is sample preservation: Precious metal samples— especially those representing a refined batch—are inherently valuable. Analysis must use the smallest possible sample volume (typically 1 g or less), and ideally, the material should be collectible and reusable after testing. This is a critical factor for reducing cost and managing expensive inventory. The third mandate is accuracy and automation: When measuring impurities at such low concentrations, any human error or environmental contamination (like dust) can ruin the result. The analytical process must be automated to maximize accuracy and reproducibility, removing the operator from the critical measurement stage. These mandates define the operational standard for high-volume, high- purity recycling. The process requires a reliable way to create a definitive quality stamp on every batch that enters the high-value supply chain. A jet engine turbine with metallic blades might contain previously upcycled materials.
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