Microanalysis Methods for Inhomogeneous Materials

摘要

Results are presented of research to develop new automated procedures using the scanning electron microprobe for analyzing inhomogeneous materials such as coal and ores. Data on chemical composition of particles were used to predict the cleanability of coal. Estimates of the coal particle size distribution were used along with two facts--(1) high concentrations within a subsample imply a particle of size comparable to the subsample size, and (2) high concentrations in adjacent subsamples measure pyrite size directly--to determine the pyrite size and to predict the cleanability of two coals, PSOC 308 and 330. For PSOC 308, the quantitative agreement between prediction and actual washing measurements was good. The assumptions which must be made to bring the predictions of the microprobe data for cleaning of the PSOC 330 into agreement are noted. The need to properly calibrate and stabilize the electron beam current is emphasized.