Online Analysis for Process Control in the Mineral Processing Industries

The Malvern Panalytical, featuring Sodern Neutron technology, is the next generation of the world’s most advanced on-line elemental analyzer, based on PFTNA, pulsed fast and thermal neutron activation, technology. The instrument is available in two configurations – the classical CNA “through the analyzer” configuration and the more recent CNA³ , where the belt passes over the analyzer.

2 CNA³ Configuration - the belt passes over the analyzer

The classical CNA configuration is used in cement and related industries with modest size belts (< 2 meter), well controlled particle size, and the potential for layered material. The CNA³ is more applicable for mining applications with large rock size and wide conveyor belts.

Both configurations provide benefits by their ability to measure the bulk of the material passing on the belt and report the composition, typically two minute averages, in real time.

While the specific benefits are industry specific, in general the information from the CNA provides:

Mine Feedback – real time results to guide mining operations

Sorting – to provide information to separate material based on composition

Mixing – blend mine or stockpile streams to meet product specifications

Process feed forward – enable process controls to anticipate material changes

Process feedback – provide real time trends to monitor process quality and stability.

Key Features

The key features of Malvern Panalytical are:

On-off electric neutron source – safe and flexible operation

Automated radiation protection system (ARPS)

Modular design for minimum downtime during installation

Built-in direct link diagnostics program, ensuring optimum operation and uptime

Constant neutron flux eliminates expensive and inconvenient periodic on-site calibration

Industries

There are Malvern Panalytical models dedicated to specific industries. These include:

CNA Pentos-Cement – Stockpile and Raw Mix Control

CNA Nickel and CNA³ Nickel – Stockpile and Process Control

CNA³ Iron – Mining and Stockpile Feedback

CNA³ Copper – Feed sorting and mixing

CNA³ Coal – Information for Managing Mining, Preparation, Stockpile, and End Use of Thermal and Metallurgical Coals