A copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer and copper ore body three-dimensional visualization delineation method

Abstract

This invention discloses an in-situ chromatographic developer for copper lattices and a method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies, relating to the fields of mineral exploration and chemical prospecting. The developer consists of an ammonium thiocyanate-ascorbic acid composite activator, a 2,2'-biquinoline chromogenic agent, and a gel matrix. When coated onto a continuous rock surface, it induces a chromatographic colorimetric reaction in which the color depth is strictly proportional to the copper content. By digitally acquiring and quantitatively interpreting this chromatographic image, the two-dimensional distribution and three-dimensional morphology of the copper ore body can be directly and continuously delineated. This invention enables ore body delineation to move from indirect inference to in-situ visualization, offering advantages such as speed, intuitiveness, accuracy, and low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mineral exploration and chemical prospecting technology, specifically a copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer and a three-dimensional visualization method for delineating copper ore bodies. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional copper orebody delineation relies on systematic drilling and subsequent laboratory analysis. Discrete "point" data are interpolated using geostatistical methods to create contour maps and infer orebody boundaries. This process is time-consuming, costly, and prone to misjudgment of orebody morphology due to interpolation uncertainties. Existing rapid field measurement techniques (such as portable XRF) can provide single-point data, but they cannot form continuous spatial distribution images and have limited sensitivity to "invisible copper" contained in silicate or sulfide lattices.

[0003] Currently, there is no publicly available technology that can use a chemical agent to directly induce a chromatographic continuous colorimetric reaction on the rock surface that strictly corresponds to the copper content gradient and can be identified by the naked eye or simple equipment, thereby achieving in-situ, real-time, and visual delineation of ore bodies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developing agent and a three-dimensional visualization delineation method for copper ore bodies. By using a specific copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developing agent, copper elements on rock cores, outcrops, or tunnel walls undergo a chromatographic gradient color reaction in situ, directly generating a continuous color spectrum reflecting the spatial variation of copper content, thereby quickly, intuitively, and accurately delineating the three-dimensional morphology and spatial distribution of copper ore bodies.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer, comprising an ammonium thiocyanate-ascorbic acid composite activator, a 2,2'-biquinoline chromogenic agent, and a gel matrix, which can be used for in-situ colorimetric delineation of copper ore bodies, and its composition is as follows: The main activator is a composite system of ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) and ascorbic acid (C6H8O6) (molar ratio 1:1.5-2.5), with a total concentration of 0.8-1.5 mol / L. This system can synergistically disrupt the crystal lattice of copper-bearing minerals (especially chalcopyrite, bornite, malachite, and isomorphous copper in silicates) and reduce Cu²⁺ content. + Reduced to Cu + .

[0006] Specific colorimetric reagent: 2,2'-Biquinoline (C 18 H 12 N2), concentration 0.02-0.08 mol / L. It reacts with Cu +The ions undergo a specific reaction to form an extremely stable purplish-red complex, the color depth of which is similar to that of Cu over a wide concentration range. + Concentration (i.e., primary copper content) is linearly proportional.

[0007] Permeation enhancer: Low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG-400), volume fraction 5-10%, enhances the reagent's ability to penetrate the micropores of rocks, ensuring that the reaction extends inward.

[0008] Matrix and buffer system: agarose gel (1.0-1.8% w / v) and acetate-sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.0-4.8). The gel medium confines the reaction to the application area, prevents reagent spillage, and ensures spatial fidelity of color development; the buffer environment maintains the optimal reaction pH.

[0009] A method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies using the above-mentioned copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer includes the following steps: S1. Sample preparation: Select the continuous profile to be tested on the drill core (split surface), trench bottom plate or tunnel wall, clean the surface dust, and keep the surface moist (it can be slightly moistened with deionized water).

[0010] S2. Applying the reagent: Apply or spray the copper lattice in-situ chromatography developer, which is preheated to 60-65℃ and is in a sol state, evenly onto the continuous cross-section surface to be tested, forming a gel film with a thickness of about 1-3 mm. Immediately cover it with a transparent plastic film to prevent moisture evaporation.

[0011] S3. In-situ reaction: React at room temperature for 20-40 minutes. During this period, the reagent permeates the rock, activating and extracting copper from the crystal lattice. + The copper reacts with the colorimetric reagent to form a purplish-red product in situ. Areas with high copper content have a darker color (deep purplish-red), while areas with low copper content have a lighter color (pale pink to colorless), forming a continuous "color spectrum" (i.e., a colorimetric spectrum).

[0012] S4. Spectrum Acquisition and Digitization: Remove the covering film and use a high-resolution color scanner or a color-calibrated digital camera to acquire the color spectrum of the surface.

[0013] S5. Quantitative Interpretation and Ore Body Delineation: Import the acquired images into professional software (such as Python, OpenCV, or MATLAB). The software converts the RGB values ​​of each pixel in the colorimetric spectrum (mainly reading the difference between the red and blue channels) into relative optical density values. By establishing a "optical density-copper content" standard curve with a standard sample block of known copper content (processed using the same method), the optical density value of each pixel is converted into the percentage content of copper. The software automatically generates a two-dimensional contour map and a pseudo-color distribution map of copper content, and can interpolate along multiple continuous profile data to generate a three-dimensional mineralization model, intuitively displaying the ore body boundary, enrichment center, and spatial morphology.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. Revolutionary Visual Delineation: For the first time, it achieves a leap from "discrete point analysis - inference mapping" to "continuous surface imaging - direct delineation", making the ore body morphology clear at a glance.

[0015] 2. High sensitivity and full detection: The reagent can effectively release lattice copper, especially "invisible copper" which is not sensitive to conventional methods, with a detection limit of up to 0.00523% copper content.

[0016] 3. In-situ, rapid, and low-cost: The entire process can be completed within one hour in the field, eliminating the need for complex sample transportation and laboratory analysis, which greatly improves exploration efficiency and reduces costs.

[0017] 4. High spatial resolution: up to millimeter level, it can clearly reveal complex structures such as mineralized veins and fine bands. Compared with the results of traditional test delineation, it clearly shows the gradual change process of grade at the boundary and discovers high-grade veins that were not delineated by traditional methods.

[0018] 5. Data can be directly digitized: The generated chromatogram is itself a digital image, which is convenient for automatic computer processing, quantification and 3D modeling. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, a borehole core ore body is used as an example: like Figure 1 As shown, a method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies using a copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer includes the following steps: 1. In the ZK001 borehole section at a depth of 50-70 meters in a copper mine exploration area, continuously split rock cores were taken.

[0023] 2. Preparation of copper lattice in-situ chromatography developing agent: Take 0.95g ammonium thiocyanate, 1.32g ascorbic acid, and 0.052g 2,2'-biquinoline, dissolve them in 80mL of pH 4.5 acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer, add 5mL PEG-400 and 1.5g agarose, heat and stir until completely dissolved and clear.

[0024] 3. Wipe the surface of the core with a damp cloth to keep it slightly moist. Apply the reagent sol, preheated to about 60°C, evenly to the entire surface of the core to form a film about 2 mm thick. Immediately cover with plastic wrap.

[0025] 4. After allowing the reaction to proceed for 30 minutes, remove the plastic wrap. A clear purplish-red color spectrum will be visible on the core surface: the 55-65 meter section is deep purple, gradually turning light pink to colorless towards both sides.

[0026] 5. Scan the rock core with a flatbed scanner to obtain digital images. Using software processing, delineate the ore body with a 5% Cu boundary as the industrial grade. The results show the true thickness and boundary of the ore body, clearly showing the gradual change of grade at the boundary, and a high-grade veinlet (2cm wide) was discovered.

[0027] In another embodiment of this application, a trench bottom plate is taken as an example: In the field trench, a 10-meter-long section of the bottom plate was selected, and the reagent was sprayed and reacted according to the above method. The generated continuous chromatogram (i.e., colorimetric spectrum) directly shows the width, orientation, and enrichment center of the main mineralization zone, providing immediate guidance for the layout of the next trench and shortening the exploration decision-making time from the traditional several weeks to several hours.

[0028] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer, characterized in that: The copper lattice in-situ chromatography developing agent is a mixed aqueous solution containing ammonium thiocyanate, ascorbic acid, 2,2'-biquinoline, polyethylene glycol, and an agarose gel buffer system.

2. The copper lattice in-situ chromatography developer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molar ratio of ammonium thiocyanate to ascorbic acid is 1:(1.5~2.5), and the concentration of 2,2'-biquinoline is 0.02~0.08 mol / L.

3. The copper lattice in-situ chromatography developer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pH value of the copper lattice in-situ chromatography developing agent system is 4.0~4.

8.

4. A copper lattice in-situ chromatography developer according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: Copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer is applied in gel form to the continuous surface of the rock to be tested. After in-situ reaction, a colorimetric spectrum corresponding to the copper content distribution is formed. By digitizing the colorimetric spectrum and quantitatively interpreting it, the spatial distribution of the copper ore body can be delineated.

5. A method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies using the copper lattice in-situ chromatographic developer according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Sample preparation: Select the continuous profile to be tested on the surface of the rock, clean the surface dust, and keep the surface moist. S2. Applying reagents: Copper lattice in-situ chromatography developer is evenly coated or sprayed onto the continuous profile to be tested to form a gel film, and immediately covered with a cover film to prevent moisture evaporation. S3. In-situ reaction: React at room temperature for 20-40 minutes. Areas with high copper content will be dark purple-red, while areas with low copper content will be light pink or colorless, forming a continuous colorimetric spectrum. S4. Image Acquisition and Digitization: Remove the covering film and acquire digital images of the colorimetric spectrum; S5. Quantitative Interpretation and Ore Body Delineation: Import the acquired images into the software. The software converts the RGB value of each pixel in the digital image into a relative optical density value. By establishing an optical density-copper content standard curve with a standard sample block of known copper content, the relative optical density value of each pixel is converted into a percentage copper content value. The software automatically generates a two-dimensional contour map and a pseudo-color distribution map of copper content. It can also interpolate data from multiple continuous profiles to generate a three-dimensional mineralization model, which intuitively displays the ore body boundary, enrichment center and spatial morphology.

6. The method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rock surface to be tested is the surface of a drill core, the surface of a trench, or the wall of an underground tunnel.

7. The method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step S1, the surface can be kept moist by lightly wetting it with deionized water.

8. The method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step S2, a copper lattice in-situ chromatography developer, preheated to 60-65°C and in a sol state, is uniformly coated or sprayed onto the continuous profile to be tested, forming a gel film with a thickness of 1-3 mm.

9. The method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step S2, the covering film is a transparent plastic film.

10. The method for three-dimensional visualization and delineation of copper ore bodies according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step S4, a high-resolution color scanner or a color-calibrated digital camera is used to collect the color spectrum of the surface.

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