Immersion radiometric gauges for on-stream control of copper content in mineral slurries

An ''on stream'' analyser and a radioisotope X-ray fluorescence method for continuous determination of copper in feed, concentrates and tailings is described. The Cu concentration range is 0.1 - 25%. The analyser consists essentially of two immersion radiometric heads, i.e., a radioisotope X-ray fluorescence measuring head, gamma-density head and a spectrometer together with a digital processor and printer. The method is based on the measurement of the characteristic radiation of Cu-K series. The total relation error (1 r.m.s.) of copper determination in feed varies from 6 to 8%, the respective values in concentrates and tailings are 3-6% and 5-10% depending on the concentration. The ''on-stream'' analyser has been calibrated and successfully tested in a mineral processing plant. (author)