Developing Applications of Mineral-Specific X-ray Diffraction
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Space Research Centre
Abstract
Dr Graeme Hansford has invented a novel X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique which enables the enhancement of the diffraction signal from a specific mineral within a mixture. This technique has multiple potential commercial applications, primarily in metallurgy and mining. It can be implemented using relatively low-cost X-ray technology as a handheld or portable device or in a production line configuration. The technique is suited to applications in which the user is interested in one key mineral or phase, such as an important impurity. The method can be used to determine the presence or absence of this phase, and for quantification.
The primary targeted application at this stage is the quantification of retained austenite in steel production. The heat treatment of steels is mainly aimed at producing martensite which is an iron phase supersaturated with carbon. Martensite has generally desirable properties for steel applications, for example it is has a high tensile strength. Any austenite which does not convert to martensite (hence 'retained') may have benefits to the intended application or, more commonly, it may be deleterious. Measurement of the amount of retained austenite is therefore crucial for process and quality control purposes in the manufacture of steel. XRD methods are standard for retained austenite quantification, but current instruments cost in excess of £100k and either require destructive preparation of the sample or have a cumbersome measurement head which must be carefully positioned relative to the analysis area. In contrast, an instrument based on the phase-specific XRD technique can have a point-and-shoot format similar to handheld X-ray fluorescence instruments and is likely to cost ~£30k. This novel technique has the potential to disrupt the existing market in retained austenite measurement.
Another application example is the detection and quantification of quartz in iron ores. Quartz is commonly present as an impurity in iron ores and determines the optimum processing method because it is a hard mineral. A quick and accurate estimate of the quartz content in ores would allow rapid decision making at mines and mineral processing plants, saving costs through streamlining of operations and avoiding costly and wasteful errors. The mineral-specific XRD technique offers a compact and low-cost method of making such measurements.
The primary targeted application at this stage is the quantification of retained austenite in steel production. The heat treatment of steels is mainly aimed at producing martensite which is an iron phase supersaturated with carbon. Martensite has generally desirable properties for steel applications, for example it is has a high tensile strength. Any austenite which does not convert to martensite (hence 'retained') may have benefits to the intended application or, more commonly, it may be deleterious. Measurement of the amount of retained austenite is therefore crucial for process and quality control purposes in the manufacture of steel. XRD methods are standard for retained austenite quantification, but current instruments cost in excess of £100k and either require destructive preparation of the sample or have a cumbersome measurement head which must be carefully positioned relative to the analysis area. In contrast, an instrument based on the phase-specific XRD technique can have a point-and-shoot format similar to handheld X-ray fluorescence instruments and is likely to cost ~£30k. This novel technique has the potential to disrupt the existing market in retained austenite measurement.
Another application example is the detection and quantification of quartz in iron ores. Quartz is commonly present as an impurity in iron ores and determines the optimum processing method because it is a hard mineral. A quick and accurate estimate of the quartz content in ores would allow rapid decision making at mines and mineral processing plants, saving costs through streamlining of operations and avoiding costly and wasteful errors. The mineral-specific XRD technique offers a compact and low-cost method of making such measurements.
Publications
Hansford GM
(2016)
Phase-targeted X-ray diffraction.
in Journal of applied crystallography
Description | The primary aim of this research project was the development of an analytical technique, based on X-ray diffraction, to enhance the detection sensitivity to a specific crystallographic phase within a sample. Although the research showed that such enhancement is possible, the balance of advantages and disadvantages of the technique was shown to be not particularly favourable. It is possible that the developed technique may find niche applications in the future. |
Exploitation Route | There remains some potential for industrial applications of this research. The PI holds a Royal Society Industry Fellowship, working with Rolls-Royce, and the company is currently assessing whether to take forward a specific application that takes advantage of the experimental technique that was the subject of this research project. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | Industry Fellowship |
Amount | £117,551 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IF170021 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2018 |
End | 04/2022 |
Description | Applications of Handheld XRD with an Industrial Partner: Rolls-Royce |
Organisation | Rolls Royce Group Plc |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Investigation of the application of novel XRD methods, particularly handheld XRD, to the complex manufacturing processes involved in the production of jet engines. The aim is to streamline one or more processes and consequently save costs and reduce waste. The contribution is to test relevant samples using a prototype instrument, process and analyse the data and present the results to Rolls-Royce personnel for assessment. |
Collaborator Contribution | Rolls-Royce are providing material samples and imparting relevant knowledge of the manufacturing processes. They are also providing access to analytical facilities where appropriate. |
Impact | No impact yet. The collaboration is multi-disciplinary: advanced materials/metallurgy, X-ray diffraction, instrument design. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Tata Steel UK collaboration |
Organisation | TATA Steel |
Department | Tata Limited UK |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Investigation of the utility of novel XRD methods to steel manufacture. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of relevant samples; know how concerning the production of steel and what XRD measurements would help to streamline operations. |
Impact | Publication: doi 10.1107/S1600576716011936 The relevant disciplines are: steel manufacture, X-ray diffraction, instrument design |
Start Year | 2015 |
Title | X-RAY ANALYSIS DEVICE |
Description | An X-Ray analysis device comprising an X-Ray source and an X-ray detector and a method of analysis are disclosed. The X-ray source is arranged to emit a first characteristic X-Ray line and a second characteristic X-Ray line both incident on the sample. The X-Ray detector is adapted to detect X-rays diffracted by the sample. Each of the first and second characteristic X-Ray lines is diffracted at a distinct diffraction angle determined by each of the first and second lattice spacings to produce four diffraction angles, and two of the diffraction angles correspond to one another. |
IP Reference | WO2016193687 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2016 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | None. This patent application has now been allowed to lapse. |
Description | Geo.Rep.Net Meeting 3 Presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Multi-disciplinary meeting to discuss the challenges surrounding geological repositories for storing nuclear waste and for carbon capture and storage, including the transfer of technology from high technology sectors (space, high energy physics) into this application. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.georepnet.org/news.html?news_id=28 |
Description | International Innovation article |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | An article which gives an in-depth snapshot of my research, including the X-ray diffraction techniques I am developing, their applications and my collaborations. I believe this is an excellent advert for further possible collaborators. No impacts yet - publication due in late November 2014. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Spectroscopy Magazine Handheld XRD article |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | An article devoted to the description of my research was written and published in the Spectroscopy magazine. The article is entitled "Handheld X-ray Diffraction for Remote, Field-Based Applications". |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.spectroscopyonline.com/handheld-x-ray-diffraction-remote-field-based-applications |