UV light sorting of spodumene is a physical sorting technology based on the difference in fluorescence characteristics of minerals under ultraviolet light, which is mainly used to improve the grade and recovery rate of spodumene ore. The following is a detailed analysis of the technology:

Ⅰ. Technical principle

Fluorescence characteristics: Some spodumene will emit specific colors of fluorescence (such as pink, orange or green) under ultraviolet light (especially long-wave ultraviolet light, 365nm), which is related to the trace elements (such as Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, etc.) or lattice defects it contains. Other gangue minerals (such as quartz and feldspar) may not be fluorescent or show different fluorescent colors.

Photoelectric sorting: The fluorescence of ore particles is stimulated by ultraviolet light source, and the fluorescence signal is detected by high-sensitivity sensors (such as photomultiplier tubes, CCD cameras). Combined with AI(Industrial computer) image processing algorithms, spodumene is identified, and then the target minerals are separated from waste rock by airflow or mechanical devices.

Ⅱ. Technical process

1. Ore pretreatment: crush and screen to the appropriate particle size (usually 5-50mm), ensure that the particle surface is clean to accurately stimulate fluorescence.

2. UV irradiation: ore particles on the conveyor belt pass through the UV light source area.

3. Signal detection: the sensor captures the fluorescence intensity and color difference.

4. Sorting execution: spodumene is separated from waste rock by high-speed airflow nozzle or robotic arm.

Ⅲ. Applicable conditions

Ore characteristics: spodumene must have significant and stable fluorescence characteristics, and it must be significantly different from associated minerals.

Particle size requirements: particles must be uniform (avoid being too fine or too coarse to affect detection accuracy).

Surface cleanliness: dust or mud coverage may interfere with the fluorescence signal and requires pre-cleaning.

Ⅳ. Technical advantages

High efficiency and environmental protection: no chemical agents are required, low water consumption, suitable for arid areas.

Pre-selection efficiency improvement: low-grade waste rock can be discarded in advance, reducing the subsequent mineral processing costs.

High degree of automation: suitable for large-scale continuous production.

Ⅴ. Limitations

Fluorescence dependence: If the fluorescence characteristics of spodumene are not obvious or overlap with gangue minerals, the sorting effect will decrease.

Particle size limitation: The sorting effect is limited for very fine or very coarse particles.

Ⅵ. Comparison with other sorting methods

Flotation method: Relying on reagents, high cost and pollution risk, but suitable for fine-grained ores.

Gravity separation method: Based on density differences, it is suitable for coarse particle sorting, but the separation effect of spodumene (density 3.0-3.2g/cm³) and minerals with similar density (such as quartz) is limited.

Magnetic separation method: Only effective for magnetic minerals, spodumene is usually non-magnetic.

Ⅶ. Practical application cases

Greenbushes lithium mine in Australia: Some production lines use ultraviolet sorting technology to pre-select spodumene to improve the flotation grade.

African lithium mine project: Determine the fluorescence characteristics of spodumene under ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength through experiments, and achieve a waste rock removal rate of >30% after optimizing the sorting parameters.

Ⅷ. Future development direction

Multi-spectral fusion: Combine visible light, near-infrared and other multi-band analysis to improve sorting accuracy.

AI algorithm optimization: Deep learning technology enhances the recognition ability of complex ores.

Portable equipment: Develop a small ultraviolet sorter for rapid detection in mines.

Conclusion

Ultraviolet light sorting of spodumene is an efficient and environmentally friendly pre-selection technology, but its successful application is highly dependent on the fluorescence characteristics of the ore. It is recommended to first verify the feasibility through laboratory tests and small-scale tests, and then select a suitable sorting process based on the characteristics of the ore deposit.