OUTOTEC is installing an advanced automated mineral processing sampling and analysing system at BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam.
According to the company, it is on schedule to completely commissioning the Courier 6 SL on-line X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) slurry analyser and sampling system by March 2009.
The turnkey on-stream analyser is linked to a series of 16 samplers in the process system, and uses high power WDXRF (Wavelength Dispersive) spectrometer technology to simultaneously measure concentrations of iron, copper, uranium and pulp density from 12 sample streams.
The manufacturer claims the X-Ray probe is securely housed, and that unlike other slurry analyser systems, the Courier does not contain any radioactive source.
The system provides real-time and immediate analysis, without having to wait for lab results. This allows immediate changes to the handling process. Operators can alter air flows, froth depths and reagent systems in real time, according to varying ore characteristics.
While Outotec offers maintenance services for its units, daily maintenance is mostly taken of by the unit, with automated functions which monitor the operation of the analyser and ensure stability.
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