ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF HANDLING AND ANALYSING DISCRETE MINERAL SAMPLES

摘要

A self-contained stand-alone elemental composition analysis system (10) comprises an analyser (12) and a mineral sample and transport handling system (14). The analyser (12) is capable of providing data relating to the elemental composition of a mineral sample. The transport system (14) operates in association with the analyser (12) so as to transport discrete mineral samples from a sample inlet port (16) to the analyser (12) and subsequently transport the analysed mineral samples as discrete samples to a sample outlet port (18). The transport system (14) is constituted by an inlet conveyor system (20) that is arranged to transport discrete mineral samples from the inlet port (16) to an analyser inlet (15); and, a separate outlet conveyor system (22) which is arranged to transport discrete mineral samples after analysis from an analyser output or discharge to the outlet port (18). The system (10) enables discrete samples emptied from a specific container or bag to be returned in that same container or bag thereby minimising the risk of contamination with other samples.