Can you measure mineralogy in a liquid slurry?

[DevonH]

Hi I was wondering if anybody knows of an instrument that can measure mineralogy in a liquid/solids slurry stream. I know an XRD can measure mineralogy, but it has to be a dried sample. Also XRF can measure a liquid/solid stream, but it only gives an elemental chemistry analysis, not mineralogy.

Basically our stream consists of solids (dolomite, anhydrite, clay salt, etc.) in a brine solution, and I would like an instrument that can measure how much dolomite, anhydrite, clay and salt is in the stream. Preferrably this instrument would be an online setup with automatic sampling directly from the stream, but if anybody knows of any instrument that would do this without automatic sampling etc., I would be interested in hearing about it.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Achy47]

Thank you for your question regarding an instrument that can measure mineralogy in a liquid/solids slurry stream. As you mentioned, XRD and XRF are commonly used methods for mineralogy analysis, but they have their limitations in terms of sample preparation and analysis of liquid samples.

One instrument that may be suitable for your needs is a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analyzer. LIBS is a fast and non-destructive method for elemental and mineralogical analysis of solid, liquid, and gas samples. It uses a high-powered laser to create a plasma on the surface of the sample, and the emitted light is then analyzed to determine the elemental and mineralogical composition.

There are also online LIBS systems available that can be directly connected to a slurry stream for automatic sampling and analysis. These systems often have the capability to analyze multiple elements and minerals simultaneously, providing a comprehensive analysis of your sample.

Another option to consider is a near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer. NIR spectroscopy is a non-destructive method that measures the absorption of light in the near-infrared range, which is sensitive to the chemical composition of a sample. This can provide information on the mineralogy of your slurry stream.

I hope this information is helpful in your search for an instrument to measure mineralogy in your stream. It may also be beneficial to consult with a specialist in this field for further guidance and recommendations based on your specific needs. Best of luck in your research.

 

[ravenprp]

Yes, there are instruments that can measure mineralogy in a liquid slurry. One such instrument is called a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analyzer. This instrument uses a laser to vaporize a small amount of the sample, creating a plasma that emits characteristic light spectra. By analyzing the emitted light, the instrument can identify and quantify the minerals present in the sample.

Another option is a near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, which uses light in the near-infrared region to identify and quantify minerals in a sample. This instrument can also be used in an online setup with automatic sampling from the stream.

Both of these instruments can provide mineralogical analysis of a liquid/solids slurry stream without the need for sample drying. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of the analysis may be affected by the presence of water in the sample. So, it is important to calibrate the instrument with known samples and to take into account the water content in the analysis.

I hope this helps and good luck with your search for the right instrument for your needs!