Magnetic Resonance Ore Measurement Mobile Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the characteristics of ore in mine benches and stockpiles suffer from poor sampling statistics and low spatial resolution, limiting the accuracy and detail of grade distribution analysis.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mobile platform equipped with a magnetic resonance (MR) sensor system, which includes a main loop and a drive loop, allows for non-invasive, penetrative measurement of ore characteristics before drilling, enabling high lateral resolution and detailed grade distribution analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drill chip sampling or sensor logging methods are used to measure ore characteristics, then measurement capability is achieved, but sampling statistics are poor and spatial resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling methods (drill chip collection, physical sensor insertion) with electromagnetic sensing technology. The NMR sensor system uses electromagnetic fields to detect ore characteristics remotely, eliminating the need for physical contact or material removal, thereby achieving both high spatial resolution and improved sampling statistics through non-invasive bulk measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the measurement system and the ore body. The NMR sensor uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields to penetrate and interact with the ore, allowing measurement of characteristics such as water content and mineral composition without direct mechanical contact, thus improving both measurement precision and information completeness
2Measurement precision
If surface-based optical scanning is used to measure ore characteristics, then measurement speed is improved, but only surface layer information is obtained with poor bulk representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surface-based optical scanning with electromagnetic NMR sensing that penetrates into the bulk ore. The radio frequency electromagnetic fields can penetrate through the ore surface to detect characteristics at depth, providing true bulk representation while maintaining measurement efficiency through non-contact operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from surface-level two-dimensional scanning to three-dimensional bulk measurement by using penetrating electromagnetic fields. The NMR sensor measures properties throughout the volume of the ore rather than just at the surface, adding the depth dimension to the measurement capability
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
This solution provides high-resolution, non-destructive measurement of ore characteristics, enabling more precise selective mining and optimizing blasting methodologies by providing detailed grade distribution data.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic resonance (MR) sensor comprised in the mobile platform
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for the measurement of ore in mine ore benches or ore stockpiles is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a mobile platform, defining a platform zone, wherein the mobile platform is positionable on or above a mine ore bench or stockpile; and at least one magnetic resonance (MR) sensor comprised in the mobile platform. The MR sensor includes a main loop and a drive loop located above the main loop. A magnetic resonance sensor control system is provided and configured to control at least one of: the positioning of the at least one MR sensor relative to the platform zone and/or mine ore bench or ore stockpile; the positioning of elements comprised in the MR sensor relative to each other; electromagnetic suppression characteristics of the at least one MR sensor; and/or sensitivity of the at least one MR sensor as a function of distance of the sensor from the mine ore bench or ore stockpile.