New Furnaces Improve Precious Metal Melting Services

To melt and assay scrap containing gold, silver, platinum and palladium please call
Tel: 0871 871 6020 or email: testing@theassayoffice.co.uk

WITH THE PRICE OF GOLD AND OTHER PRECIOUS METAL RISING, THE DEMAND FOR RECLAMATION
IS INCREASING. THE LABORATORY AT THE BIRMINGHAM ASSAY OFFICE HAS RESPONDED BY SIGNIFICANTLY UPGRADING ITS MELTING FACILITY. NEW INDUCTION FURNACES NOW ENABLE THE LABORATORY TO OFFER A FASTER, AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE.

THE LABORATORY IS UKAS ACCREDITED, UTILISING BOTH TRADITIONAL AND MODERN TECHNIQUES
TO DELIVER AN ACCURATE, INDEPENDENT, RELIABLE MELT AND ASSAY SERVICE WITH INTEGRITY
GUARANTEED.

THE LABORATORY AT THE BIRMINGHAM ASSAY OFFICE OFFERS A FAST, EFFICIENT, MELT AND ASSAY SERVICE FOR CLEAN SCRAP, LEMELS AND SWEEPS CONTAINING GOLD, SILVER, PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM.

The Laboratory is independent, does not purchase materials and has no vested interest in the results.

Dip sampling from the core of the molten metal provides highly accurate results. All remaining dip samples, together with any residues are returned to the Customer.

Fire assay procedures are followed for gold. Platinum, palladium,
rhodium and silver content is determined by instrumental procedures such as ICP or potentiometric titration. These assay methods are independently accredited by UKAS.

Reports from The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office are widely accepted by all the major refiners and bullion dealers – facilitating a straightforward and transparent sale of the bar.

Same day melt and assay service is available for an additional charge.

The Melting Process

• Upon receipt precious material is carefully weighed using calibrated balances accurate to 0.1 gram; all information is carefully recorded

• Scrap is melted in an induction furnace and sampled in a molten condition using vacuum sealed glass tubes.

• Two samples are taken - one for assay and another for future reference if required.

• The molten metal is poured into a mould and cooled rapidly to prevent segregation.

• The dip sample is assayed using the most appropriate method to achieve a highly accurate result.

• Assay results are presented on a certificate from The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office, widely recognized for integrity and reliability.

• The bar is weighed to complete the process and the unique Assay Certificate number is stamped on the bar.