In-Stream X-Ray Material Characterisation for Representative Ore Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material characterisation systems for exploration and mining drilling are inefficient, introducing inaccuracies and unrepresentative samples due to mechanical transfer systems and off-line processes, and lack the ability to analyze a representative sample of the entire material stream.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using energy resolved photon counting X-ray transmission spectroscopy to characterize a stream of material by irradiating it with incident radiation, detecting the radiation, and processing the detection signal to determine the effective atomic number (Z) and other properties, allowing for real-time analysis of the entire material stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If mechanical transfer systems are used to transfer samples to analysis systems, then sample collection is automated, but the system becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transfer systems with a direct optical detection system. X-ray sources and detectors are positioned to analyze material as it flows through the cyclone separator, eliminating the need for mechanical sample transfer mechanisms while achieving automated analysis of the entire material stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential analysis function from the mechanical transfer system. By positioning detectors to receive signals from material in the cyclone without requiring physical sample transfer, it separates the analysis capability from the complex mechanical infrastructure.
2Extent of automation
If mechanical transfer systems are used to transfer samples, then automation is achieved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transfer systems with a direct optical detection system. X-ray sources and detectors are positioned to analyze material as it flows through the cyclone separator, eliminating the need for mechanical sample transfer mechanisms while achieving automated analysis of the entire material stream.
3Productivity
If only a small fraction of material is sampled, then analysis time is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system simultaneously analyzes the entire material stream rather than sampling a small fraction. The X-ray detection system is positioned to receive signals from all material passing through the cyclone, providing comprehensive analysis of the complete stream while maintaining real-time analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous analysis of the entire material stream as it flows through the cyclone separator. The X-ray sources and detectors operate continuously to analyze all material without interruption, eliminating the need to select or isolate small samples while maintaining real-time measurement capability.
4Device complexity
If off-line analysis processes are used, then system complexity is reduced, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs analysis in real-time as material flows through the cyclone separator, rather than collecting samples for later off-line analysis. The X-ray detection system is positioned to provide immediate compositional information, eliminating the time delay between sample collection and analysis while maintaining system simplicity.
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 highly accurate and representative characterization of the material, distinguishing different contents in mineral samples and assessing ore quality or waste material characteristics with improved efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the stream of material in an irradiation region using a source of incident radiation; detecting radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream of material as a result of the irradiation
Implementation Method 2
energy resolved photon counting X-ray transmission spectroscopy to characterize a stream of material by irradiating it with incident radiation, detecting the radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a material characterisation system and method for characterising a stream of material emanating from a material identification, exploration, extraction or processing activity, the system comprising: a source of incident radiation (64) configured to irradiate the stream of material in an irradiation region (18); one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) adapted to detect radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream of material as a result of the irradiation by the incident radiation (1700) and thereby produce a detection signal (313); and one or more digital processors (304-311,2000-2009) configured to process the detection signal to characterise the stream of material; wherein the source of incident radiation (64) and the one or more detectors (300,302,312,1701,1704,1600,1607,1608,1604) are adapted to be disposed relative to the stream of material so as to irradiate the stream of material and detect the radiation emanating from within or passing through the stream (1700) as the stream passes through the irradiation region (18).