Sensor-Based Trona Ore Sorting for High-Purity Calciner Feed

The patent replaces traditional mechanical separation methods with sensor-based detection systems. Optical sensors, X-ray sensors, and laser scanners are used to detect and identify high-purity trona ore particles, enabling precise separation without complex mechanical processing equipment.

The patent introduces sensor-based detection systems as intermediaries between the ore feed and the separation process. These sensors act as mediators that provide real-time information about ore purity, enabling intelligent decision-making for particle acceptance or rejection based on detected characteristics.

The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems that can detect multiple ore characteristics simultaneously. The same detection system identifies purity levels, particle size, and other properties, eliminating the need for multiple separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity.

The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters detected by sensors to classify ore particles. By measuring optical properties, X-ray attenuation, and laser reflectance characteristics, the system dynamically adjusts separation decisions based on real-time parameter changes, achieving high purity without excessive complexity.

The patent performs preliminary detection using faster, less invasive sensors first to triage ore particles. Sensors quickly identify obviously high-purity particles for immediate acceptance or low-purity particles for rejection, reserving more comprehensive analysis for ambiguous cases, thus maintaining high throughput while ensuring accuracy.

The patent segments the detection process into multiple stages with different sensor types. Fast optical sensors perform initial screening, followed by more detailed X-ray or laser analysis only when necessary. This segmented approach maintains high identification accuracy while preventing processing bottlenecks from overly comprehensive detection of every particle.