Scantech International Pty Ltd has released GEOSCAN GOLD, a premium elemental analyser that, it says, uses the highest specification PGNAA (prompt gamma neutron activation analysis) technology available.

The analyser, which builds on Scantech’s GEOSCAN-M high-performance elemental analyser, provides previously unattainable levels of risk-free, real-time measurement performance to the resources sector to help digitalise and control ore quality, according to the company.

GEOSCAN GOLD provides high-quality, real-time elemental analysis for conveyed flows where precision and short measurement times are essential for optimal control. This makes it ideal for bulk diversion (bulk sorting) and fine control where elements at parts per million levels need to be measured or determined from proxies such as gold, platinum group elements, silver and toxic contaminants (eg mercury, cadmium, chlorine, etc), Scantech says.

The analyser incorporates a high performance proprietary detector array for a “better, cleaner spectrum” at lower concentrations for superior element recognition. The array overcomes limitations of conventional, low efficiency detection systems, according to Scantech. It can also operate at extremely high count rates with negligible pulse pile-up.

“This innovation vastly improves the signal to noise ratio and spectral peak resolution, enabling elemental detection at lower levels,” the company said.

Just some of the advantages of GEOSCAN Gold that Scantech highlighted include:

• An ultra-compact design that can install between standard idlers;
• Unmatched proven performance;
• Operational at completion of commissioning;
• Customised calibrations;
• Three models cater for belts 600 mm to 2,400 mm and bed depths to 530 mm;
• No contact with material or conveyor belt;
• No sampling necessary during normal operation;
• No wear parts, therefore, low maintenance requirements;
• Optional customised SUPERSCAN console;
• Interface to most process control systems; and
• Proven short paybacks in many applications (bulk diversion, blending, monitoring, feed forward, etc) to optimise plant performance.

The company says GEOSCAN GOLD measures elements in primary crushed rock in conveyed flows at <100 t/h to >10,000 t/h irrespective of belt speed, particle size, mineralogy, dust, moisture, or segregation/layering,

It covers most elements from carbon onwards in the periodic table, including gold, over various measurement times and concentration levels. It can also analyse selected elements to below 1 parts per million, and even register accurate results where conveyor belts contain chlorine or steel cords.

It can register gold directly over 5-10 minute increments and other elements, including proxies for gold (eg sulphur, copper, etc), with high precisions over each 30 seconds of flow.

Measurement data is used concurrently for various applications: bulk sorting, ore blending, ore reconciliation, ore tracking, feed forward control, metal accounting, etc.

“GEOSCAN GOLD is the new standard in representative, real time, conveyed material measurement using Scantech’s Rocks2data customisation module,” the company said. “Successful performance is already proven in many challenging bulk ore sorting applications in base metals and PGMs. It builds on the very successful, world-leading GEOSCAN-M with over 100 installations in the minerals sector in more than 10 commodities. Paybacks are in a few months and sometimes weeks. Non-contact design minimises maintenance and remote access ensures trouble-free operation and high data accessibility.”