Neutron activation detection station

Abstract

The invention discloses a neutron activation detection station for rapidly detecting the element content of a material. The equipment can be used for rapidly detecting the element content of solid bulk materials in industrial production processes of building materials, coal, metallurgy, mines and the like. The equipment consists of an element analyzer, a mechanical arm, a weighing scale, a coding sample barrel, a coding card reader, an electric roller conveyor and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control system. The measurement time of a single sample is 30-300 seconds, the weight of the single sample is 1-10 kg, and a plurality of samples can be continuously and automatically measured. The method expands the application process points of the neutron activation technology, breaks through the traditional material detection mode, and has the advantages of wide application range, convenience in operation, high measurement precision, effective improvement of the detection efficiency and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a neutron activation detection station system for rapid and automatic detection of elemental content in solid bulk materials during industrial production. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional methods for measuring the elemental content of industrial materials involve specialized sampling personnel collecting samples from various process stages. These samples are then crushed, reduced in size, and ground to prepare the analytical samples required for measurement. Finally, they are analyzed using laboratory fluorescence analysis or manual chemical analysis to obtain the elemental content, which is then used for production guidance and evaluation. This entire process takes several hours. Traditional testing methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient, failing to effectively guide on-site production.

[0003] Transbelt-mounted online elemental analyzers based on the principles of Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation (PGNAA) or Pulsed Rapid Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA) have been on the market for over 20 years. Several specialized companies in China and the United States have widely adopted these analyzers in the building materials, coal, metallurgy, and mining industries. Transbelt-mounted online elemental analyzers are devices installed on a conveyor belt for analyzing the elemental content of bulk materials. They typically require a conveyor flow rate greater than 200 tons / hour, and the measurement conditions require a sufficient and continuous material load on the conveyor belt. However, they are less effective for analyzing small quantities of material and are not suitable for such applications.

[0004] Traditional online analyzers that use the principles of instantaneous gamma neutron activation (PGNAA) or pulsed rapid thermal neutron activation (PFTNA) can only perform elemental detection on materials at a single point on the conveyor belt, meeting the quality control requirements of a specific process point. However, by using a neutron activation detection station, multiple material detection needs can be met, saving users investment.

[0005] Other detection techniques can only measure the surface of materials, which is not representative and is greatly affected by dust, steam, particle size, and the flatness of the material surface.

[0006] Taking cement production as an example, the element content in each process step is a strictly controlled technical indicator. This requires sampling and testing of various materials, including limestone mine drilling rock powder, limestone, coal, slag, gypsum, clay, sandstone, shale, coal gangue, fly ash, raw meal, clinker, and finished cement. A neutron activation detection station system can be used to detect all of these materials.

[0007] Rapid detection and quality control of element content in the production processes of building materials, coal, metallurgy, and mining industries are of great significance. Currently, there is no rapid element content detection equipment that can adapt to multiple process points and does not require sample pretreatment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention addresses the limitations of existing detection methods and the characteristics of solid bulk materials in industrial production processes, providing a neutron activation detection station that is widely applicable, easy to operate, highly accurate in measurement, and has significant quality control effects.

[0009] The technical solution adopted to solve the above technical problems is to use a neutron activation detection station system for element detection and quality control in conjunction with the on-site solid bulk material production process.

[0010] The equipment consists of an elemental analyzer (5), a robotic arm (8), a weighing scale (7), an coded sample container (11), a coded card reader (6), an electric roller conveyor for feeding (9), an electric roller conveyor for waste material (10), and a PLC control system (1).

[0011] Testing process: a: Start the PLC control system (1) program to control the operation of the feeding electric roller conveyor (9) and the waste electric roller conveyor (10); b: Place all the test coded sample buckets (11) filled with materials into the feed electric roller conveyor (9); c: When the first coded sample barrel (11) is transported to the head of the electric roller conveyor (9) to be tested, the electric roller conveyor (9) will automatically stop running. d; The robotic arm (8) automatically picks up the coded sample bucket (11) and places it on the benchtop weighing scale (7) for weighing; e: The robotic arm (8) picks up the weighed and coded sample bucket (11) and places it into the analyzer (5). The turntable loading / unloading position (4) and sample station (3) are completed. f: Loading / unloading position (4) Sample station coding reader (6) reads the code of the coded sample bucket (11); g: The analyzer (5) turntable is started and rotated 180 degrees to move the sample station (3) into the analyzer detection station (2). h; The analyzer (5) automatically starts the measurement, and after measuring for the preset time, the measurement is completed; i: The analyzer (5) turntable rotates the sample container (11) out of the detection position (2), rotates 180 degrees, and reaches the loading / unloading position (4). j: The robotic arm (8) picks up the coded sample barrel (11) at the loading / unloading position (4) and places it on the waste electric roller conveyor (10) to complete the unloading; k: Repeat steps d to j until all coded sample bins (11) have been measured.

[0012] The elemental analyzer (5) uses neutron activation analysis technology to detect one or more materials in the production process. It has an elemental knowledge spectrum library and calibration model parameters for different types of materials. The elemental analyzer (5) adopts a rotary structure. The rotation of the turntable is controlled by a motor. The turntable has two sample stations (3) distributed at 180 degrees. When one station is in the detection position (2), the other station is simultaneously in the loading / unloading position (4), which improves the detection efficiency. The measurement time for a single sample is 30 seconds to 300 seconds, and the weight of a single sample is 1 kg to 10 kg. The sample does not need to be crushed or ground. The sample is directly measured by loading it into the coded sample bucket (11). The bottom of the coded sample bucket (11) is equipped with a sample code card. The code card reader (6) is located at the bottom of the loading / unloading position (4) of the analyzer. When the coded sample bucket (11) is placed into the loading / unloading position (4), the card is read and the system records the sample code. The entire system is controlled by the PLC control system (1). Multiple samples are continuously and automatically measured without manual intervention.

[0013] The system features automatic correction for measurement data affected by sample weight. Encoded sample containers are weighed using a weighing scale, and the measurement model corrects the elemental data based on sample weight information, eliminating measurement errors caused by variations in weight. The analyzer's measurements of the content of each element in the sample increase with increasing sample weight, exhibiting a highly positive linear correlation. Mathematical modeling of the relationship between the analyzer's elemental detection values ​​and sample weight changes is employed, incorporating a weight correction factor and using multiple linear regression to adaptively adjust the measurement model, thus obtaining accurate percentage content of each element.

[0014] Y1 = (K1*Y + K2*L + K3 / L) 2 +B) / L Y1 is the measured value after weight correction; Y is the initial measured value; L is the weight of the sample collected; K1, K2, K3 are the fitting parameters, and B is the fitting constant.

[0015] The neutron activation detection station system is based on Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation (PGNAA) or Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA) technology. The neutron excitation source and detector are located within the measuring device, employing a transmission-type measurement method. The neutron excitation source is an isotopic neutron source or neutron generator, and the elemental analyzer uses a large-volume detector or detector array. Different neutron moderation and reflection materials and specifications are used within the device for different types of neutron excitation sources to improve the utilization efficiency of different types of neutron sources and ensure maximum efficiency of the neutron activation reaction in the measuring area. Through the structural layout design of the neutron excitation source, detector, and sample station, both sample stations achieve the same measurement effect upon reaching the detection station, providing consistent detection capabilities. The elemental analyzer, robotic arm, feed electric roller conveyor, and waste electric roller conveyor in the system are all automatically controlled by a PLC system, enabling automatic operation of the entire system. An optional moisture detection unit is available for material moisture detection and elemental detection data correction. The system is equipped with a quality control program that interacts with the on-site quality system and production control system to participate in quality control. The main elements to be detected include Cu, Fe, S, Ni, Si, Al, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, Ti, Mn, Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, P, V, Zn, N, Mo, As, Pb, etc.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are that it expands the application points of neutron activation analysis technology, overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies, improves detection efficiency, replaces traditional testing methods, saves investment costs, and enables automatic and continuous detection of a large number and variety of material samples through the neutron activation detection station system. It achieves elemental detection and quality control functions, stabilizing product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the neutron activation detection station system provided in this invention example; Figure 1 The components are: 1. PLC control system, 2. Detection station, 3. Sample station, 4. Loading / unloading station, 5. Analyzer, 6. Encoding card reader, 7. Benchtop weighing scale, 8. Robotic arm, 9. Feeding electric roller conveyor, 10. Waste electric roller conveyor, 11. Encoded sample barrel. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a neutron activation detection station system, which includes: a PLC control system (1), a detection station (2), a sample station (3), a loading / unloading station (4), an analyzer (5), an encoding card reader (6), a benchtop weighing scale (7), a robotic arm (8), an electric roller conveyor for feeding (9), an electric roller conveyor for waste material (10), and an encoded sample barrel (11).

[0020] The detection process of the activation detection station system in this example is as follows: a: Start the PLC control system (1) program to control the operation of the feeding electric roller conveyor (9) and the waste electric roller conveyor (10); b: Place all the test coded sample buckets (11) filled with materials into the feed electric roller conveyor (9); c: When the first coded sample barrel (11) is transported to the head of the electric roller conveyor (9) to be tested, the electric roller conveyor (9) will automatically stop running. d; The robotic arm (8) automatically picks up the coded sample bucket (11) and places it on the benchtop weighing scale (7) for weighing; e: The robotic arm (8) picks up the weighed and coded sample bucket (11) and places it into the analyzer (5). The turntable loading / unloading position (4) and sample station (3) are completed. f: Loading / unloading position (4) Sample station coding reader (6) reads the code of the coded sample bucket (11); g: The analyzer (5) turntable is started and rotated 180 degrees to move the sample station (3) into the analyzer detection station (2). h; The analyzer (5) automatically starts the measurement, and after measuring for the preset time, the measurement is completed; i: The analyzer (5) turntable rotates the sample container (11) out of the detection position (2), rotates 180 degrees, and reaches the loading / unloading position (4). j: The robotic arm (8) picks up the coded sample barrel (11) at the loading / unloading position (4) and places it on the waste electric roller conveyor (10) to complete the unloading; k: Repeat steps d to j until all coded sample bins (11) have been measured.

[0021] In this embodiment, the elemental analyzer (5) uses neutron activation analysis technology. The analyzer detects one or more materials in the production process and has an elemental knowledge spectrum library and calibration model parameters for different types of materials. The elemental analyzer (5) adopts a rotary structure, and the rotation of the turntable is controlled by a motor. The turntable has two sample stations (3) distributed at 180 degrees. When one station is in the detection position (2), the other station is simultaneously in the loading / unloading position (4), which improves the detection efficiency. The measurement time for a single sample is 30 seconds to 300 seconds, and the weight of a single sample is 1 kg to 10 kg. The sample does not need to be crushed or ground. The sample is directly measured by loading it into the coded sample bucket (11). The bottom of the coded sample bucket (11) is equipped with a sample code card. The code card reader (6) is located at the bottom of the analyzer loading / unloading position (4). When the coded sample bucket (11) is placed into the loading / unloading position (4), the card is read and recorded. The entire system is controlled by the PLC control system (1), and multiple samples are continuously and automatically measured.

[0022] The system has an automatic correction function for measurement data affected by sample weight. The coded sample barrel is weighed by a benchtop weighing scale (7). The measurement model corrects the measurement element data according to the sample weight information. The relationship between the element detection value of the analyzer and the sample weight change is mathematically modeled and corrected. A weight correction factor is added. Multiple linear regression is used to adaptively adjust its measurement model to obtain the accurate percentage of each element content.

[0023] Y1 = (K1*Y + K2*L + K3 / L) 2 +B) / L Y1 is the measured value after weight correction; Y is the initial measured value; L is the weight of the sample collected; K1, K2, K3 are the fitting parameters, and B is the fitting constant.

[0024] In the neutron activation detection station system described in this embodiment, based on the Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) technology, the neutron excitation source and detector are located inside the measuring device, and a transmission measurement method is adopted. The neutron excitation source is an isotopic neutron source, and the elemental analyzer (5) uses two large-volume detectors. The device is designed with neutron moderation and reflection materials and specifications to improve the utilization efficiency of the neutron source and ensure that the neutron activation reaction efficiency in the measuring area is maximized. Through the structural layout design of the neutron excitation source, detector, and sample station, the two sample stations (3) have the same measurement effect after rotating to the detection station (2), and have consistent detection capabilities. In the system, the elemental analyzer (5), robotic arm (8), feed electric roller conveyor (9), and waste electric roller conveyor (10) are all automatically controlled by the PLC control system (1) to realize the automatic operation of the entire system. The detection station system is equipped with a quality control program, which interacts and transmits data with the on-site quality system and production control system to participate in quality control. The main elements to be detected include Cu, Fe, S, Ni, Si, Al, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, Ti, Mn, Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, P, V, Zn, N, Mo, As, Pb, etc.

Claims

1. A neutron activation detection station, characterized in that, The device consists of an elemental analyzer (5), a robotic arm (8), a weighing scale (7), an coded sample container (11), a coded card reader (6), an electric roller conveyor for feeding (9), an electric roller conveyor for waste material (10), and a PLC control system (1).

2. The neutron activation detection station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elemental analyzer (5) adopts a rotary structure. The central shaft of the turntable is controlled by a motor to rotate. There are two sample stations (3) on the turntable, which are distributed at 180 degrees. When one station is located at the detection station (2), the other station is simultaneously located at the loading / unloading station (4).

3. The neutron activation detection station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the coded sample container (11) is equipped with a sample code card. The code card reader (6) is located at the bottom of the loading / unloading position (4) of the analyzer. When the coded sample container (11) is placed into the loading / unloading position (4), the card is read and the sample code is recorded.

4. The neutron activation detection station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elemental analyzer (5), robotic arm (8), electric roller conveyor for feeding (9), and electric roller conveyor for waste (10) are controlled by a PLC control system (1). Multiple samples are continuously and automatically measured without human intervention.

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