WO2009043095A1 - An online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyser - Google Patents
An online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyser Download PDFInfo
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- WO2009043095A1 WO2009043095A1 PCT/AU2008/001456 AU2008001456W WO2009043095A1 WO 2009043095 A1 WO2009043095 A1 WO 2009043095A1 AU 2008001456 W AU2008001456 W AU 2008001456W WO 2009043095 A1 WO2009043095 A1 WO 2009043095A1
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- collimator
- rays
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N23/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00
- G01N23/20—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by using diffraction of the radiation by the materials, e.g. for investigating crystal structure; by using scattering of the radiation by the materials, e.g. for investigating non-crystalline materials; by using reflection of the radiation by the materials
- G01N23/20091—Measuring the energy-dispersion spectrum [EDS] of diffracted radiation
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to an on-line energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analyser for mineralogical analysis of material in a process stream.
- the invention is particularly targeted towards mineralogical analysis of mineral slurries and dry powders.
- X-ray fluorescence [Smallbone 1977] 3 and prompt neutron/gamma-ray activation analysis (PGNAA) [Sowerby 2005] 4 .
- the mineralogical content of the stream is determined using prior knowledge of the relationship between the chemical and mineralogical composition of the material in question.
- Such techniques are unable to distinguish between minerals (for example anatase and rutile) having the same chemical composition (in this case TiO 2 ).
- the presence of the same element in a number of different materials making up a process stream can result in misleading results. For example if the quantity of quartz (SiO 2 ) needs to be known, the results will be affected by the presence of Si and O in other materials contained in the process stream.
- the present invention is an on-line energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) analyser for mineralogical analysis of material in a process stream
- the EDXRD analyser comprising: a housing defining an analysis zone and having a passageway through it to allow transport of material in a process stream to pass through the analysis zone; a collimated source of polychromatic X-rays and an energy resolving X-ray detector, each of which are disposed in relation to the housing; a primary beam collimator disposed between the collimated source of polychromatic X-rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector, the primary beam collimator comprising an annular slit which defines an incident beam of polychromatic X-rays to irradiate a portion of the analysis zone; a scatter collimator disposed between the primary beam collimator and the energy resolving X-ray detector, the scatter collimator comprising an annular slit which defines a diffracted beam of
- the primary beam collimator and the scatter collimator each have an aperture, the respective apertures aligned with each other along a central axis between the source of X-rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector to enable the energy resolving detector to measure the transmission of a direct beam of X-rays through the material.
- a second detector separate from the energy resolving detector measures the transmission of a direct beam of X-rays through the material.
- the scatter collimator includes an aperture aligned with respect to a segment of the annular slit of the primary beam collimator to enable the second detector to measure the transmission of a direct beam of X-rays through the material.
- the EDXRD analyser may further comprise a signal processor to process signals from the detector (s) so as to determine planar spacings of minerals within the process stream.
- the signal processor may be operable to determine planar spacings and/or the proportions of different mineral species present in the material.
- the processor may divide the measured energy spectrum of the diffracted X-rays by the measured transmission of the direct beam of X-rays through the material to account for attenuation losses.
- the annular slits of the respective primary beam collimator and scatter collimator are conical in shape.
- the annular slits of the respective primary beam collimator and scatter collimator are preferably circularly symmetric about a central axis between the source of X-rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector.
- the width of the annular slits of the respective primary beam collimator and scatter collimator may be within the range of a tenth of a millimeter to several millimeters.
- the annular slits of the respective primary beam collimator and scatter collimator are discontinuous.
- the discontinuity will be the smallest possible fraction of the total circumference of the annular slit in order to support an inner conical section.
- the incident beam of X-rays which irradiates the analysis zone is in the form of a surface of a divergent hollow cone.
- the diffracted beam of X-rays scattered by the material is preferably in the form of a surface of a convergent hollow cone.
- the energy resolving detector receives a converging conical diffracted beam which corresponds to an intersection between the divergent hollow cone and the converging hollow cone.
- the EDXRD analyser may further comprise a translation stage upon which is mounted the primary beam collimator and scatter collimator.
- a translation stage upon which is mounted the primary beam collimator and scatter collimator.
- separate translation stages may be provided to separately mount the respective primary beam collimator and scatter collimator.
- the housing which defines the analysis zone may be a pipeline, tube, or the like through which the process stream may pass, or be propelled.
- the pipeline may be manufactured from a low-density, non diffracting material.
- Means to propel the process stream may be by way of a pump or gravity feed. It should be appreciated that in such an embodiment, the collimated source of polychromatic X- rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector will be situated on opposite sides of the pipeline.
- the EDXRD analyser may further comprise a shielding enclosure for accommodating components of the analyzer and having a passageway for the pipeline to pass.
- the enclosure may be a radiation shielding enclosure.
- the radiation shielding enclosure may be lined with lead.
- the housing may be a vessel, tank, or the like container having a volume.
- the passageway may comprise an inlet and an outlet to enable the process stream to be propelled through the volume of the vessel.
- the pressure of the process stream may be sufficient to effect the transfer of material through the vessel; optionally, a pump or gravity feed may be used.
- the EDXRD analyser may further comprise a shielding enclosure for accommodating components of the analyzer.
- the vessel may form at least a portion of the shielding enclosure.
- the collimated source of polychromatic X-rays and the energy resolving X- ray detector may be situated wholly within the vessel, tank, or the like container.
- the collimated source of polychromatic X-rays and the energy resolving X- ray detector respectively extend through opposing walls of the vessel.
- access ports are provided on opposing walls of the vessel and the source of polychromatic X-rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector are mounted to a periphery of a respective access port.
- the source of polychromatic X- rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector are sealably mounted to a periphery of a respective access port to prevent leakage of material from within the vessel.
- the EDXRD analyser may comprise a first translation stage upon which the X-ray source and source collimator are mounted and a second translation stage upon which the energy resolving X-ray detector and detector collimator are mounted.
- the primary beam collimator and the scatter collimator are rigidly fixed relative to the housing.
- each of the primary beam collimator and the scatter collimator may be respectively mounted to a first end of a projection means which projects into an interior of the housing.
- the respective projection means may be coupled to one another in such a way to still enable the passage of material through the portion of the analysis zone.
- the, or each, translation stage may comprise one or more micrometers to enable fine adjustment of the primary beam collimator and scatter collimator in a direction normal to a central axis between the source of X-rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector.
- the source of polychromatic X-rays is preferably a sealed X-ray tube.
- Sealed X-ray tubes contain a permanent vacuum and as a result are maintenance free.
- Sealed X-ray tubes are typically characterized as having a reflective target and sealed operating enclosure that has a very high level of vacuum created and sealed during manufacture. Advantages of sealed X-ray tubes are that they operate at lower kV and have long operating lifetimes.
- the source of polychromatic X-rays is operated at a voltage of, or about, 150 kV. More preferably the source of X-ray is operated at voltage between 80 kV and 200 kV. Such operation produces polychromatic X-rays which have energies within the range 0 keV to 150 keV and more preferable in the range 20 keV to 200 keV. Most preferably the source produces polychromatic X-rays within the range 20 keV to 80 keV.
- the energy resolving X-ray detector is preferably a CdTe detector.
- the detector may be another high-resolution semiconductor that can be operated at or near room temperature, for example CZT or HgI.
- the detector may be an HPGe detector.
- the analyser may additionally comprise a cooling system to cool the detector to a temperature sufficient to measure spectral data.
- the collimated source of polychromatic X-rays may comprise a source collimator in close proximity to, or attached to the source of X-rays.
- the source collimator may have a cylindrical-shaped aperture, or a conical-shaped aperture, having a diameter to substantially reduce background scatter.
- any one or more of the primary beam collimator, scatter collimator and detector collimator may comprise a radiation shield.
- the shield may adhere to a first surface (face) of the respective collimator which is subjected to the beam of X-rays.
- the housing, and/or, shielded enclosure may be made of any suitable material having a sufficiently high atomic number to substantially absorb X-rays (other than those reaching the detector, those absorbed by the material).
- the collimated source of polychromatic X-rays and the energy resolving X-ray detector may be disposed entirely within the substantially shielded enclosure.
- the process stream may comprise, in a non-limiting example, a mineral slurry.
- the process stream may comprise a dry powder, conveyed pneumatically, by gravity, or by a screw-feeder or similar device.
- Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a practical arrangement of an on-line energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) analyser for on-line mineralogical analysis
- Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of an alternative arrangement of an on-line
- Figure 3 a is a schematic drawing of top view of the primary beam collimator illustrated in figure 2;
- Figure 3b is a schematic drawing of a side view of an alternate primary beam collimator
- Figure 3 c is a schematic drawing of a top view of the primary beam collimator illustrated in Fig. 3b;
- Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of an alternative arrangement of an EDXRD analyser
- Figure 5 a is a schematic drawing of a top view of a further alternative arrangement of an on-line EDXRD analyser for on-line mineralogical analysis
- Figure 5b is a schematic drawing of a side view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 5a;
- Figure 6a is a schematic drawing of the EDXRD analyser of figure 2, subject to horizontal misalignment of the primary beam collimator and scatter collimator;
- Figure 6b is a graph illustrating the effect of misalignment shown in figure 6a on the diffraction peak
- Figure 7a is a schematic drawing of the EDXRD analyser of figure 2, subject to vertical misalignment of the primary beam collimator and scatter collimator;
- Figure 7b is a graph illustrating the effect of misalignment shown in figure 6a on the diffraction peak;
- Figure 8 is a schematic drawing showing the effect of interchanging components of the analyser effect a change in the diffraction angle
- Figure 9a is a graph showing the results of relative performance of the EDXRD analyser illustrated in figure 1 to an instrument referred to in the background art;
- Figure 9b is a schematic drawing of an instrument referred to in the background art and in figure 9a;
- Figures 10a and 10b are graphs of EDXRD spectrum of single minerals rutile and hematite respectively, acquired from the analyser in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 11 is a graph of EDXRD spectrum of a mixture of minerals acquired with the apparatus illustrated in Fig.l.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a practical arrangement for installation of an on-line energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analyser 10 positioned with respect to a process stream of a pumped mineral slurry.
- the analyser 10 comprises a housing in the form of a pipeline 28 defining an analysis zone 22 and having a passageway through it to allow transport of mineral content 26 in a process stream through the analysis zone 22.
- the mineral content 26 is propelled through a pipeline 28 which passes through the analysis zone 22, by way of a pump (not shown).
- the pipeline 28 is manufactured from a low-density, non diffracting material, such as a plastic.
- a radiation shielding enclosure 20 lined with lead is provided and has a passageway 24 for the pipeline 28 to pass.
- a polychromatic X-ray source 30 and an energy resolving X-ray detector 40 are disposed within the shielded enclosure 20 and are situated on opposing sides of the pipeline 28.
- the source 30 generates a polychromatic incident X-ray beam.
- Any suitable X-ray tube as is known in the art, with a suitable anode type, may be used to generate the polychromatic beam.
- the X-rays may be produced using a Hamamatsu L8121-01 Microfocus X-ray tube, which in use is operated at a voltage of ' 120 kV and a current of 0.5 niA.
- a source collimator 32 attached to the source of polychromatic X-rays 30 is a source collimator 32 composed of a lead block and having a conical-shaped aperture at its centre.
- the energy resolving X-ray detector 40 is an Amptek XR-IOOT-CdTe detector that permits very high energy resolution, of approximately 570 eV at 60 keV.
- the use of CdTe diodes detectors has a number of advantages over other possible detectors.
- CdTe detectors do not require liquid nitrogen cooling. They are also less expensive, smaller in size and have comparable energy resolution to HPGe. CdTe detectors also provide better charge transport properties than the similar cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector, so a much improved spectrum is observable.
- CZT cadmium zinc telluride
- the primary beam collimator 50 Disposed between the collimated source of polychromatic X-rays 30 and the analysis zone 22 is a primary beam collimator 50 which is formed from steel.
- the primary beam collimator 50 comprises an annular slit 52 there-through, of radius T 1 and with surfaces sloped at the angle ⁇ 1; which defines an incident beam 54 of X-rays to irradiate the analysis zone 22.
- the incident beam 54 is in the form of a surface of a divergent hollow cone.
- some coherent scattering will occur, an optimum of which for a given measurement will take place within a relatively narrow range of angles about the angle ⁇ i + Q 2 .
- a scatter collimator 60 is disposed between the analysis zone 22 and the energy resolving X-ray detector 40.
- the scatter collimator 60 also comprises an annular slit 62 to define a diffracted beam of X-rays scattered by the material to converge towards the detector 40, the annular slit 62 having a radius r 2 , again with inner surfaces sloped at ⁇ 2 ,
- a detector collimator 70 formed from steel, is provided.
- the detector collimator 70 further defines the diffracted beam of X-rays scattered by the material.
- the detector collimator 70 has a centrally positioned conical-shaped aperture 72 which allows X- rays to reach the detector 40.
- the conical-shaped aperture 72 is formed using wire cutting.
- the inner surface of the conical-shaped aperture 72 is sloped such that it is parallel to the direction of travel of X-rays that pass through the scatter collimator's aperture 62 and to the energy resolving detector 40.
- the optimum diffraction angle ⁇ will depend on the crystal structure of the sample material under investigation and the energy of the incident photons. Bragg 's Law, defined below, describes the conditions under which the constructive interference of X-ray photons occurs.
- Equation 1 Equation 1
- E the X-ray energy
- h Planck's constant
- c the speed of light.
- the scatter collimator 60 further comprises an aperture 64.
- a second detector 80 (also an energy resolving detector) is provided to measure the transmission of a direct beam of X-rays having passed through the slit 52 of the primary beam collimator, through the material and through the aperture 64 of the scatter collimator 60 (i.e. to measure the portion of the transmitted beam which passes through without diffraction).
- the second detector 80 is preferably of the same type as the energy resolving detector 40.
- the second detector 80 may be a lower resolution detector, such as a scintillator crystal coupled to a photodiode or photo-multiplier.
- the outputs from detectors 40 and 80 are coupled to processing electronics (not shown).
- the main effect the thickness of the sample has on the diffraction spectrum is to determine the degree to which low-energy X-rays are absorbed in the material. Since low-energy X-rays are less likely to penetrate through the material there tends to be a region in the diffraction spectrum at low energies where diffraction counts are unobserveable. The extent to which the low-count region extends up the energy scale is determined by the density and thickness of the sample.
- the X-ray energy is absorbed by CdTe and then released directly as an electric signal.
- the electrical signal strength is directly proportional to the energy of the X-ray.
- a centrally located opening may be provided in each of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 to enable alignment. In use a plug would block the respective openings.
- Figure 2 illustrates a further practical arrangement for installation of an on-line energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analyser 10a.
- the primary beam collimator 50 and the scatter collimator 60 each include a cylindrical-shaped aperture 90 that penetrates through the entire thickness of the respective collimator plates 50, 60 and are aligned with each other along the central axis between the source 30 and the energy resolving detector 40.
- These cylindrical-shaped apertures 90 provide a means for the detector to measure a direct beam that is transmitted through the material in a process stream.
- detector 80 has been discarded and instead, detector 40 additionally measures the energy spectrum of directly transmitted X-rays.
- a mechanical means (not shown) allows the central apertures to be alternately opened and closed to allow the diffraction and transmission signals to be separately collected.
- the diameter of the apertures 90 may be anywhere within the range of about a tenth of a millimetre to several millimetres.
- the cylindrical-shaped apertures 90 of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 are blocked by plugs (not shown) fabricated from tungsten. The thickness of the plugs is sufficient to completely stop the maximum X-ray energy used in the measurement.
- the central openings of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 also provide a means for alignment.
- the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 are manufactured from plates of metal and are designed in exactly the same manner.
- Previously referred to slits 52, 62, are produced by removing a conical section of the respective plate and replacing it with a conical piece of the same material having a smaller radius. This leaves an opening of constant width for a beam of X-rays to pass through.
- each slit 52, 62 may range from tenths of a millimetre to several millimetres. In the example illustrated in Fig. 1, the slit width of the primary beam and scatter collimators is the same.
- a wire cutting technique provides a highly accurate means of producing the slits 52, 62.
- a discontinuity (not shown) is provided in order that an inner conical section 64 is held in place relative to the collimator. However the discontinuity is kept as small as possible relative to the size and weight of the collimator since the larger the discontinuity, the smaller the total area of the aperture and hence the larger the reduction in count-rate.
- the size, shape and thickness of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 vary depending on the intended final application of the EDXRD analyser 10, or 10a. Manufacturing the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 from steel is advantageous as it is relatively low-cost compared to other metals and it can be machined precisely with relative ease.
- an additional radiation shield 56 manufactured from lead, may be provided for each of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 (see Figs. 3b and 3c).
- the lead shield 56 covers the entire surface area of the side of each of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 subjected to the X-ray beam, except for small cylindrical regions 58 around the slits 52, 62.
- the lead shield 56 is directly attached to its respective collimator and provides extra X-ray shielding on top of that provided by the steel section of the collimator. Lead is used in this case as the sheets do not need to be machined to a high accuracy as they are not used to collimate the X-ray beam.
- the detector collimator 70 also includes a radiation shield (not shown) manufactured from lead. A cylindrical hole is removed from the detector collimator shield about the region of the conical aperture 72.
- the components of the analyser described above are arranged such that the process stream of the industrial plant passes through the shielding 20. Alignment of the components requires careful precision. Configuring the analyser directly over the process stream is practical for applications where the diameter of the pipeline/ conveyor is less than about 25 mm. However, the diameter of pipelines or conveyors within processing plants, generally, is considerably larger. In such circumstances a byline is provided, a schematic arrangement of which is illustrated in Figure 4.
- Sampler 100 diverts a representative portion of material from the process stream 102 into the byline 104.
- the material is then passed through the EDXRD analyser 10 or 10a (as described in relation to Figs. 1 or 2 above) and the material is then returned to the main process stream 102.
- FIGs 5a and 5b illustrate a still further practical arrangement for installation of an on-line energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analyser 10b which is particularly targeted to the mineralogical analysis of mineral slurries.
- the components of the EDXRD analyser 10b are the same as the components of the analyser illustrated in Fig. I 5 with a few modifications which are now described.
- the analyser 10b is submerged in a slurry tank 112.
- the slurry tank 112 (the housing) is provided and arranged with a slurry inlet 114 and slurry outlet 116.
- a feed from the process stream passes through the slurry tank via the slurry inlet 114 and the slurry outlet 116.
- the pressure of the process stream may be sufficient to effect the transfer of material into the tank; alternatively, a pump or gravity feed may be used.
- the configuration and volume of the slurry tank 112 together with the pump characteristics rate ensure a constant flow of material in through the slurry inlet 114 and out of the slurry outlet 116, back into the process stream.
- the tank illustrated is suitable for flow rates up to about 60 liters per minute.
- beam access ports 118 Situated on either side of the slurry tank are beam access ports 118.
- the primary beam collimator 50 and the scatter collimator 60 are rigidly fixed relative to the slurry tank 112.
- Each of the primary beam collimator 50 and the scatter collimator 60 are respectively mounted to a first end of a steel tube 120 which extends into the slurry tank 112.
- the second end of each of the steel tubes 120 is rigidly mounted to the respective beam access port 118. Certain portions of the first ends of the respective tubes may be joined to assist in maintaining precise alignment between the components of the analyser 10b.
- the X-ray source 30 and source collimator 32 are mounted to a first X/Y adjustable plate 122.
- the energy resolving X-ray detector 40, second detector 80 and detector collimator 70 are mounted to a second X/Y adjustable plate 122. Each plate is rigidly mounted to the tank 112.
- the configuration of the X-ray diffraction analyser 10b illustrated in Figs. 5a and 5b is advantageous in that a significantly higher volume of material may be analysed. Such a configuration may have significant benefits in terms of sampling accuracy and ease of maintenance.
- the EDXRD analyser 10, 10a, 10b is particularly sensitive to misalignments of the polychromatic X-ray source 30, detector 40, source collimator 32, primary beam collimator 50, scatter collimator 60 and detector collimator 70 and any such misalignment will degrade both the count-rate and resolution of the instrument.
- the slits 52, 62 of the respective primary beam collimator and scatter collimator are circularly symmetric about a central axis between the source of X-rays 30 and the first X-ray detector 40. Symmetry offset from the central axis will increase the rate of error.
- the respective primary beam collimator and scatter collimator annular slits 52, 62 are as close to parallel to the direction of travel of the X- rays. Equally important is the alignment in the vertical direction of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 with respect to the source 30 and detector 40, and in the horizontal direction of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 with respect to the source 30 and detector 40.
- Figures 6a and 6b illustrate the effect of misalignment in the horizontal direction, of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60, on the resultant observed diffraction peaks. These results were obtained for an analyser where the primary beam collimator annular slit 52 and scatter collimator annular slit 62 each had a width of 0.5 mm and detector collimator aperture 72 a width of 1.2 mm. Referring to Fig.
- 6b 6(i) refers to the plot where there is substantially no misalignment (0mm), 6(ii) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of 0.2mm, 6(iii) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of 0.4mm, 6(iv) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of 0.6mm, 6(v) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of 0.8mm and 6(vi) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of 1.0mm.
- a misalignment of just 0.2mm is enough to appreciably reduce the peak intensity and degrade the resolution (peak width.)
- allowable misalignment will generally be larger for instruments with wider collimator openings.
- Horizontal alignment is achieved by placing the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 on translation stages fitted with micrometers to allow for fine adjustment.
- the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 can be fixed together whilst holding acceptable tolerances since they are spaced reasonably close together (generally less than 100 mm.) This means that they may be aligned with a single adjustment. Alignment is achieved when the X-ray counts detected passing through the central openings are a maximum.
- misalignment of the primary beam collimator annular slit 52 and scatter collimator annular slit 62 with respect to the source 30 and detector 40 in the vertical direction is less critical than in the horizontal.
- 7(i) refers to the plot where there is substantially no misalignment (0mm)
- 7(ii) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of +0.2mm
- 7(iii) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of -0.2mm
- 7(iv) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of +0.4mm
- 7(v) refers to the plot where there is a misalignment of -0.4mm.
- the EDXRD analyser 10, 10a, and preferably 10b can be constructed to contain interchangeable components so that the parameters of the instrument, in particular the diffraction angle ⁇ , can be varied easily to suit a particular application.
- the optimum arrangement of this is creating a system whereby an assembly, composed of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60, are removed and replaced with a different assembly, where the radius T 1 of annular slit 52 and the radius r 2 of annular slit 62 are varied.
- Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figure 8.
- the distance between the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 may be varied, with the respective slit aperture radius's remaining constant as with the distance between the source 30 and detector 40.
- the analyser be configured, such that assemblies, on which the X-ray source 30 and detector(s) 40, (80) are mounted, are height-adjustable. This can be achieved using mounting plates that enable the source and detector collimator to be fixed at different distances from the sample. This feature is useful if it is desired to change the diffraction angle but the radius of the incident X-ray beam on the samples is required to be constant. This will often be the case since it is desirable to always have the beam width as wide as the sample itself so that the greatest possible amount of material is measured.
- the main advantage of a modular design is the instrument can be altered to suit different applications, rather than having to use a different analyser. It also means that the analysers of different designs can be made of a set from standard components, reducing the cost of development and construction.
- the processor may normalise the measured spectrum by dividing the measured energy spectrum of the diffracted X-rays by the measured transmission of a direct beam of X-rays through the material. Normalization of the measured spectrum accounts for attenuation of the X-ray beam.
- the diffraction data may be processed using a simple linear regression technique. Accordingly, two or three energy 'windows' may be assigned to each mineral, placed around the clearest and most intense peaks for that mineral, and the total number of X-ray counts in each window determined for a particular period of time. Linear regression can be used to relate the window count-rates to mineral composition.
- deconvolution/regression may be appropriate.
- the spectrum is deconvoluted based on knowledge of the how the instrument and detector affect the profile of the diffraction spectrum. This can significantly decrease peak overlap.
- Regression analysis is then performed on the deconvoluted spectrum.
- whole pattern analysis for example, Rietveld analysis may be performed.
- the whole diffraction pattern is used to determine mineral quantities, not just the diffraction peaks as in linear regression.
- Whole pattern methods generally start with a calculated diffraction pattern and refinements are made to the variables used in the calculation until the calculated pattern matches the real spectrum as closely as possible. The mineral quantities are then determined from the refined variables.
- Whole pattern methods are preferred as they are generally more accurate than single peak methods.
- Figure 9a shows simulation results of the relative performance of the EDXRD analyser 10 illustrated in Fig. 1, to a known instrument 6 schematically illustrated in Figure 9b.
- Each data point represents a different configuration of the analyser 10 and instrument, where the variation was due to collimator opening widths (which were varied between 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm) and source-to-sample and sample-to-detector distances.
- collimator opening widths which were varied between 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm
- source-to-sample and sample-to-detector distances As the results are simulated, the diameter of the primary beam collimators and detector collimator apertures, and alignment between components of the known instrument are assumed to be precise, and consistent with that of the analyser 10.
- the EDXRD analyser 10 in accordance with the invention enables a much larger volume of material to be measured than the instrument illustrated in Fig. 9b.
- the incident beam has a very small diameter, generally less than 2mm and hence only a small volume of material is measured, whereas the analyser 10 in accordance with the invention measures a ring of material with a diameter in the tens of millimetres. This is a significant advantage as sampling errors are reduced and a more representative assessment of the material composition given.
- FIGS 10a and 10b Shown in Figures 10a and 10b are example EDXRD spectra of the minerals hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ) (Fig 10a) and rutile (Ti 2 O) (Fig 10b) acquired with the apparatus 10.
- the spectra were collected with an X-ray tube potential of 120 kV and current of 0.5 niA.
- the diffraction spectra contain sets of diffraction peaks that represent reflections from different crystal planes.
- Shown in Figure 11 is an example of an EDXRD spectrum, acquired with the apparatus 10, for a sample containing halite (NaCl) and sylvite (KCl) as the major components in quantities of approximately 50 wt% and 40 wt% respectively, and hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ), quartz (SiO 2 ), gypsum (CaSO 4 -2(H 2 O)), anhydrite (CaSO 4 ) and kaolinite (Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 ) as the minor components (all ⁇ 5 wt%).
- the four strong peaks between 35 keV and 70 keV belong to the major components, halite and sylvite.
- the EDXRD analyser in accordance with the invention uses transmission techniques compared to reflection techniques utilised by many conventional analysers.
- an EDXRD analyser in accordance with the invention enables much higher X-ray energies (for example, 120 keV for an EDXRD analyser compared with about 10 keV for a typical conventional analyser).
- the advantage of this is that greater thicknesses of materials can be measured reliably.
- An EDXRD analyser in accordance with the invention is easily capable of measuring material tens of millimetres in thickness.
- the use of higher energy X-rays in EDXRD reduces the effect of micro-absorption which significantly reduces the need for sample preparation.
- a further advantage of an EDXRD analyser in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention is that there are no moving parts. Lack of moving parts reduces complexity and cost of the analyser due to mechanical wear and tear.
- the aperture widths of the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 are the same, however in some cases in may be deemed more advantageous to use a different opening width for each collimator 50, 60.
- the primary beam collimator 50 and scatter collimator 60 have been described as being machined from steel, it should be appreciated that other materials could be used.
- possible materials that could be used include lead and tungsten, however these materials are less favourable to steel as they suffer from the disadvantage that they are difficult to machine precisely. Tungsten has a further disadvantage in that it is also expensive compared to steel.
- the source collimator 26 has a conical-shaped aperture at its centre. In an optional embodiment the source collimator has a cylindrical-shaped aperture at its centre.
- the EDXRD analyser uses a CdTe detector.
- the size of the CdTe crystals in this detector is quite small, in the case of the XR-IOOT- CdTe detector used in the test rig the detector size is 3x3x1 mm 3 , so clearly the measured beam must have a very small diameter at the point of detection.
- CdTe detectors are able to be operated a room temperature.
- other possible X-ray detectors include high-purity germanium (HPGe).
- HPGe detector it will be appreciated that a cooling system will be necessary.
- translation stage generally describes a component of a motion system which is used to restrict an object to one or more axis of motion.
- a translation stage typically has a platform and a base, joined by some form of guide or linear bearing in such a way that the platform is restricted to motion with respect to the base in the X and Y directions.
- the term translation stage may or may not also include the mechanism by which the position of the platform is controlled relative to the base.
- the analyser 10 is suitable for monitoring a large number of mineralogical processes. Non-limited example applications include iron ore, bauxite, copper ore, nickel ore, Portland cement and other applications involving the processing of minerals.
- the diffraction angle will vary depending on the application and thus the optimum geometric configuration will be decided.
- the volume of material passing through the analyser 10 may vary from a few litres per minute up to hundreds of fire per minute.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- Analysing Materials By The Use Of Radiation (AREA)
Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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CA2701670A CA2701670C (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-10-03 | An online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyser |
BRPI0817759 BRPI0817759A2 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-10-03 | In-line energy dispersion x-ray diffraction analyzer |
US12/681,373 US8311183B2 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-10-03 | Online energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analyser |
AU2008307135A AU2008307135B2 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-10-03 | An online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyser |
EP08800091.4A EP2203736A4 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-10-03 | An online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyser |
CN200880115317.2A CN101849178B (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-10-03 | Online energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analyser |
ZA2010/02520A ZA201002520B (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2010-04-09 | An online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyser |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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AU2007905416 | 2007-10-03 | ||
AU2007905416A AU2007905416A0 (en) | 2007-10-03 | An online energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analyser |
Publications (1)
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WO2009043095A1 true WO2009043095A1 (en) | 2009-04-09 |
Family
ID=40525762
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/AU2008/001456 WO2009043095A1 (en) | 2007-10-03 | 2008-10-03 | An online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyser |
Country Status (8)
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US (1) | US8311183B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2203736A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101849178B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2008307135B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0817759A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2701670C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009043095A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201002520B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2009121131A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-08 | Southern Innovation International Pty Ltd | Method and apparatus for borehole logging |
RU2509298C1 (en) * | 2012-11-07 | 2014-03-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Национальный исследовательский Томский политехнический университет" | Method for x-ray assessment of temperature conditions of operation of tubular elements of boilers |
JP2015062039A (en) * | 2015-01-07 | 2015-04-02 | 株式会社リガク | X-ray diffraction method and portable x-ray diffraction apparatus using the same |
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US20190145916A1 (en) * | 2017-11-16 | 2019-05-16 | XRD by Design LLC | Compact, Low Cost Apparatus for Testing of Production and Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals and Other Crystalline Materials |
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BR112021007423A2 (en) * | 2018-10-19 | 2021-08-03 | Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation | online energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analyzer (edxrd) for mineralogical analysis of material in a process stream or a sample |
CN113125480A (en) * | 2019-12-27 | 2021-07-16 | 科德尔科股份公司 | Mineral analysis system for copper concentrate |
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2008
- 2008-10-03 BR BRPI0817759 patent/BRPI0817759A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2008-10-03 EP EP08800091.4A patent/EP2203736A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-10-03 US US12/681,373 patent/US8311183B2/en active Active
- 2008-10-03 CA CA2701670A patent/CA2701670C/en active Active
- 2008-10-03 CN CN200880115317.2A patent/CN101849178B/en active Active
- 2008-10-03 AU AU2008307135A patent/AU2008307135B2/en active Active
- 2008-10-03 WO PCT/AU2008/001456 patent/WO2009043095A1/en active Application Filing
-
2010
- 2010-04-09 ZA ZA2010/02520A patent/ZA201002520B/en unknown
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US5008911A (en) * | 1988-09-22 | 1991-04-16 | U.S. Philips Corporation | X-ray quanta measuring device including diaphragm for producing conical radiation beam on object being measured |
US5231652A (en) * | 1990-06-20 | 1993-07-27 | U.S. Philips Corp. | Arrangement for measuring the pulse transmission spectrum of x-ray quanta |
US5394453A (en) * | 1992-02-06 | 1995-02-28 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Device for measuring the pulse transfer spectrum of elastically scattered X-ray quanta |
US5510644A (en) * | 1992-03-23 | 1996-04-23 | Martin Marietta Corporation | CDTE x-ray detector for use at room temperature |
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WO2009121131A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-08 | Southern Innovation International Pty Ltd | Method and apparatus for borehole logging |
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JP2015062039A (en) * | 2015-01-07 | 2015-04-02 | 株式会社リガク | X-ray diffraction method and portable x-ray diffraction apparatus using the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101849178A (en) | 2010-09-29 |
CA2701670A1 (en) | 2009-04-09 |
US20100303206A1 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
CA2701670C (en) | 2018-01-16 |
EP2203736A1 (en) | 2010-07-07 |
US8311183B2 (en) | 2012-11-13 |
EP2203736A4 (en) | 2016-07-27 |
CN101849178B (en) | 2014-03-05 |
BRPI0817759A2 (en) | 2015-03-24 |
AU2008307135A1 (en) | 2009-04-09 |
AU2008307135B2 (en) | 2014-02-20 |
ZA201002520B (en) | 2012-09-26 |
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