Equipment Pool - Urban Mining Institute
The Urban Mining Institute has extensive technical equipment for the analysis and processing of solid and liquid samples. The devices presented here are used in teaching, research, and industrial projects. Thanks to modern analysis and process technology, we enable precise measurements in the fields of environment, recycling, and circular economy.
Solid Analysis
Elemental Analyser (FlashSmart – Thermo Scientific)
- Determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen in solids
- Two reactor modules: CHN and O analysis can be used separately
- Measuring range: approx. 0.1–100 mg element per sample, depending on substance and weight
X-ray Diffractometer XRD (D6 Phaser – Bruker)
- Identification of crystalline phases in powdered solids
- Analysis of mineralogy, hydrates, ashes and technical products
- Rietveld evaluation for quantitative phase analysis
- Detection range: typically 2θ = 5°–70°, qualitative and semi-quantitative evaluation
X-ray Fluorescence XRF (Epsilon 4 – Malvern PANalytical)
- Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence tabletop spectrometer (eXRF)
- Qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of solids and powders
- Detection range: Na to U in the ppm–% range (depending on matrix and calibration)
- Non-contact analysis without sample digestion – ideal for screening and material comparisons
TOC Analyser for Solid Samples (Shimadzu TOC-L + SSM-5000A)
- Measurement of total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (TIC) and organic carbon (TOC) in solid samples
- Sample combustion at high temperature in the solid module
- Measuring range typically 1 mgC/kg – 30 gC/kg, depending on sample matrix and mass
ICP-OES for Solid Samples (Spectrogreen – SPECTRO)
- Elemental analysis of solids after acid digestion (e.g. aqua regia, HNO₃, HCl)
- Microwave digestion not possible, only hot plate digestion can be used
- Detection limits: approx. 0.01–1000 µg/L in solution (depending on the element)
Liquid Analysis
ICP-OES (Spectrogreen – SPECTRO)
- Simultaneous determination of up to 40 elements in liquid samples
- Detection of heavy metals, nutrients and trace elements in the trace range
- Inductively coupled argon plasma – ideal for environmental and wastewater analysis
- Detection limits: 0.01 - 100 mg/L (depending on the element)
Ion Chromatograph for Anions and Cations (Metrohm IC 930)
- Separation and quantification of anions and cations in water samples
- Modular system with interchangeable separation columns
- Used in environmental analysis, water chemistry and process control
- Measuring range: 0.1 - 100 mg/L (depending on ion and dilution)
TOC-Analyser (Shimadzu TOC-L)
- Determination of total organic carbon (TOC), bound and dissolved carbon (TC, TIC, NPOC)
- Injector and solids module for liquid and solids analysis
- Suitable for environmental, wastewater and process water analysis
- Measuring range: 0.005 mg/L – 30,000 mg/L (depending on parameter, injection volume and dilution)
UV/VIS-Spectrometer (Shimadzu UV-1280)
- Quantitative absorption measurement in the range 190–1100 nm
- Concentration determination of dissolved substances (e.g. dyes, nitrate, heavy metals)
- Use in research, teaching and environmental monitoring
Photometer (WTW photoLab S12)
- Cuvette tests for water and wastewater analysis
- Rapid determination of the concentration of common parameters (e.g. nitrate, phosphate, ammonium)
- Measuring ranges depending on the test:
- e.g. nitrate 0.1 - 150 mg/L
- e.g. phosphate 0.05 - 15 mg/L
- User-friendly, ideal for routine analysis and laboratory practicals
Crushing and Comminution
Cutting Mill (SM 300 – Retsch)
- Coarse to fine milling of dry and moist sample materials (max. 3,000 rpm)
- Optional: wet milling by adding water to reduce dust
- Robust design for high throughput rates during sample preparation
- Suitable for organic materials, plastic fractions, biomass
Ball Mill (Emax – Retsch)
- Ultra-fine wet and dry grinding using high-energy ball milling principle
- Particularly suitable for homogenising solid samples
- Integrated cooling – also for temperature-sensitive materials
- Suitable for demanding solid analysis (e.g. XRD, elemental analysis)
Impact Mill (Retsch)
- Fast grinding of brittle and solid materials for laboratory analysis
- For sample preparation prior to XRF, XRD or elemental analysis
- Replaceable grinding chamber – suitable for different sample types
Jaw Crusher
- Pre-crushing of coarse-grained, hard or tough materials
- Adjustable gap width for controlling the final grain size
- Ideal first step in multi-stage sample preparation
Sorting and Classification
Ribbed Divider 12,5 / 50 / 70 mm (Haver & Boecker)
- Manual division of bulk materials for representative sampling
- Various gap widths (12.5 / 50 / 70 mm) for different grain sizes
- Made of stainless steel – robust and easy to clean
- Suitable for preparing solid material analyses
Rotary Sample Divider (Retsch)
- Automatic, uniform division of bulk samples
- High repeatability in sample preparation
- Minimises sample loss and contamination
- Ideal for routine applications with large sample quantities
Flotation Separator (XFD-12)
- Separation of solid mixtures based on different surface properties
- Laboratory-scale flotation cells with adjustable aeration
- Suitable for selective separation of mineral phases
- Suitable for research and development testing
Wet Separation Table
- Density separation of fine-grained solids by water flow
- Ideal for enriching heavy or metallic particles
- Stepless adjustment of water flow and inclination
- Use in environmental and resource analysis
Vibrating Screening Machine (Analysette 3 – Fritsch)
- Classification and grain size determination of dry solids
- Precise fractionation using defined sieve inserts
- Also for qualitative grain distribution according to DIN EN 933-1
- Oscillating sieve movement for reproducible results
Falcon-Concentrator L40 (Sepro Mineral Systems)
- Centrifugal separator for recovering fine-grained heavy minerals
- Separation based on different density ratios
- Ideal for laboratory simulations of gravimetric processes
- Compact design with high separation efficiency
Additional Process Technology and Equipment
Centrifuge (VWR Microstar 30)
- Compact laboratory centrifuge for sample volumes up to 50 ml
- Suitable for separating suspensions, cell fractions or phase mixtures at up to 17,000 × g
- Stepless speed control up to 13,500 rpm, digital display
- Ideal for routine applications in sample preparation, microbiology and environmental analysis
Dispersing Device (T25 basic – IKA Labortechnik)
- Homogenisation, comminution and dispersion of solids in liquids
- Interchangeable dispersion tools for different media
- High shear forces for fine particle size distribution
- Use in sample preparation and emulsion production
Universal Shaker (SM30 – Edmund Bühler)
- Uniform mixing of samples with shaking speeds of up to 240 rpm
- Variable shaking range: stroke up to 50 mm, compatible with beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks and sample racks
- Integrated timer: 1 minute to 120 minutes or continuous operation
- Suitable for extractions, adsorption tests or incubations under constant conditions
Tablet Press (MP250 – Maassen)
- Production of sample tablets for RFA and IR analysis
- Manual pressure adjustment with high pressing force
- Compatible with common sample carrier types
- Robust laboratory design for continuous operation
Note: The specified measurement ranges are for guidance only and are not guaranteed, as this is not an accredited analysis laboratory.
List of all equipment
| Device | Model/Type | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Mill | Retsch Emax | Crushing and Comminution |
| Cutting Mill | Retsch SM 300 | Crushing and Comminution |
| Elemental Analyzer | Thermo Scientific FlashSmart | Solid Analysis |
| Falcon-Concentrator | Sepro Mineral Systems L40 | Sorting and Classification |
| Flotation Separator | XFD-12 | Sorting and Classification |
| ICP-OES | SPECTRO Spectrogreen | Solid and Liquid Analysis |
| Ion Chromatography | Metrohm 930 Compact IC flex | Solid and Liquid Analysis |
| Impact Mill | Retsch | Crushing and Comminution |
| Jaw Crusher | - | Crushing and Comminution |
| Photometer | WTW photoLab S12 | Liquid Analysis |
| Ribbed Divider | Haver & Boecker (12,5 / 50 / 70 mm) | Sorting and Classification |
| Rotary Sample Divider | Retsch | Sorting and Classification |
| TOC-Analyzer | Shimadzu TOC-L + SSM-5000A | Solid and Liquid Analysis |
| UV/VIS-Spectrometer | Shimadzu UV-1280 | Liquid Analysis |
| Vibrating Screening Machine | Fritsch Analysette 3 | Sorting and Classification |
| Wet Separation Table | - | Sorting and Classification |
| X-ray Diffractometer XRD | Bruker D6 Phaser | Solid Analysis |
| X-ray Fluorescence XRF | Malvern PANalytical Epsilon 4 | Solid and Liquid Analysis |
How to find us
The Urban Mining Institute laboratory is located in room A2 - 17 in building A.
Address:
Hochschule Bochum
Am Hochschulcampus 1
44801 Bochum
