Unicalce has developed a “pre-screening” technique based on an integrated multi-analytical approach “in situ” able to offer a rapid and reliable characterisation of large volumes of carbonate raw material, overcoming the problem of quality control in the laboratory and the representativeness of the single sample.
This approach allows, through the synergic use of specific mobile sensors, the rapid characterisation of carbonate rocks used for lime production. The project, described in an interesting article published on the International Cement Review*, was developed in collaboration with the CNR, the university spin-off Petrologic Synergy and the University of Siena, and took over three years to complete.
What does it consist of? The methodology involves the application of four non-destructive ‘in situ’ analytical techniques (Raman spectroscopy – RS, spectrophotometry – Vis-NIR, laser-induced plasma spectroscopy – LIPS, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry – XRF) capable of performing the characterisation of raw materials in view of the opening of a new quarry front, monitoring the main chemical-physical-petrographic characteristics of carbonate rocks in order to be able to have, in an extensive and fast way, a reliable restitution in terms of spatio-temporal mapping of the quarry to the advantage of a targeted and efficient extraction process.
The sensors used coupled to the petrographic characterisation allow to identify and know the qualities of raw materials, before its extraction from the quarry, such as the size and crystalline grain size distribution in addition to the chemical characterisation of carbonate rocks and the relative amount of magnesium contained, all elements that according to the experience of Unicalce contribute to the production of high quality lime, able to meet the markets needs where lime is used.
This project is an important step forward in the increasingly conscious approach to quarrying, with respect for the environment and its conservation at the heart of industrial choices.
*The original article published in the magazine is available by subscription.
