Bent Conveyor Ore Sorting with Pulsed X-ray Gamma Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gamma-activation analysis for bulk ore sorting using high-intensity X-ray sources poses safety risks due to excessive radiation exposure, requiring large and heavy shielding systems that can leak radiation and hinder efficient throughput in mining operations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a pulsed X-ray radiation source and detectors configured to irradiate and detect ore material along a bent transport path, preventing direct line of sight and utilizing external shielding to minimize radiation exposure and leakage, allowing for efficient ore sorting without compromising safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-intensity X-ray sources are used for gamma-activation analysis to detect low-concentration elements, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors (radiation exposure) worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed X-ray irradiation instead of continuous irradiation, with detectors operating during intervals between pulses. This periodic action maintains detection sensitivity while significantly reducing cumulative radiation exposure to personnel and environmental release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from the irradiation process by using separate irradiation and detection regions, with detectors positioned to receive gamma rays during intervals between X-ray pulses. This separation allows high-intensity irradiation when needed while protecting personnel during detection phases.
2Productivity
If conventional conveyor belt systems with openings in radiation shielding are used to throughput ore material, then productivity is improved, but object-generated harmful factors (radiation propagation) worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent bends the conveyor belt to create a non-linear transport path with the irradiation region and detection region positioned at different locations. This spatial reconfiguration in multiple dimensions allows continuous throughput while preventing direct radiation propagation paths to the outside environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bent conveyor belts and strategically positioned shielding as intermediary elements between the radiation source and the external environment. These intermediaries enable material throughput while blocking direct radiation paths, solving both productivity and safety requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dedicated concrete shielding with thickness of 1.5-2.0 m is used to reduce radiation levels, then object-affected harmful factors (radiation exposure) are reduced, but weight of stationary object and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By using pulsed irradiation with detectors operating during intervals between pulses, the required shielding thickness is dramatically reduced. The periodic operation allows radiation levels to drop below hazardous thresholds during detection phases, eliminating the need for massive continuous shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of radiation emission from continuous to pulsed, with pulse durations and intervals optimized to maintain detection sensitivity while reducing peak radiation levels. This parameter change allows lighter shielding design that still meets safety requirements.
4Measurement precision
If high-energy X-ray sources operating at 7-15 MeV are used to activate target elements, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors (radiation intensity) worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed high-energy X-ray sources with controlled pulse widths and repetition rates. This periodic operation delivers the necessary activation energy for precise measurement while allowing radiation intensity to drop between pulses, reducing overall harmful exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous operation of the system with pulsed irradiation followed immediately by detection during the interval. This continuous cycle ensures high productivity while the pulsed nature limits peak radiation intensity exposure, achieving both precision and safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables rapid and safe bulk ore sorting by reducing radiation exposure to personnel and preventing leakage, maintaining high throughput while effectively analyzing ore material without the need for extensive shielding, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
One method for the analysis of elements in mineral ores is based on sample activation by highly energetic gamma-rays, such as the gamma-activation analysis method (GAA). In GAA, a high-energy X-ray source is used to irradiate and activate a sample, which induces nuclear reactions in target elements in the sample.
Implementation Method 2
Subsequently, a detector measures decay radiation emitted by the activated sample to determine the concentrations of the target elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for bulk ore sorting using gamma activation analysis is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor system that includes one or more conveyor belts, surrounded by one or more radiation shields, to transport ore material along a transport path. A pulsed X-ray radiation source is configured to irradiate ore material at an irradiation region and one or more detectors are configured to detect a gamma radiation output from irradiated ore material at a detection region. The transport path has a bend, located between the irradiation region and the detection region, and about a vertical axis, of at least 45 degrees. The one or more detectors are configured to detect a radiation output from the irradiated ore material at times between X-ray pulses of the pulsed X-ray radiation source irradiating the ore material.