Microscopy: optical and electron microscopy

Based on tens of years of experience we offer microscopic analyses of coals and organic matter. At our location in Lauta we are specialized in maceral and microlithotype analysis of lignite. On doing so, the main area of investigation is the identification and evaluation of refinement properties (briquetting ability). In Tübingen you receive the whole range of services of the organic petrology. We are equipped with a comprehensive archive of samples and preparations of worldwide organic matter.

Additionally we are active in the field of inorganic microscopy. Here, we are specialized in light and heavy mineral analysis. Besides our scanning electron microscope extends our range of service in order that the resolution of light microscopy is exceeded by far and reproduces the microstructures of true surfaces. This step of innovation is combined with the expertise of our staff in X-ray fluorescence analytics and the possibilities of micro chemical analysis by EDX. Our ZEISS EVO MA 10 is suitable for many analytical assignments and considers geological, material scientific as well as technical issues.

Consulting

Our consulting service involves extensive methods of microscopy of organic and inorganic matter.

Lignite and coal: microlithotype analysis (QMAT), maceral analysis, vitrinite reflection, xylite selection and identification
Coking coal microscopy and characterization of natural coking coals and thermal altered coals (e.g. coal seam fires in China)
Identification of horizons of forest fire in coal seams and other sedimentary sequences
Geology of fossil oil and gas (determination of composition, type and quantity of kerogen, determination of the degree of the maturity of bedrocks)
Identification and characterization of bitumen and oil in rocks
Fluorescence microscopy and measurement
Microscopic evaluation of peat samples
Pollen and cuticular analysis for facies classification in lignite and carboniferous clastic sediments as well as for stratigraphic correlation of seams, layers and corollary horizons
Heavy mineral analysis for petrographic characterization of the sediments, stratigraphic statements and provenance-analysis
Study of light minerals with focus on quartz and feldspar
Scanning electron microscopy for high-resolution display and chemical analysis of geological, material scientific and technical samples

Research

Organic petrology
Paleobotany - Tertiary (coal)
Biostratigraphy by use of pollen and cuticulas (Tertiary)
Heavy mineral content and sedimentological character of selected samples of the Tertiary
Study of clinker formation from power plant processes

Methods

We undertake the preparation of your samples for inorganic as well as organic-petrologic analyses. Among others our laboratory in Tübingen is specialized in the dry polishing of water sensitive samples.

Sample processing (e.g. demineralization by HCl, HF)
Preparation and production of polished sections
Stereomicroscopic assessment
Reflected-light microscopy
Fluorescence microscopy and measurement
Transmitted-light microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy
Photo documentation (electron-/microscopic pictures) also for technical objects

Projects

Microscopy: Study of clinker formation in power plant processes

At power plant processes the clinker formation within the scope of the flue gas line occurs at times, especially in the cyclones for fly ash separation. Such deposits have a disturbing effect on normal operation and therefore are object of further investigation.

Microscopy: Analysis of heavy minerals

Since several months we intensively deal with the analysis of heavy minerals in tertiary sands. In the process the sand is treated chemically and sieved subsequently. Now, for each obtained grain size range the light minerals are separated from the heavy ones. Latter, the group of heavy minerals, is characterized by a density of >2,9 g/cm³.

QMAT – Quantitative Micropetrographic Analysis with evaluation of Textite