Guanshi Handheld Ore Spectrometer Portable XRF Analyzer

The portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer has high analytical performance and can provide real-time geochemical data, which helps to quickly determine the multi-element characteristics of soil, rocks, and ores. The significant progress in portable XRF technology has significantly reduced detection time, optimized detection limits, and increased the number of detectable elements. Nowadays, geologists typically use rock geochemical information from Vanta analyzers to identify rock types. The Vanta analyzer can also participate in completing some standard geological logging tasks (such as analyzing soil, drill cuttings, and rock cores), as the Vanta analyzer can provide objective chemical composition data in real-time at the sampling site. Before or during routine visual logging, these data can be used to classify rocks and interpret the causes of rock alteration and mineralization.

Complete geological logging using data obtained through a portable XRF analyzer

In geological logging work, geoscientists record the rock types, alteration conditions, structures, constructions, and other characteristics of different samples, including soil, drill cuttings, rocks, and drill cores, through visual observation. Earth scientists generally use logging charts (geological logging) to record observed features or paramagnetic characteristics, including color, particle size, structure, structural orientation, bedding, alteration, qualitative change, and cross cutting.

Geological logging capability is a fundamental skill acquired by geoscientists after years of theoretical research on rock and mineral deposit samples, followed by years of field observation of the geological characteristics of rocks in situ or using drill cuttings samples. Only in this way can earth scientists be qualified to conduct detailed and in-depth field logging work to study the complexity and diversity of geology on a global scale. Therefore, in the mineral exploration industry, people often say, "Geologists who see more rocks are the winners

Portable XRF technology and other analytical techniques are changing the way we conduct modern logging in our daily lives. The technology of real-time transmission of objective logging information to geographic information systems (GIS), geological information management systems (GIMS), and 3D visualization and modeling software packages has revolutionized the mining industry.

Visual logging is subjective

The main problem with visual geological logging is that each earth scientist has their own experience, perspective, and ideas about the rocks they see. If the data obtained by multiple Earth scientists for a specific project is combined together, the situation will become very complicated. Figure 1 illustrates the subjectivity of visual observation, displaying logging data provided by eight geoscientists for the same rock sequence. There are 7 different results in the figure (the 6th or 7th Earth scientist replicated each other's results).

It takes a long time after the completion of the original geological logging to receive experimental data from the laboratory, resulting in a fundamental disconnect between logging observations and geochemical data for cross referencing and verification. And it can also lead to making incorrect or delayed decisions on site (continuing deep drilling or stopping drilling), and putting the entire drilling team on hold or relocating to other areas. The ability to provide almost real-time geochemical data is crucial for making timely and worthwhile decisions with portable XRF technology.

There are many advantages to using Vanta portable XRF analyzer for geological logging, and if you also use TERRA portable X-ray diffraction analyzer, you can obtain more advantages:

Objective data from different locations or boreholes can be seamlessly linked together

Helps with the classification and identification of rocks

Can enable geoscientists to link lithological observations with geochemical information

Make timely and economically effective decisions (stop drilling or continue deep drilling)

Rock geochemical data and intelligent multivariate geochemical data can be used to identify rock units, alteration, structural control, and lithological boundaries

Integrating data into algorithms, and even into machine learning routines, to automate workflows

The quantitative mineralogical data provided by portable XRD technology complements the portable XRF data

Can immediately provide and process data, and plot the data into a graph and display it

Data can be observed online in various places

Portable XRF technology, like other analytical techniques, requires not only the use and proper preparation of samples for appropriate applications, but also quality assurance/quality control, and the use of the same chain of custody as conventional laboratory data storage.

The following figure shows that advanced algorithms (wavelet transform surface subdivision for iron elements) can be used to highlight lithological features at three different scales.

Using wavelet transform surface subdivision technique to display portable XRF data of iron elements from underground samples in Brukunga, southern Australia.

　　Handheld ore spectrometer

Applied in fields such as geological exploration, mining surveying, mining, ore sorting, ore grade identification, metal smelting, and environmental monitoring.

　　Mineral exploration

1. Collect the Earth from the mining area during geological exploration, plowing, digging trenches, and other stages;

2. Chemical data is used to establish mining area models, draw maps, and quickly assist users in making decisions;

3. Quickly track mineralization anomalies on site, effectively locate 'hotspot' areas, and define drilling holes;

4. Objective: To expand the survey boundaries of soil samples;

5. Pre screening samples greatly improves the efficiency of laboratory testing outside the site;

6. When drilling, it is possible to drill hollow RAB、RC 、 Analyze samples such as diamond cores.

　　Ore mining, grade, process control

1. Provide theoretical basis for ore trading and decision-making;

2. Real time screening of drilling samples in open-pit mines has improved efficiency in handling ore/waste materials;

3. On site analysis of ore storage piles helps to quickly allocate and feed materials for factories;

4. Real time analysis of feed, concentrate, and tailings enables real-time adjustment of material dosage within the processing plant;

5. In mining applications, special calibration is usually required for specific samples and matrices;

6. The analyzer can be easily set up and operated using multiple calibration models, ensuring optimal performance in actual detection and analysis processes. Even in challenging analysis of light elements such as magnesium, aluminum, and silicon, accurate data can be obtained.

　　Oil and gas exploration

1. Advanced exploration and drilling;

2. Mud logging;

3. Analysis of Light Elements and Trace Metals Required for Shale Oil and Gas Exploration