Microscopy: Optical and Electron Microscopy

Based on decades of experience, we offer microscopic analyses of coal and organic material, as well as samples of unconsolidated and hard rocks. Technical samples are also analyzed. We use both classical light microscopy and modern electron microscopy (SEM/EDX).

Consulting

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) for high-resolution imaging and chemical analysis of geological, materials science, and technical samples

Heavy mineral analysis for petrographic characterization of sediments, determination of stratigraphic information, and provenance analysis

Investigation of light minerals, focusing on quartz and feldspar, regarding type, grain size, and grain shape parameters

Texture analysis and mineral-chemical characterization of hard rocks

Visualization of all microstructures in geological, archaeological, and environmentally relevant samples

Analysis of ashes, slags, and residues from power plant processes

Analysis of the type, origin, and microchemistry of various dusts, e.g., particles collected during impact tests or fine dust analysis in inhabited areas

Pollen and cuticle analysis for facies determination in coal and coal-bearing clastic sediments, for stratigraphic assignment of seams, seam benches, and associated horizons, and support of research projects in tertiary paleobotany and biostratigraphy

Visualization and comparison of recent and fossil spores and pollen as a basis for, e.g., stratigraphic classification

Lignite and coal: microlithotype analysis (QMAT), maceral analysis, vitrinite reflectance, selection and identification of xylite

Identification of fire horizons in coal seams and other sedimentary sequences

Analysis and comparison of fossil and recent wood based on wood anatomical features using SEM

Methods

Sample preparation of inorganic and organic-petrological specimens

Preparation of polished sections and polishing

Dry polishing for water-sensitive samples

Stereomicroscopic evaluation

Reflected light microscopy

Transmitted light microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy and measurements

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX

Particle analysis based on 2D and 3D data

Photo documentation (SEM and light microscopy images), including technical samples

Research

Macropore content: Microscopic analysis of macropore fractions and petrographic components of formerly drained unconsolidated sediment deposits.

Grain shape: Objective determination of surface properties (roundness, roughness, etc.) of sand grains to assess geotechnical parameters.

Lignite genesis: Multimethod investigations on fine-stratigraphic profiles from various lignite open-cast mines in Lusatia – comparison of paleobotanical and geochemical properties.

SeArchMoor: The discovery of a volcanic ash layer in the 2nd Miocene seam complex allows dating of a paleomire and the description of the prevailing paleobotanical setting and sedimentological processes.

FeS₂: Investigation of different FeS2 modifications in the Neogene overburden.

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: QMAT – Quantitative Micropetrographic Analysis with evaluation of Textite

QMAT is a coal-petrologic investigation method for qualitative statements about refinement properties. Studied are constituents (microlithotypes) of lignite.

Microscopy: Xylite classification

Important for the construction and dimensioning of mills, which for example are installed in generating stations and refinement plants to crush coal, is the content of varieties of fossil wood in the lignite seam.

For evaluating the xylite content in lignite two methods can be used.

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