METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PARTICLE PARAMETER AND PROCESSOR PERFORMANCE IN A COAL AND MINERAL PROCESSING SYSTEM

摘要

An image (100) of paniculate material, such as an X-ray image of coal, is captured and processed to determine a parameter of the material, such as particle density or particle size distribution. The performance or efficiency of a processing system, such as a dense medium separator, can be evaluated by determining parameters of the material before entry to and after exit from the processing system. The parameter is determined by comparing image characteristics (relating to statistical features or the like of the material), to a predetermined set of image characteristics. If the image (100) is obtained by transmission of radiation through the material, accuracy can be improved by measuring the thickness of the material.