ORE PRE-CONCENTRATION BY BULK SORTING USING REAL TIME ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS

摘要

Conveyed coal flows have been diverted on the basis of real time ash analysis since the 1980s. Many coarse particle separation methods are available through screens, jigs, heavy media separation, particle sorters, to name a few, however Bulk diversion requires a representative, continuous analysis to ensure diversion decisions can be made with confidence. Sensors also need to be able to provide measurements at useful time increments so that small tonnages can be diverted for maximum selectivity. Particle separation typically requires high capital costs and there are limitations either in throughput tonnage or particle size or both. Few techniques are able to provide robust and representative analysis of conveyed flows in a useful time basis. Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis provides multielemental analysis of conveyed Bulk materials and has been proven in the minerals industry since 2003. This paper outlines the success of this technology in minerals applications in iron ore, phosphate rock and most recently in copper-gold ores, including its use in Bulk diversion.