Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. announces the commissioning of graphite testing capabilities at Guelph, Ont. plant

CALGARY — Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. announces the commissioning of a Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) machine at its Guelph Plant. The TGA method is based on measurement of a material’s mass loss as a function of temperature. Volt’s new machine has capability to test materials up to 1100°C which is in the proper range required for graphene and graphite testing and characterization.

These materials are critical components in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry and will play a role in establishing Canada’s position in this industry.

The TGA results will enable Volt to determine the quality and purity of the graphite materials that is separated from the air classifier. Having this capability in-house enables Volt to obtain TGA results within hours of processing. Subsequently Volt can make in situ process adjustments with the real time data in its attempt to improve graphite separation efficacy. Previously, the turnaround times were observed at 2-4 weeks for each batch of process material that requires TGA. This approach had substantially constrained development times of the air classification trials graphite ore samples. Typically, 4 batches of TGA is required in series to iteratively dial in the air classifier flow settings and adjust the air classifier screening decks. By bringing this capability in house, Volt can now report out graphite results from start to finish including assessment of initial head grades at substantially faster turnaround times compared to previous methods using of outside labs. As a result of this new capability, Volt’s goal of turnaround time for air classification of graphite ore is within one month for a 100kg sample of graphite ore crushed to 10-12 mesh. The new TGA capability will enable Volt to attempt to further scale and develop its proprietary air classifier technology expediently.