Based on the thickness equivalent basis effect decomposition method of ore separation by multi-energy X-ray transmission technology

Abstract

The average grade of uranium ore in China is low and dispersed, positioning X-ray transmission technology as a promising method for enhancing uranium ore quality. However, the uneven thickness of the ore significantly affects the accuracy of the separation process. This paper introduces a method for mineral separation through base effect decomposition, leveraging the principle of thickness equivalence. This method exploits the characteristic of minimal variation in the linear attenuation coefficient of high-energy X-rays during transmission. By measuring reference samples, the sum of linear attenuation coefficients at selected energy intervals is calculated. This allows for the determination of the thickness equivalence values and corresponding equivalent linear attenuation coefficients for ore samples. Upon completion of thickness calibration, the average equivalent linear attenuation coefficient curves for different ore samples are analyzed using base effect formulas, resulting in the extraction of photoelectric effect coefficients and Compton effect coefficients, which serve as standards for uranium ore sorting. Monte Carlo simulations were performed on ore samples with varying thicknesses and uranium content, demonstrating a relative error in sample equivalent thickness of less than or equal to 7.08%. Following thickness correction, the base effect decomposition method demonstrates the capability to effectively differentiate uranium ore samples with a detection limit of 500 ppm, thereby fulfilling the industrial application requirements. This research not only provides a theoretical framework but also practical reference for the selective sorting of uranium ore, with significant implications for improving ore processing efficiency in actual uranium mining operations.