Quality Control Technician Development Day
O.C.O Technology Group recently hosted a Quality Control Technician Development Day to help all QCTs to learn and engage with a variety of comprehensive tests within their recently opened, Materials, Chemical, and Analytical Laboratories.
The day started with physical characterisation of raw materials and how this affects the formulation of Manufactured Limestone (M-LS), and how to develop blends to optimise strength and durability. Technicians demonstrated sample preparation and testing methods, including compressive strength tests on various mix designs. These evaluations result ensure that laboratory developed products meets both performance specifications and sustainability goals.
The QCTs then learned how embodied carbon is calculated for all raw materials and M-LS and how carbon credits are generated. This led to an in-depth chemical analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), ion chromatography, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) which were used to detect and quantify trace metals, soluble ions, and mineral content. These tests are crucial for understanding potential leachate behaviour. The insights gained from these analyses support both regulatory compliance and material innovation.
Laboratory Manager Robert Gunning said, “It is important that our site technicians understand the in-depth processes prior to accepting a material into our process, and how this contributes to the development of safer, more environmentally responsible construction practices. Further development days are planned for the wider business over the coming months, to increase individuals understanding of our pre-acceptance and ongoing internal QA processes.”
