See beyond the surface with
advanced mineral analysis

No electrical path exists between the optical scanner head and the MQi’s electronics. In addition, the electronics are isolated from the mains supply according to IEC/EN 60950, UL 60950, UL 508, EN 50178, EN 60204, EN 61558-2-8.

The systems meet the requirements of BS 6651:1992 Appendix C for Lightning protection (medium exposure). Surge protection is tested to IEC1000-4-5 and IEC1000-4-6 and provides RFI attenuation as well (maximum 73 dB at 5 MHz). The technology is designed to repeatedly handle surges of up to 6000 V and 3000 A.

The optical scanner head is mounted directly into the process pipe line and a cover plate is supplied to cover the opening if it is removed. It is thus only necessary to stop the supply pump briefly to remove the scan head and fasten the cover plate.

The optical processor unit is fully covered in a grey metal casing, blocking direct sunlight. The data processor unit is also protected by a grey metal cover, shielding it from direct sunlight. The units withstand the high temperatures and harsh environments of heavy mineral separation plants and can handle an operating temperature of 0 to 50 degrees Celsius.

There is no preferred technique. The following methods have been successfully applied. Grain counting entails counting the individual grains of each mineral species under a stereo microscope. The result is used to calculate the composition, and takes account of the relative density and grain size encountered. XRF will provide good elemental analysis and, if the particular element occurs in one specific mineral only, the method can be useful. XRD is a method that is good for qualitative identification of the mineral species present. However, accuracy is not always up to the required level. AA is similar to XRF, SEM and Qemscan. This method is very good for determining the mineral species. It can become expensive where good composition accuracy is required. In general, any method is acceptable. As the reference samples form the basis of the calibration, it is important that adequate attention be given to the number, concentration range and composition values of the calibration samples.