Concentrating diamond-containing material with scattered x-ray radiation

The article presents research aimed at developing a new method of detecting diamonds among the particles of accompanying minerals. The method is based on the effect of a weak absorption of scattered X-ray radiation by diamonds in comparison with a stronger absorption by the particles of accompanying materials. The productivity of the method is up to 10 kg per hour, it is used for the final refinement of diamond-containing material. Three types of X-ray devices to detect diamonds and the results of their comparative tests are presented. Natural diamonds are used to compare the analytical characteristics of devices with one and with two detectors that register radiation scattered forwards and backwards in relation to the direction of the primary radiation. The amplitude and time modes of registering the analytical signal are tested and the prospects of this new method of detecting diamonds are evaluated. •Diamond detection based on weak absorption of scattered X-ray radiation by diamonds.•Three types of devices to detect diamonds tested.•Amplitude and time modes of registering the analytical signal tested and evaluated.•Spheres of application: final recovery, separation control, sample analysis.