On-Line X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Uranium and Thorium Materials in Mining and Processing Industry

Abstract

The introduction of on-line X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis in mining and processing industry of uranium and thorium-bearing materials is discussed. Potential applicability of industrial XRF analyzer CON-X series is shown for continuous measurement of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) in various materials (rutile and zircon sands, phosphate rock and fertilizers, carbonatite and granite as unconventional U and Th resources, monazite concentrate as Th and U associated resources and etc.) at the wide range of U and Th concentrations (from less than 100 ppm to percents). U and Th detection limits (DL) are estimated as less than 50 ppm at concentrations below then 0.1 %.