The composition of iron ore can be monitored for process control purposes. Whether at the mine site, at the treatment plant or at the smelter, Scantech offers solutions that aid the blending, handling and monitoring of various minerals, ores and products.

Composition Of Iron Ore

The composition of iron ore can be monitored in a number of ways. One method involves measuring the natural radiation emitted from iron ore and using known correlations to derive the compositon. Another method involves the direct measurement of the elemental composition.

As an example of the natural radiation application, an Ironscan 1500 has been installed on the raw iron ore conveyor after the first stage of crushing to -90mm. Natural radiation emanates from the ore. The parameters of interest in the iron ore are Fe, Si, Al and P. Preliminary work in the factory allowed a performance guarantee for Si to be offered, and there with high expectations for Fe and Al. Not only is the customer extremely satisfied with the measurement of Si, Fe and Al, as was expected, but also with the measurement of P as well.

Direct measurement of the elemental compositon is performed using Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) technology utilised by the GEOSCAN. In addition to the Fe, Si and Al, this technology allows measurement of elements such as Mn, Ti, Mg, Ca, K and others. The GEOSCAN is effective in monitoring the quality of lump and fines product streams as well as loadout operations. Blending can be controlled to ensure the product quality does not significantly exceed the specification, hence maximising utilisation of the geological resource.

Moisture Content Of Iron Ore

Iron ore is usually sold on an as received basis. Traditionally it has been assumed that the ore is fairly homogeneous with respect to moisture content, and thus spot sampling of the ore was acceptable. Real time on-line monitoring has shown that this is not always so. TBM and CM100 moisture measurement systems use transmission technologies, measuring through the full bed depth and producing very representative results.

To ensure, for instance, a ship is loaded to the correct specification, a TBM can provide immediate information regarding the moisture content of the iron ore. This information can be used to optimise downstream process control. The TBM can be integrated with water addition systems for dust management.

For iron ores that are not suitable for moisture measurement using microwaves, a CM100 can be used. The CM100 is well suited for magnetite moisture measurement for ore feed to process plant, concentrate moisture content monitoring and control (ie. filter plant optimisation), moisture control in pellet manufacture, and moisture in shipped concentrates.