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A simple gibbsite analyzer for rapid field determination of the available alumina content in bauxites

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Abstract

A portable gibbsite analyzer suited for field operation and intended for rapid determination of available alumina is described. The available alumina content is calculated from the relative weight loss caused by the dehydration of gibbsite. More than 100 samples of gibbsite-containing bauxites of different origin, were analyzed with this apparatus. The results always appeared to be correct within 10% of the actual content. In the laboratory, an accuracy of ±2.60% gibbsite, and a reproducibility of ±1.87% gibbsite, both at the 95% confidence interval, could be achieved. The apparatus can be used under tropical conditions. Its weight is 13 kg. It can be fed from a motor-driven generator weighing 18 kg. The duration of a single analysis in the field is 30–40 minutes. In the laboratory about 25 analyses can be performed within 8 hours. The apparatus can be handled by an untrained operator. One operator can run at least two analyzers at a time. The complete set-up, including the generator, costs less than US $ 1500.

Zusammenfassung

Ein tragbarer Apparat für die Gibbsit Bestimmung im Freien wird beschrieben. Der Gibbsitgehalt wird berechnet aus dem Gewichtsverlust während der Entwässerung. Für Gibbsit-haltige Bauxite, die mit diesem Apparat analysiert sind, wurden Resultate gefunden, die immer weniger als 10% vom richtigen Gehalt abwichen. Im Labor konnte eine Genauigkeit von ±2.60% Gibbsit und eine Reproduzierbarkeit von ±1.87% Gibbsit, beide mit einer Wahrscheinlichkeit von 95%, erreicht werden. Der Apparat ist ausgerüstet für den Gebrauch in den Tropen. Er wiegt 13 kg und kann von einem durch einen Benzinmotor angetriebenen Generator gespeist werden. Der Generator hat ein Gewicht von 18 kg. Eine einzige Bestimmung im Freien dauert 30–40 Minuten. Im Labor können etwa 25 Bestimmungen innerhalb von 8 Stunden gemacht werden. Ein Mann kann mindestens zwei Apparate zugleich beobachten. Apparat und Generator kosteten weniger als US $ 1500.

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van Essen, M.J., Heynen, J.A.C., van der Veen, A.H. et al. A simple gibbsite analyzer for rapid field determination of the available alumina content in bauxites. Mineral. Deposita 6, 41–48 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00207116

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00207116

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