LIBS vs PGNNA FAQs
1. How is the LIBS different from the PGNAA?
Fundamental difference is in the source of energy, used to excite the substance to perform remote elemental analysis. While PGNAA uses hazardous radioactive isotopes (viz. Cf252, Am241, Cs137, Am241-Be etc.), LIBS-based system deploys high intencity laser beam.
2. How do they compare in terms of safety?
There is obvious safety factor when looking at PGNAA technology – the need to handle radioactive material. This is an ongoing problem with PGNAA machines, due to the half-life decay of the source they require regular restocking with radioactive Californium-252. That restocking creates its own safety hazard every time it is required.
With LIBS, there is no radioactive source involved. In addition, it is easy to configure variety of protection levels with electrical interlocks. To name a few: No or low substance level on conveyor belt, conveyor belt OFF, unauthorised entry in the analyser premises, unauthorised intrusion, motion sensing, etc.
However, the same is not true for the PGNAA. Neutron emission cannot be stopped or switched off. This exposes those servicing the analyser hardware or maintaining the conveyor belt near the analyser to neutron and gamma radiation. Some analysers include a shielding block that reduces the radiation when the analyser is not in use. This minimises but does not eliminate the problem.
3. How does the LIBS compare with PGNAA in terms of analytical performance?
LIBS delivers much more energy, between 20–100 mJ/pulse and this results in a higher energy output for analysis, 14 MeV for LIBS compared to PGNAA of around 2.5 MeV. The higher energy of laser brings in analytical advantages. The most important one being ability to accurately analyse Carbon and Oxygen. This makes analysis of coal easy by enabling direct measurement and computation of Calorific Value & Moisture.
Higher energy also results in an overall enhancement in sensitivity and performance. PGNAA analysers suffer from relatively low sensitivity compared to a LIBS machine. The minimal signal accumulation time for PGNAA is typically 1–2 min, but for LIBS technology, the information is received in every single laser pulse – as little as, 20–30 sec. For PGNAA means a slower rate of analysis, and a need for a much higher volume of material to obtain results.
4. Are LIBS analysers expensive to own and operate as compare to PGNAA systems?
Not true. The PGNAA analysers, using hazardous radioactive isotopes with finite half-life (2.6 years for the Cf252), need to be compulsively replenished or topped-up periodically. This is irrespective of the analyser operation and usage time. The LIBS analyser on the other hand provides energy on-demand. The laser in a LIBS analyser can typically last up to 10 years for 8-hour daily operation. A lot of customers find that costs of using LIBS technology are about 20% lower, compared to that of PGNAA.
5. Is there any issue with LIBS compared to PGNAA?
LIBS is a surface method. This laser-based technology can only affect the surface of material on the conveyor belt. PGNAA radiation is absorbed throughout the mass of the material. This means that with LIBS technology there is a need to ensure that material surface represents the whole volume of material for accurate measurement – the substance needs to be homogenous. Usually, it is simply a question of installation point. In mining, bulk materials usually arrive at the conveyor after explosive and crushing processes that universally considered to be producing a homogeneous mix. However, if that is not the case, to make the material ready for real-time analysis by LIBS system, adding a simple and inexpensive mixing device on the conveyor belt prior to the online analyser solves the issue.
6. What are the various applications of LIBS based online analysers?
Worldwide, LIBS based analysers are successfully performing and serving in the Phosphates, Potash, Refractories and Iron Ore applications.
7. How easy is the maintenance of LIBS analysers?
The maintenance needs for a LIBS based analysers are minimal as compared to the PGNAA systems that need periodic recalibration once in a few months to compensate for 5% to 10% drop in neutron intensity because of source decay. LIBS systems require only periodic air filter and laser lamp change – can be performed by user personnel without any special gear and training.
Laboratory Analysis vs Online Analysis The analysis of the elemental composition of raw materials is a crucial part of the mining process directly impacting yield, quality and profits. Can you afford to ignore the benefits of real time sampling and analysis in an increasingly competitive environment? There are two broad categories of costs in mining and mineral processing: External or Market-Controlled and Internal or Mill-Controlled.
Market-controlled are inputs such as raw materials and energy costs. They usually account for the vast bulk of production costs, an estimated 80%. Mill-controlled costs are made up of the consumables, labor, overhead involved, etc. These are usually defined by technology deployed at a mill; however, can be managed with efficiency-focused programmes. When a major technology overhaul is not an option for the foreseeable future, Efficiency Conversion is the part of Mill-controlled costs that Mill Director and Process Managers should focus on. This is still not a negligible bit. With proper tools one can achieve 5% to 10% upside in this area.
Energy bill often represents 15% to 25% of overall mill costs (up to 40% in steel making). Typically, a multi-stage preheater dry kiln would use 3.6 GJ/ton in refractories and cement mills. With current energy prices for industrial consumers in Europe, that represents approximately $23 per ton of product in energy costs. What if you could save 5% of that? In steel making overall energy use is even higher ≈ 18.2 GJ/ton, with approximately 2.8 GJ/ton in coking and 11.5 GJ/ton in iron making.
No wonder the mineral processing industry has been heavily investing in energy conversion and process automation. Is there more you could do? At
Laser Distance Spectrometry we believe there is. Controlling what the energy is burnt on is the way to reduce mill energy consumption. Laboratory analysis has traditionally been a safe and accurate method of analysing the chemical elemental concentration of mining yields. It allows analysis across a range of elements and parameters to provide the data necessary to identify impurities, control concentrations and ensure environmental regulatory compliance among other things. One drawback – accurate laboratory results are available only in 6 to 8 hours form the time samples had been taken off the conveyor belt or stockpile. With material running on the conveyor with the speed of a couple of tons per minute what is the true cost of this delay?
Investing in
real-time elemental analysis on every stage of the process is something that rare-earth enrichment plants have been doing for decades. Doing that in refractories, cement and steel making would stabilise substance mix, its quality and enable total process control in these industries too. The goals – optimal energy use, improved production yields and more consistent product quality. The ability to obtain accurate analytical results in real time and feed them into process automation systems can represent potential savings in mill-controlled costs of up to 10%. Laboratory analysis will remain a crucial benchmark for years to come. However, complimenting it with real-time online analysis enables prompt technical decisions on sorting of the raw material, dosage of ore or components of a mixture, energy use, all based on the real-time data. As profitability has dropped industry wide, accurate, quick data and optimised production processes are arguably more important than ever. Effective process control provides many benefits including reducing cost, conserving raw material and minimizing environmental impact. Online analysis solutions such as the
MAYA online analyser are therefore increasingly being adopted by key players across the mining industry.
Take control of your mining operations. Laser Distance Spectrometry is a young start-up, full of energy and desire to change the world of mining. We help mining and mineral processing businesses reduce their energy consumption and achieve higher production yields. This way we save our planet resources and enhance lives of people.
We offer on-line, automated, real-time chemical analysis of mineral materials, based on latest laser spectroscopic technology and heuristic algorithms. Our team is comprised of the leading scientists and technicians in laser detection methodology and systems.
At Laser Distance Spectrometry we believe that Machine Learning and Industry 4.0 have arrived and it is only a question of how quickly this will be the mainstream in mining and mineral processing. Laser Distance Spectrometry is part of that game. We are determined to be part of that future. Laser Distance Spectrometry ©
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The MAYA Online Analyser is revolutionising mining operations. Using innovative laser technology, it analyses the elemental composition of various materials across mining industries. Delivering real time data to impact technological processes, it improves accuracy, stability and safety to provide a significant competitive advantage. |
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REGULATE COMPOSITION STABILISATION AND IMPURITIES DISCHARGE BASED ON REAL-TIME ONLINE INFORMATION
MAYA Online promises optimum accuracy regardless of bulk size, surface quality, thickness of the layer of the material and variation on these parameters.
UNCOMPROMISED SAFETY AND STABILITY WITH MAYA LASER TECHNOLOGY
Unlike traditional PGNAA analysers which have radioactive source the MAYA LIBS analysing technology emits no ionizing radiation. This means uncompromised safety and no need to obtain nuclear authority licences or inspections.
WE WILL DEMONSTRATE THE IMPACT ON YOUR OPERATIONS PRIOR TO INVESTMENT
We will analyse samples and pre-calibrate machine algorithms for you to verify pre-purchase. This means you can demonstrate the impact to all stakeholders prior to investment.
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MINExpo® 2016
Las Vegas, NV, USA, 26-28 September 2016.
MINExpo® 2016 IS ALL ABOUT SOLUTIONS. Our company was happy to be a part of this huge event and to present our recent solutions for mining. We know how to make your process control easier and more efficient!
AISTECH 2016
Pittsburgh, PA, USA, May 16-19, 2016.
We were very excited to exhibit at AISTech for the first time and to present our achievements in online analysis for sintering and refractories!
AISTech is the steel industry’s biggest annual trade show and exposition. More than 8,000 people have attended AISTech 2016. This event have featured technologies from all over the world that help steel producers to compete more effectively in today’s global market.
Phosphates 2016
Paris, France, March 13-15, 2016.
Phosphates 2016 has brought together experts and decision makers from the leading companies within the fertilizer, industrial and feed phosphate industries, providing delegates with key insights and in-depth market information about phosphates raw materials, intermediates and finished products.
We were glad to present and discuss with you our latest developments and customized solutions at the Phosphates 2016.
Congress Unitecr2015
Vienna, Austria. September 15-18, 2015.
We took part in the 14th Biennial Worldwide Congress UNITECR 2015 on 15-18 September 2015 in Vienna, Austria.
Since its creation in 1987 in Tokyo, the Unified International Technical Conference, simply known as UNITECR, has established itself as the most important international panel for scientific and technical matters in the refractory world. In addition to direct participants from the refractory industry, raw material suppliers, consumers and scientists also have a great opportunity to participate in discussions, exchange information and even debate on the best path for the future of our industry.
Unlike other events, UNITECR is a truly international scientific conference, organized successively in America, Asia and Europe. More than 900 participants from 48 countries attended the Congress in Vienna to find out about the latest developments and trends, to share experience with leaders and to build up or maintain a network of personal contacts.
We would like to thank all of you who joined us at the conference, where we made a speech about on-line quality control in the refractory industry, and exhibition in Hofburg Congress Center at UNITECR 2015 in Vienna.
METEC 2015 International metallurgical trade fair with congresses
Dusseldorf, Germany. June 16-20, 2015
We have successfully exhibited at the METEC 2015 in Dusseldorf, the leading metallurgical trade fair, featuring latest technologies and offering first-hand information to participants.
We gave a presentation at the METEC-ESTAD conference on real-time raw materials chemistry stabilization and product quality control using the MAYA laser elemental analyser in sintering, iron making and refractory industry.
With 78,000 visitors from more than 120 countries GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST 2015 in Düsseldorf were on the level of the previous events. The experts presented themselves in high spirits to invest and the 2.214 exhibiting companies reported on numerous business transactions with customers from all over the world. Especially in the Asian
region there is a great demand for European metallurgy and foundry technology corresponding current requirements of the industry regarding the saving of energy and resources. Two third of the visitors are directly involved in investment decisions in the top and middle management of their companies.
We are thankful to all our customers and visitors from many countries, who visited our booth and presentation and made our participation at METEC very interesting and successful. We were glad to show you our achievements and solutions to stabilize chemistry of raw materials (iron and refractory ores, sinter mix, limestone, etc.), to demonstrate even at our booth applicability of our technology to your materials, as well as to discuss with you
new applications and solutions, which can help to successfully fulfil your technological tasks.