Background

A powdered ceramic raw material had been stored in a converted oil storage tank. During storage, rust and other debris had fallen onto the surface of the material. The presence of the contamination may have affected the value of the product.

Methodology & Results

Samples were taken from the stockpile and the storage tank to establish the extent of the contamination. The nature of the contamination was examined using chemical and microscopic techniques. Trials were attempted at stabilising the material and evaluating the potential of increased contamination or mixing during any recovery attempt. The deleterious nature of the contaminant in the likely product was also confirmed.

Conclusion

The stockpile was written off and financial settlement made.