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Overview - Research

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.

On-line mineralogy via continuous x-ray diffraction (XRD)

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Photo showing a commercial version of an on-line powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyser.
Commercial version of an on-line powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyser.
CSIRO Minerals worked collaboratively with Fuel and Combustion Technology Ltd to design, build and test an on-line powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyser to provide a direct measure of the mineralogy in an industrial processing stream. 

The data from the on-line XRD can be used for dynamic plant control and product quality control. 

The Australian cement industry has incorporated the on-line XRD analyser to accurately measure the composition and mineralogy of finished cement in real time.

As well as providing quick and accurate information for the cement industry, on-line XRD analysis has potential uses in other areas including:

  • mineral processing
  • mineral sands
  • slurry streams
  • paint and pigments
  • detergents and cleaners
  • routine quantification of sodium phosphates
  • polymers
  • pharmaceuticals.
 
 

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
Process Science and Engineering
Phone: 61 3 9545 8785 
Fax: 61 3 9562 8919 

Contact

Ms Nicola Scarlett
Research Scientist
Process Science and Engineering
Phone: 61 3 9545 8784 
Alt Phone: 61 3 9545 8500 
Fax: 61 3 9562 8919 

LocationS

Process Science and Engineering Clayton VIC
Bayview Avenue
Clayton VIC 3168
Australia

Box 312
Clayton South VIC 3169
Australia

 

Process Science and Engineering Waterford WA
Conlon St
Waterford WA 6152
Australia

PO Box 7229
Karawara WA 6152
Australia