Analytical Methods

Particle Size Distribution

Used to determine the size fractions in a raw material. The particle size distribution plays a role in everything from forming to drying and firing.

Loss on Ignition

The loss on ignition gives the weight loss when the material is fired. This is usually due to carbon burnout and dehydroxylation of the clay mineral.

Chemistry (XRF)

The raw material chemistry tells us what elements are present, but not how they are put together. Can be used to estimate color, firing temperature and clay content.


This is used to measure fluorine, and chlorine and is often used for mass balance estimates of emissions.

Soluble Salt Content

Measures the content of soluble salts in a sample that can lead to scumming or efflorescence. Can be used to determine the barium carbonate requirement.

Mineralogy (XRD)

Mineralogy tells us how the elements in the material are assembled. We can determine how much clay or quartz is present. The results are usually qualitative.

Carbon and Sulfur Analyzer

Crystalline Silica Content (XRD)

This is similar to the mineralogy, but we only measure the crystalline silica content. The results are quantitative.

Carbon and Sulfur Content (LECO)

Measures the total carbon and sulfur content. This tells us how the material will behave in the preheat section of the kiln. Can also be used to identify pyrite, sulfates, organic carbon and carbon from carbonates.


Used to observe the firing behavior of a material. Can be used to identify firing temperature.

Thermal Gradient Firing

Used to assess how firing temperature affects color development. It can also be used to see how shrinkage and absorption are affected by temperature.

Thermal Analysis (TG/ DSC/FTIR)

Typically, used to observe the reactions that take place during preheat. This method is very useful for identifying accessory minerals and how they behave during firing.

Lab Equipment

Thermo Fisher Scientific X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) for chemical analysis

X-Ray Fluorescence for Chemical Analysis (XRF)



Rigaku X-Ray (XRD) for mineral identification & analysis

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for Mineral Identification and Analysis

Horiba Carbon & Sulfur Analyzer

Carbon and Sulfur Analyzer

Thermo Fisher Scientific Ion Chromatograph for Soluble Salt Analysis

Ion Chromatograph for Soluble Salt Analysis

Shimadzu Laser Scattering Particle Size Analyzer (LSPSD)

Laer Scattering Particle Size Analyzer (LSPSD)