DETERMINATION OF GOLD IN BULLION BY CUPELLATION

Recognized by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) as meeting proficiency test requirements of A2LA laboratory accreditation.

About the Program
Program Schedule and Fee Information
Materials You Receive to Conduct the Tests
About the Completed Test Data
Test Samples
Data Generated
For More Information

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Fire assay cupellation has been used by gold refiners, fabricators, mines, and mints for the analysis of gold in bullion. This program provides participating laboratories the opportunity to evaluate the accuracy of their assays, using a clear and defined standardized testing procedure. Over 30 laboratories participated in the 1999 program. ASTM's Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials, consisting of over 290 members and developer of over 150 standards, provides the technical direction for these programs.

2000 PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND FEE INFORMATION
The program is conducted twice a year, in April and October
Fee: $790

EACH LABORATORY RETURNS THEIR COMPLETED TEST DATA TO ASTM two test samples per quarter, forms to record test data, and instructions for conducting the tests.

EACH LABORATORY RETURNS THEIR COMPLETED TEST DATA TO ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Participants are permitted to use other methods in the analysis of the test sample. The methods utilized must be documented on the data report form. Laboratories unable to follow a specific ASTM method to the ultimate detail due to specific equipment features and workload requirements are required to identify those areas where deviations occur.

TEST SAMPLES are provided by the Metalor USA Refining Corp. The samples provided are homogeneity tested in accordance with Part A of ASTM E 1335 Test Methods for Determination of Gold in Bullion by Cupellation. At the conclusion of testing, laboratories keep the remaining test sample material. Samples are wire (<2mm) or pin tube and are representative of the following concentration ranges of gold: high-range, 90-99 percent Au, 5-9 percent Ag, 0-3 percent Cu; mid-range, 60-90 percent Au, 10-40 percent Ag, 1-5 percent Cu; low-range, 25-60 percent Au, balance Ag, 1-5 percent Cu. Each lab receives two samples each test cycle with one sample each from two of the three ranges above.

THE DATA GENERATED will be statistically analyzed. Published summary reports, provided to participants only, contain: * Each participating laboratory's test results (coded for confidentiality) * Statistical analysis of test data * Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code * and Other pertinent information. Published summary reports are generated from ASTM with statistical consultation of John Norris, NIST Emeritus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact David Bradley, PHONE: (610) 832-9681; Fax: (610) 832-9668.

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