Particulate Material Analysis Apparatus with Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the composition of minerals in particulate form are either labor-intensive, inaccurate, or require expensive equipment, making it difficult to obtain real-time information necessary for optimizing mineral processing efficiency and minimizing valuable product loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves causing particulate material to flow into a housing with a restricted outlet, directing light into the material, collecting reflected light, and feeding it to a spectrometer for analysis, allowing for real-time composition determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional human methods (microscope and optical grid) are used to analyze mineral composition, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is extremely low due to the lengthy sample preparation and manual counting process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of sample preparation and microscopic examination with an automated optical system. The probe directs light through the transparent cover onto the particulate material, and a detector automatically measures the reflected or transmitted light to determine composition, eliminating the need for manual grain counting under a microscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the mineral composition by measuring light interaction with the particulate material. Instead of directly examining physical grains, the system uses light transmission or reflection patterns to generate compositional information, which can be processed rapidly without physical manipulation of the sample.
2Productivity
If expensive machine methods are used for real-time analysis, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The probe design integrates multiple functions into a single device: it directs light onto the material, collects reflected or transmitted light, and feeds signals to the detector. This multi-functional probe simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving real-time analysis capability, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary to transfer information about the mineral composition from the particulate material to the detector. The transparent cover serves as an intermediary structure that allows light access to the material while containing the flow, enabling measurement without direct contact with the moving particulate stream.
3Productivity
If light is directed into moving particulate material through a transparent cover, then non-contact real-time measurement is achieved, but the measurement may be affected by light scattering or absorption in the material stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures changes in light parameters (intensity, wavelength, or other optical properties) as light interacts with the particulate material. By detecting these parameter changes in the transmitted or reflected light, the system determines composition while the material flows continuously, maintaining both productivity and measurement accuracy.
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 accurate and efficient real-time analysis of mineral composition, reducing the need for conservative recycling practices and improving processing efficiency by providing immediate feedback on composition changes.
Implementation Method 1
collecting light reflected, from the moving material, and feeding the collected light to a spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
feeding the collected light to a spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for analyzing material in particulate form is disclosed. The apparatus (10) comprises a vertically elongate housing (12) having an open upper end (26) and a restricted outlet at the lower end. A probe (28) directs light through a transparent cover (22), provided in one wall of the housing (12), and collects light reflected from particulate material in the housing (12). A slide valve (24), which includes a U-shaped section (30) and a T-shaped section (34) with a hole (32) therebetween, partially closes the outlet of the housing (12). Movement of the slide valve (24) by means of a knob (56), rod (36) and coil spring (44) allows for adjustment of the flow rate of the material through the apparatus (10), as well as for clearing blockages which may occur at the exit of the apparatus (10).