LIBS Ore Sorting With Real-Time Focus and Dust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ore analysis technologies are inadequate for fast, online mineralogy analysis of ore samples, as they often require offline laboratory preparation and lack the precision needed for real-time elemental and mineralogical composition data, which is crucial for efficient mining operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) with a conveyor, height measuring device, focus controller, and air flow system to analyze ore samples in real-time, ensuring accurate mineralogy analysis by controlling the laser focus and clearing dust from the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional offline laboratory analysis methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming sample preparation and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sample preparation systems with a laser-based analytical system. The LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) module uses laser pulses to directly analyze ore samples in real-time without requiring mechanical grinding, polishing, or chemical preparation, thus achieving both high precision and high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary focusing of the laser beam using a focus controller that adjusts the focal point based on sample height measurements. This preliminary action ensures optimal laser-sample interaction before analysis begins, maintaining measurement precision while enabling rapid sequential analysis of multiple samples
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor techniques (NIR, FT-IR, Raman) are combined for comprehensive mineral analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single LIBS module that performs multiple functions: elemental analysis, mineralogy identification, and ore grade determination. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple specialized sensors (NIR for alteration minerals, FT-IR for rock-forming minerals, Raman for sulfides), simplifying the system while maintaining comprehensive analytical capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple separate analytical techniques into a single integrated LIBS platform. By combining elemental detection and mineralogical identification in one system, the patent reduces device complexity while achieving comprehensive mineral analysis through the correlation of spectral data
3Measurement precision
If laser focus is not dynamically adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variable sample height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a height measuring device continuously monitors sample height variations and provides real-time data to the focus controller. The focus controller then dynamically adjusts the laser focal point to maintain optimal focus on the sample surface, ensuring measurement precision despite height variations while using a relatively simple control architecture
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
Enables fast, accurate online sorting of ore samples based on mineralogy, improving mining efficiency by reducing costs and environmental impact through real-time decision-making and precise mineral identification.
Implementation Method 1
a LIBS module projecting a LIBS laser beam of optical pulses along an optical path focused on an analysis spot over the conveying path, the LIBS module collecting a LIBS light signal returning along said optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the online sorting of ore samples based on mineralogy analysis includes a conveyor moving a stream of the ore samples along a conveying path, a LIBS module, a height measuring device, a focus controller and an airflow system. The LIBS module projects a LIBS laser beam along an optical path focused on an analysis spot of dimensions of the order of one or a few mineral components of the ore samples, and collects a returning LIBS light signal. The height measuring device and focus controller collaborate to adjust in real-time the focus of the LIBS laser beam to move the analysis spot perpendicularly to the conveyor according to a height of the ore samples crossing the optical path. The air flow system moves particles away from the optical path. A processing unit performs the mineralogy analysis of the ore sample based on the LIBS light signal.