On-line measurement of composition for the Australian mineral and energy industries

On-line analysis systems have found widespread application in the metalliferous mineral and coal industries. The continuous analysis and rapid response of these systems has led to improved control of mining, processing and blending operations with increased recovery of valuable minerals and coal combustibles. The CSIRO Division of Minerals has been actively involved in this field through the development, field testing and commercialisation of a wide range of on-line analysis systems including systems for the on-line determination of ash in coal, for the in-stream analysis of mineral and coal slurries and for the on-conveyor belt determination of moisture. This paper reviews four recent examples of on-line analysis systems being developed by CSIRO Minerals. These are multiphase flow measurement in oil/water/gas pipelines; determination of pre-reduction degree in hot iron ores; on-belt determination of moisture in iron ore; and long-path hydrogen fluoride determination in an aluminium smelter