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Gold/Mining/Energy : Zentek Ltd. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Stang11 who wrote (53767)

10/8/2025 10:56:53 AM

From: roadguy513

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ChatGPT VERSION. (NOT FACT CHECKED)
Here’s a clear overview of the graphite brick testing process for the Albany Graphite Project and the approximate timeline based on standard industry procedures:

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Testing Process for Nuclear-Grade Graphite Bricks

Material Preparation

Mix synthetic graphite + ultra-high purity Albany graphite + coal-tar pitch.
Grind and blend to uniform particle size for pressing.

Forming Bricks

Near-net-shape pressing to create solid shapes with preferred grain orientation (anisotropy).
Grain orientation is critical for thermal and mechanical performance in reactors.

Carbonization / Baking

Pressed bricks are baked in a furnace at ~900–1200°C to carbonize the pitch binder.
Duration: 24–72 hours depending on brick size and furnace capacity.

Impregnation (Optional)

To increase density and mechanical strength, some bricks are impregnated with pitch and re-baked.
Adds another 24–48 hours per cycle.

Machining / Shaping

Bricks are cut or machined to final dimensions required for testing.
Ensures proper fit for characterization tests.

Property Characterization (by AETC)

Density, porosity, and anisotropy measurements.
Mechanical strength: compressive, flexural, and tensile.
Thermal conductivity and expansion.
Boron content and other nuclear-relevant impurities measured (<2–6 ppm B).
Electrical resistivity and microstructure examined.

Time to Complete Test

Step	Typical Duration
Material prep & mixing	1 - 2 days
Pressing bricks	1 day
Carbonization / baking	1-3 days per cycle
Impregnation (if done)	1-2 days per cycle
Machining	1 day
Property characterization	2-5 days

Total estimated time: 1–3 weeks from initial mix to full characterization, depending on number of bricks and cycles.