An earlier laboratory study proved the feasibility of LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technology for online evaluation of dolomite content in phosphate rock on a moving belt conveyor. The goal of the current project was to develop a prototype module for online dolomite concentration evaluation in phosphates under field conditions. The prototype was constructed and successfully tested at an operating beneficiation plant, achieving results consistent with data from an analytical lab. Use of this analyzer would eliminate errors in real-time shipping or discarding of the phosphate pebble product.
Michael Gaft et al., ITL, Inc. March 2005.