On-line analysis of phosphate rock slurry by prompt neutron activation technique.

With depletion of high grade phosphate deposits in Florida, it is necessary to develop new processes or modify the current circuits for phosphate flotation. Greater control of various streams is necessary to improve processing efficiency. This would require on-line analysis of phosphate rock slurry to provide basic information for the purposes of process control. The prompt neutron activation technique has an advantage over x-ray techniques as it can be used for the analysis of low atomic number elements. A prompt neutron activation probe was evaluated to determine the chemical composition of phosphate rock slurry in-situ. The technique allowed the analysis of Ca, Si and H using a 252Cf source. Direct measurement of P and Mg was not accurate due to interference from the rare earth elements associated with the Florida phosphate rock. The solids loading, particle size distribution and flotation reagents present in the slurry had no significant effect on the accuracy of the measurements. The technique was also found to be reliable under industrial conditions.
With depletion of high grade phosphate deposits in Florida, it is necessary to develop new processes or modify the current circuits for phosphate flotation. Greater control of various streams is necessary to improve processing efficiency. This would require on-line analysis of phosphate rock slurry to provide basic information for the purposes of process control. The prompt neutron activation technique has an advantage over x-ray techniques as it can be used for the analysis of low atomic number elements. A prompt neutron activation probe was evaluated to determine the chemical composition of phosphate rock slurry in-situ. The technique allowed the analysis of Ca, Si and H using a 252Cf source. Direct measurement of P and Mg was not accurate due to interference from the rare earth elements associated with the Florida phosphate rock. The solids loading, particle size distribution and flotation reagents present in the slurry had no significant effect on the accuracy of the measurements. The technique was also found to be reliable under industrial conditions.