T128 pXRF in the Geosciences: Applications to Environmental, Regional, and Exploration Geology

Monday, 26 September 2016
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Room 404

USE OF A PORTABLE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE DETECTOR FOR DETERMINATION OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN COAL BYPRODUCTS

Paper number: T128-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:05 PM – 2:20 PM

Authors

  • Elliot Roth Presenting Author
    National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Tracy L. Bank
    National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Emma Keegan
    National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Evan Granite
    National Energy Techology Lab - US Department of Energy, Pittsburgh, PA

Abstract

The rare earth elements, or the lanthanides, have become increasingly sought after in recent years because of their wide range of uses in consumer goods, notably magnets, rechargeable batteries, and polishing powder. Researchers have been trying to find a way to extract rare earth elements from low REE concentrated secondary sources as a byproduct from already-existing processes such as coal mining in order to reduce waste, energy consumption, and cost. Portable XRF could be a useful tool in this process because of its ability to analyze coal and other field materials on-site, but its accuracy in reporting REE data at low concentrations has been questionable. This study will use a portable Niton XL3t GOLDD+ XRF Analyzer to analyze materials associated with coal. The focus will be the lanthanide elements and elements that are associated with REE, such as thorium and yttrium. Determining whether a portable XRF device can provide accurate data about the concentration of rare earth elements in materials associated with a coal deposit will be discussed. Optimal settings such as mode, time, and sample preparation will be studied. Different calibration methods such as method of standard additions will also be examined.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 48, No. 7

doi: 10.1130/abs/2016AM-286373

© Copyright 2016 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.