METHOD OF X-RAY SEPARATION OF MINERALS Russian patent published in 2020 - IPC B07C5/00 

FIELD: technological processes.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to methods of separating crushed mineral material and can be used for X-ray separation of diamond-bearing rock of different size classes. Initial material is transported in the form of monolayer flow of separate particles. Section of the material is irradiated along the entire flow width perpendicular to the direction of transportation. Distribution of intensity of radiation passed through this section of flow is recorded using linear multi-pixel X-ray detectors. Simultaneously, thickness of material particles irradiated with X-rays is recorded. Characteristics of each of particles of initial material are determined and minerals are separated from initial material flow at compliance of obtained characteristic with criterion of reference of particle to enriched material. Determining the initial material particle characteristic value as a point in the two-coordinate system. Point coordinates are obtained by detecting intensity of radiation energy passing through a particle of source material in each pixel of multi-pixel X-ray sensitive detectors, and normalizing said intensity to the maximum possible value for it, simultaneously determining thickness of material above said pixel of multi-pixel X-ray detectors and normalizing to maximum possible value for it. Coordinates of the obtained point are tested for belonging to a predetermined range of values of the enriched minerals. Separated areas of pixels are separated, the value of particle characteristic in which belongs to the range of values of the enriched minerals. Degree of coincidence of the selected area of pixels with the region of values of the enriched minerals is determined and the enriched mineral is separated from the stream of the initial material at the conformity of the degree of coincidence with the criterion of assigning the particle to the enriched material.

EFFECT: high selectivity of separating enriched minerals while maintaining high percentage recovery.

6 cl, 4 dwg, 2 tbl