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Image of female researcher loading the multiple sample changer into one of the Panalytical powder x-ray diffractometers.
Researcher preparing x-ray diffraction machine.

Using x-ray diffraction to solve minerals processing problems

CSIRO Minerals is using in-situ and on-line x-ray diffraction analysis to examine various aspects of minerals processing.

Mineralogical changes during pressure acid leaching of nickel laterites

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Image of female researcher aligning a capillary sample for x-ray powder diffraction.
Researcher aligning a capillary sample for x-ray powder diffraction.
In-situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were used by CSIRO scientists to examine the pressure acid-leaching process used to extract nickel from laterite ores. 

In-situ XRD replicates the industrial processing conditions and collects data while the process is occurring, that is at elevated temperature and pressure. 

This avoids potential artefacts from sample extraction and preparation affecting the results.

Using this technique, scientists can observe reaction mechanisms and rates as well as transitory intermediate phases.

CSIRO's study determined the reaction mechanisms of the nickel extraction process for different temperatures and acid concentrations. 

This contributes to the fundamental understanding of the process which is essential for its optimisation.

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Fast facts

  • X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to identify the minerals and crystalline phases present in geological speciments and processed materials
  • CSIRO has a long and successful history in applying XRD techniques to find solutions for scientific and industrial problems
  • In-situ XRD allows the laboratory-scale examination of mineral processing reactions under operating conditions, which is useful in determining reaction mechanisms and kinetics
  • On-line and in-plant XRD analysis can be used for dynamic plant control and quality control of industrial processing streams

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Mr Ian Madsen
Research Scientist
Minerals
Phone: 61 3 9545 8785 
Fax: 61 3 9562 8919 

Contact

Ms Nicola Scarlett
Research Scientist
Minerals
Phone: 61 3 9545 8784 
Alt Phone: 61 3 9545 8500 
Fax: 61 3 9562 8919 

LocationS

CSIRO Minerals - Clayton
Bayview Avenue
Clayton VIC 3168
Australia
Box 312
Clayton South VIC 3169
Australia

 

Minerals - Waterford WA
Conlon St
Waterford WA 6152
Australia
PO Box 7229
Karawara WA 6152
Australia