The on-stream real time analysis technique of flotation pulp will play the most important role in the control of the process where the main disturbance is the variation in feed pulp nature.
In order to investigate the fundainental problems encountered in “Kuroko” pulp analysis, a series of experiments has been done with a prototype analyzer. Several results obtained are as follows:
1) The correction for pulp density change is substantial. A monitor, a metallic block placed behind the sample cell, is used as a pulp density senser. The fluorescent X-ray through the pulp can be used as a pulp density indicator.
2) A down flow type cell with a specially designed head tank is satisfactorily used as a sample cell.
3) A metallic block for monitor should be selected carefully. For example, cadmium can not be used to analyze zinc because some of the characteristic X-rays are very similar to each other.
4) An example of pulp density correction equation for a specific grade pulp has been presented.
5) Even at a constant pulp density, the matrix effect on the X-ray intensity is significant, therefore it is recommended to make a different calibration equation for a different composition pulp.
