The investigated samples come from the sandstone-type uranium deposit. Low grade, fine-grained mineralization has a complex character. Ore horizons A (freshwater sediments) and B (washout sediments) contain a lot of organic matter (up to 10 wt%), which makes the problem in focusing and mapping of uranium and uranium-bearing phases. Thanks for any help!
Hi Petr,
do you have a backscattered electron detector? Try to use it. The differences should be instant due to Z of the elements involved.
You need to lower the regular BSE threshold to catch organic matter. In ideal world you might need to have two scans with low voltage to grab the carbon and high voltage for U minerals. There is issue with hydration state of U-minerals and fake coffinite as a boundary phase between uraninite and other minerals with quartz and silicates.So, It does take a lot of work on SIP and boundary phases. I suspect sing MLA would be a better solution. Carbonaceous matter does have variable U content in some instances, so you will need to estimate that for deportment if you need it.
You need to lower the regular BSE threshold to catch organic matter. In ideal world you might need to have two scans with low voltage to grab the carbon, carbonates and phosphates and high voltage for other U minerals. There is difficulty with determination of hydration state of U-minerals and fake coffinite as a boundary phase between uraninite and other minerals with quartz and silicates.So, It does take a lot of work on SIP, phase identification and boundary phases. I suspect sing MLA would be a better solution. Carbonaceous matter does have variable U content in some instances, so you will need to estimate that for deportment if you need it.
If you used analysis of uranium ore by Alpha Spectroscopy you have to digest this sample before put it inside electro deposit. I will send to you procedure if you need I think it is very easy. This situation dealied by myself and I know all the uranium ore around the world contains more trace elements and organic compounds.
Best regards
Please let us if you need procured this method I will send now.
hope to find solution for your question
best regards
Hi Fahad,
I think that digestion of organic compounds can cause the lost of uranium minerals or U-bearing phases. These are bonded to organic matter or clay matrix and I have not experience with separation or elimination of particular components; as far as possible. Chemical processes can mean a change of the sample composition and the phases of interest but I would like to know a detailed description of the procedure. Thanks a lot!
Kind regards
Hi petr
When you use this method you add tracer for calculate of Recovery. You have to add U-232 then you know if you lost any amount from uranium or not.
This method has been acridiatet by IAEA.
Best regards
Hi Petr,
How have you mounted your sample for QEMSCAN analysis? If you are using a SEM stub, then I agree you could have some minor issues in focussing on the uranium phases. However, if you can mount your sample in resin and then cut, polish and C or Au coat it, you should be able to better focus on your sample regardless of the organic content of the ore.
Regards,
David
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Powders