Diamond Sorting via Integrated XRL and XRT Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray diamond sorting systems face challenges with self-absorption issues for large diamonds and poor contrast for particles in the 1.25 mm to 8 mm size range, requiring multiple machines and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system combining x-ray luminescence (XRL) and x-ray transmission (XRT) detectors with a processor to determine an equivalent absorption coefficient, allowing for the identification of diamonds by comparing measured intensities with pre-stored model species absorption coefficients, and using a pneumatic ejector to sort diamonds based on similarity indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If XRT measurements are used for diamond sorting, then large diamonds can be detected, but particles in the size range of 1.25 mm to 8 mm show poor contrast making detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both XRT and XRL measurement systems into a single integrated sorting system. The XRT detector captures transmitted x-ray intensity for large diamonds, while the XRL detector measures radiated luminescence intensity for smaller particles (1.25-8 mm). The processor integrates both measurement types to achieve accurate detection across the entire size range, resolving the contradiction between large diamond detection and small particle contrast.
2Measurement precision
If XRL measurements are used for diamond sorting, then particles in the size range of 1.25 mm to 8 mm can be detected, but large diamonds greater than 10 mm suffer from self-absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system merges XRL and XRT detectors to overcome the self-absorption limitation of XRL for large diamonds. While XRL provides excellent contrast for 1.25-8 mm particles, the XRT detector simultaneously measures transmitted intensity that is not affected by self-absorption in large diamonds greater than 10 mm. The processor combines both measurement types to achieve accurate detection across all size ranges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate machines (XRT and XRL) are used to sort large materials from 1.25 mm to 100 mm, then comprehensive detection coverage is achieved, but sorting costs substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges XRT and XRL measurement systems into a single integrated sorting machine, allowing comprehensive detection coverage for materials from 1.25 mm to 100 mm in one device. The processor selectively uses XRT measurements for large diamonds, XRL measurements for smaller particles, or both together depending on the specific detection needs, thereby achieving versatile detection coverage without requiring multiple separate machines and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 system effectively sorts diamonds across various sizes by mitigating self-absorption and contrast issues, reducing the need for multiple machines and lowering costs while maintaining high sorting accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source configured to emit x-rays at the material sample
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray luminescence (XRL) detector, placed around the conveyer belt, configured to measure radiated intensity of the x-rays from the material sample
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray transmission (XRT) detector, placed below the conveyer belt, configured to measure transmitted intensity of the x-rays through the material sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sorting of diamonds is provided. The system comprises a conveying system including a conveyer belt to transport material sample including diamonds. Further, the system comprises an x-ray source configured to fire x-rays at the material sample. Furthermore, the system comprises an x-ray luminescence (XRL) detector configured to measure radiated intensity of the x-rays from the material sample. Additionally, the system comprises an x-ray transmission (XRT) detector configured to measure transmitted intensity of the x-rays through the material sample. Also, the system comprises a processor that is configured to: receive the radiated intensity and the transmitted intensity from the XRL detector and the XRT detector respectively; process the radiated intensity and the transmitted intensity to determine an equivalent absorption coefficient; and identify the material sample as diamond based on a comparison of the equivalent absorption coefficient and a pre-stored model species absorption coefficient.