PARTICULATE SORTING APPARATUS

摘要

The invention provides apparatus for sorting particulate masses such as particulate diamondiferous ores. The apparatus has a source of X-ray radiation which exposes a selective region and through which a stream of the mass is arranged to pass. A photo detector device monitors luminescence produced by particles in the mass as a result of the radiation and controls a jet of air which separates selected particles having a predetermined luminescence characteristic from the other particles in the mass. The apparatus is characterized by a lens system 34 which concentrates the field of view D of the photodetector 30 on to and within the selective region.