scholarly journals Multi-Scale X-Ray Computed Tomography Analysis to Aid Automated Mineralogy in Ore Geology Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathis Warlo ◽  
Glenn Bark ◽  
Christina Wanhainen ◽  
Alan R. Butcher ◽  
Fredrik Forsberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Trace Metal ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Ore Deposit ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
X Ray Computed ◽  
Automated Mineralogy ◽  
Ore Characterization

Ore characterization is crucial for efficient and profitable production of mineral products from an ore deposit. Analysis is typically performed at various scales (meter to microns) in a sequential fashion, where sample volume is reduced with increasing spatial resolution due to the increasing costs and run times of analysis. Thus, at higher resolution, sampling and data quality become increasingly important to represent the entire ore deposit. In particular, trace metal mineral characterization requires high-resolution analysis, due to the typical very fine grain sizes (sub-millimeter) of trace metal minerals. Automated Mineralogy (AM) is a key technique in the mining industry to quantify process-relevant mineral parameters in ore samples. Yet the limitation to two-dimensional analysis of flat sample surfaces constrains the sampling volume, introduces an undesired stereological error, and makes spatial interpretation of textures and structures difficult. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) allows three-dimensional imaging of rock samples based on the x-ray linear attenuation of the constituting minerals. Minerals are visually differentiated though not chemically classified. In this study, decimeter to millimeter large ore samples were analyzed at resolutions from 45 to 1 μm by AM and XCT to investigate the potential of multi-scale correlative analysis between the two techniques. Mineralization styles of Au, Bi-minerals, scheelite, and molybdenite were studied. Results show that AM can aid segmentation (mineralogical classification) of the XCT data, and vice versa, that XCT can guide (sub-)sampling (e.g., for heavy trace minerals) for AM analysis and provide three-dimensional context to the two-dimensional quantitative AM data. XCT is particularly strong for multi-scale analysis, increasingly higher resolution scans of progressively smaller volumes (e.g., by mini-coring), while preserving spatial reference between (sub-)samples. However, results also reveal challenges and limitations with the segmentation of the XCT data and the data integration of AM and XCT, particularly for quantitative analysis, due to their different functionalities. In this study, no stereological error could be quantified as no proper grain separation of the segmented XCT data was performed. Yet, some well-separated grains exhibit a potential stereological effect. Overall, the integration of AM with XCT improves the output of both techniques and thereby ore characterization in general.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of root reinforcement in soils: an experimental methodology using four-dimensional X-ray computed tomography and digital volume correlation

2020 ◽  
Vol 476 (2237) ◽  
pp. 20190838
Author(s):  
D. J. Bull ◽  
J. A. Smethurst ◽  
I. Sinclair ◽  
F. Pierron ◽  
T. Roose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Shear Loading ◽  
Soil Reinforcement ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Digital Volume Correlation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Reinforced Soils ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
X Ray Computed

Vegetation on railway or highway slopes can improve slope stability through the generation of soil pore water suctions by plant transpiration and mechanical soil reinforcement by the roots. To incorporate the enhanced shearing resistance and stiffness of root-reinforced soils in stability calculations, it is necessary to understand and quantify its effectiveness. This requires integrated and sophisticated experimental and multi-scale modelling approaches to develop an understanding of the processes at different length scales, from individual root–soil interaction through to full soil-profile or slope scale. One of the challenges with multi-scale models is ensuring that they sufficiently closely represent real behaviour. This requires calibration against detailed high-quality and data-rich experiments. This study presents a novel experimental methodology, which combines in situ direct shear loading of a willow root-reinforced soil with X-ray computed tomography to capture the three-dimensional chronology of soil and root deformation within the shear zone. Digital volume correlation (DVC) analysis was applied to the computed tomography dataset to obtain full-field three-dimensional displacement and strain information. This paper demonstrates the feasibility and discusses the challenges associated with DVC experiments on root-reinforced soils.

Multi-scale X-ray tomography for process and quality control in 3D TSV packaging

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (1) ◽  
pp. 000184-000187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehrenfried Zschech ◽  
Sven Niese ◽  
Markus Löffler ◽  
M. Jürgen Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
Process Development ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Two Dimensional Image ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Advanced Packaging ◽  
X Ray Computed

Advanced packaging processes and the resulting 3D products challenge process and quality control. X-ray imaging and X-ray computed tomography (XCT) provide non-destructive characterization capabilities on specimens across a range of length scales, observing features with sizes spanning from millimeters over micrometers down to several 10 nanometers. They are the techniques of choice for two- or three-dimensional inspection of medium and small sized objects with a resolution down to several 10 nm. In this paper, the potential and the limits of XCT for process development, process monitoring, and failure analysis in 3D TSV stacks are described. It is shown that a multi-scale approach, i.e. using imaging techniques with several resolution ranges, is necessary for these particular tasks. Since sub-micron XCT and nano XCT are very useful techniques with a promising prospect for the future, we focus on the capabilities of two lab-based XCT tools with sub-micron resolution (Zeiss Versa) and with < 50 nm resolution (Zeiss Ultra). We demonstrate the capabilities for nondestructive imaging of multi-die stacks with TSVs and AgSn microbumps. Major filling defects in TSVs are clearly visualized. An analysis of individual bumps reveals mismatches in relative positioning, micron-size pores, and the distribution of intermetallic phases. This information provides important information regarding the respective process steps (process control) and the product quality (quality control). In addition, TSV etch profiles and small voids in Cu TSVs are visualized. Since deviations from the targeted geometry and defects are difficult to locate precisely from a two-dimensional image, X-ray computed tomography has to be applied.

scholarly journals Three‐dimensional X‐ray‐computed tomography of 3300‐ to 6000‐year‐old Citrullus seeds from Libya and Egypt compared to extant seeds throws doubts on species assignments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Wolcott ◽  
Guillaume Chomicki ◽  
Yannick M. Staedler ◽  
Krystyna Wasylikowa ◽  
Mark Nesbitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Computed

Visualizing Fluid Flows With X-Rays

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore J. Heindel ◽  
Terrence C. Jensen ◽  
Joseph N. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Fluid Flows ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Radiographic Images ◽  
Optical Access ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Computed ◽  
Density Map

There are several methods available to visualize fluid flows when one has optical access. However, when optical access is limited to near the boundaries or not available at all, alternative visualization methods are required. This paper will describe flow visualization using an X-ray system that is capable of digital X-ray radiography, digital X-ray stereography, and digital X-ray computed tomography (CT). The unique X-ray flow visualization facility will be briefly described, and then flow visualization of various systems will be shown. Radiographs provide a two-dimensional density map of a three dimensional process or object. Radiographic images of various multiphase flows will be presented. When two X-ray sources and detectors simultaneously acquire images of the same process or object from different orientations, stereographic imaging can be completed; this type of imaging will be demonstrated by trickling water through packed columns and by absorbing water in a porous medium. Finally, local time-averaged phase distributions can be determined from X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, and this will be shown by comparing CT images from two different gas-liquid sparged columns.

Three-dimensional analysis of plant structure using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang H Stuppy ◽  
Jessica A Maisano ◽  
Matthew W Colbert ◽  
Paula J Rudall ◽  
Timothy B Rowe
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Dimensional Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Plant Structure ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Computed

Three dimensional characterization of laser ablation craters using high resolution X-ray computed tomography

2018 ◽  
Vol 139 ◽  
pp. 75-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.H. Galmed ◽  
A. du Plessis ◽  
S.G. le Roux ◽  
E. Hartnick ◽  
H. Von Bergmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Laser Ablation ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Computed

Rapid prototyping for orthopaedic surgery

1998 ◽  
Vol 212 (5) ◽  
pp. 383-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Potamianos ◽  
A A Amis ◽  
A J Forester ◽  
M McGurk ◽  
M Bircher
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgery ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Shoulder Injury ◽  
Physical Relationship ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Joint Pathology ◽  
X Ray Computed

The revision of an orthopaedic procedure can present surgeons with the challenge of a complex reconstructive process. Orthopaedic surgery can also face considerable challenges in cases presenting extensive primary injuries with multiple bone fragmentation, as well as in cases presenting bone deformities. Radiographs are used routinely for orthopaedic surgical planning, yet they provide inadequate information on the precise three-dimensional extent of bone defects. Three-dimensional reconstructions from X-ray computed tomography offer superior visualization but are not portable for consultation or readily available in the operating theatre for guidance during a procedure. A physical model manufactured from X-ray computed tomography data can offer surgeons a clear understanding of complex anatomical detail, by providing an intuitive physical relationship between patient and model. Rapid prototyping was used for the construction of an anatomical model in a case presenting with a complex shoulder injury. The model provided a definitive interpretation of joint pathology and enabled a full assessment of the degree of injury.

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