X-ray fluorescence on-line analysis of lead-zinc ore fractions in mineral slurries - a comparison of wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive techniques

Abstract

The work reported herein is part of a series of on-line X-ray fluorescence analysis studies dealing with copper-zinc ore, iron ore, and coal. Wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis techniques were simultaneously compared, using a slurry recirculation system consisting of a gammaray density gauge and flow cells attached to an X-ray tube excitation-wavelength dispersive system, and an isotope-excitationenergy dispersive system. In both cases, the composition of the solids in complex lead-zinc ore slurries was determined as a function of the iron, zinc, lead, and scatter X-ray intensities, and the density gauge intensity, using multiple linear regression techniques. It was found that the energy dispersive system which is less expensive than a wavelength dispersive system, gives acceptable results for mill control purposes.

Research Note: Use of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Analyze Calcium and Phosphorus in Poultry Feeds

“…The technique gained widespread acceptance in the 1960s as an analytical method for the metallurgical and mineral industries (Kawatra and Dalton, 1977;Yap et al, 1987). X-Ray fluorescence spectroscopic methods using portable or semi-portable x-ray fluorescence analyzers employing radioactive isotopes have been available since the mid 1960s, and their use has increased considerably over the past 10 yr (Balaes, 1986).…”