RU2648105C1 - Separator and method of dry concentration of diamond-containing ore - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: technological processes.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to separation or sorting of ore materials by dry process, in particular, to dry enrichment of diamond-bearing ore using radiation methods, namely with measurement of secondary emission of characteristic nuclear gamma radiation produced under action of fast labeled neutrons. Separator for dry enrichment of diamond-bearing ore contains ore supply system for supplying diamond-bearing ore to neutron block. Neutron block is provided with neutron generator for generating flux of labeled neutrons and alpha particles, in which multi-element alpha detector is built-in. Separator also contains two groups of gamma-ray detectors. Detectors of the first group are located around and outside labeled neutron flux and are protected from direct hit of labeled neutrons flux in them. Detectors of second group are located within stream of labeled neutrons, which passed through vessel with diamond-bearing ore. Ore supply system is provided with at least one vessel having cross-sectional shape, corresponding to cross-section of labeled neutrons flux, configured to contain portion of diamond-containing ore to be irradiated in neutron block. Flux of labeled neutrons in neutron block is in form of truncated pyramid and, accordingly, vessel also has shape of truncated pyramid. Separation system is configured to direct portion of diamond-containing ore irradiated in vessel, or to concentrate, or in tailings by control system comands, depending on data detected by system analyzing presence or absence of diamond (-s) in said portion of diamond-containing ore.

EFFECT: achieved result is increase in sorting productivity due to possibility of detecting diamond hidden in piece of ore before its crushing, which helps to prevent damage to large diamonds.

17 cl, 8 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to ore dressing, in particular to the separation or sorting of solid ore materials by a dry process, in particular to dry dressing of diamond ore, i.e. its separation in order to separate the diamond-containing rock from the gangue using radiation methods, namely by measuring the secondary emission of the characteristic nuclear gamma radiation arising from the action of fast labeled neutrons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The detection of diamonds in kimberlite by the tagged neutron method is known from the prior art (see, for example, the article "Detection of diamonds in kimberlite by tagged neutron method", Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, A 785 (2015) 9-13) .

[0003] There is also known a method and apparatus for detecting diamonds in kimberlite using the tagged neutron method (see Patent No. RU 2521723 C1, published July 10, 2014). However, the device described in this patent has insufficient diamond ore productivity for industrial use, associated with: a small solid angle of gamma radiation detection, determined by a limited number of gamma radiation detectors located only outside the labeled neutron flux; with the imperfection of the conveyor design, which does not ensure the constancy of the height of the layer of diamond-bearing rock located on the conveyor belt, due to the lack of a rock dosing system, and also due to the lack of a separation and selection system for the irradiated rock into concentrate and tailings; with the influence of changes in ambient temperature on the characteristics of the recording equipment of the device.

Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to which the invention is directed is to increase the productivity of a separator for processing diamond-containing ore using the tagged neutron method.

[0005] Another technical problem to be solved by the invention is the provision of reliable detection of diamonds hidden in pieces of rock before its crushing, which helps prevent damage to diamonds.

[0006] Another technical problem to which the invention is directed is to provide a minimum yield of concentrate from ore with high separator performance.

[0007] Also, the present invention solves the problem of obtaining a highly efficient and high-performance separator for dry processing of diamond ore.

[0008] The tasks are solved by the following means set forth in paragraphs 1-20.

[0009] Clause 1: Separator for dry processing of diamond ore, containing:

- ore supply system designed to supply diamond-containing ore to the neutron block, and the neutron block is equipped with:

(a) a neutron generator designed to generate a flux of labeled neutrons and alpha particles, wherein a multi-element alpha detector is integrated in the neutron generator, and

(b) gamma radiation detectors for detecting characteristic gamma radiation resulting from irradiation of diamond ore with a flux of labeled neutrons;

- a data analysis system designed to collect and analyze data received from an alpha detector and detectors of gamma radiation from a neutron block;

- a system for the separation of diamond ore;

- power system; and

- management system,

wherein the ore supply system is provided with at least one vessel configured to contain a portion of diamond ore to be irradiated in the neutron block, said at least one vessel having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of the labeled neutron flux,

and while the separation system is configured to send a portion of the diamond-containing ore irradiated in the vessel either to the concentrate or to the tails by the command of the control system, depending on the presence or absence of diamond (s) detected in the said portion of the diamond-containing ore detected by the analysis system.

[0010] Clause 2: The separator according to claim 1, wherein the neutron generator in the neutron block is located below the vessel and the gamma-ray detectors are located in the neutron block above the vessel.

[0011] Clause 3: The separator according to paragraph 1, wherein the neutron generator and gamma-ray detectors are located in the neutron block to the side of the vessel.

[0012] Paragraph 4: The separator according to paragraph 3, in which the neutron generator is located on the first side of the vessel, and gamma radiation detectors are located on the second opposite the first side of the vessel.

[0013] Clause 5: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-4, wherein said at least one vessel is made of carbon-free material containing less than 1 wt.% Carbon.

[0014] Claim 6: A separator according to any one of Claims 1-5, wherein the gamma-ray detector includes at least one gamma-ray detector located within the labeled neutron flux passing through the diamond ore vessel.

[0015] Clause 7: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-6, in which the neutron block gamma radiation detectors are arranged in two groups:

- the first group of gamma-ray detectors located around and outside the labeled neutron flux and provided with protection for gamma-ray detectors from direct hit of the labeled neutron flux in them, and

- the second group of gamma-ray detectors located within the labeled neutron flux passing through the vessel with diamond-containing ore.

[0016] Paragraph 8: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-7, in which the labeled neutron flux in the neutron block has the shape of a truncated pyramid, and, accordingly, the vessel also has the shape of a truncated pyramid.

[0017] Clause 9: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-8, in which the gamma radiation detectors are equipped with a thermal correction system connected by a communication line to the data analysis system.

[0018] Clause 10: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-9, wherein the ore supply system comprises a conveyor with a plurality of vessels mounted thereon.

[0019] Clause 11: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-10, wherein the ore supply system comprises a feed hopper with a dispenser for supplying a metered portion of diamond ore to the vessel, and the separation system is configured to direct the irradiated portion of diamond ore or to a collection vessel concentrate, or in a container for collecting tailings, and the hopper with a dispenser and a separation system are connected by a communication line with the control system.

[0020] Clause 12: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-11, in which the neutron block is designed to generate a flux of labeled neutrons and alpha particles during deuteron acceleration and their interaction with a tritium target due to the following binary reaction:

d + t → α + n,

where d is a deuteron, t is a triton, α is an alpha particle, n is a neutron.

[0021] Clause 13: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-12, in which the neutron block is placed in a dustproof casing.

[0022] Clause 14: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-13, wherein said ore supply system, neutron block, and separation system form an enrichment module, wherein the separator comprises at least two such enrichment modules that are capable of enriching diamond-containing ore in series one after another or parallel to each other, while the alpha detector and gamma-ray detectors of each neutron block in each enrichment module are connected to a data analysis system, which is connected to the system via communication lines th management.

[0023] Claim 15: The separator according to clause 14, wherein the diamond ore separation system of each beneficiation module, except the last of the at least two beneficiation modules, is configured to supply concentrate to the ore feed system of the next beneficiation module for further irradiation and beneficiation concentrate from the previous enrichment module.

[0024] Clause 16: The separator according to clause 14 or 15, in which the power system is common or separate for all enrichment modules, and / or the data analysis system is common or separate for all enrichment modules, and / or the control system is common or separate for all enrichment modules.

[0025] Clause 17: The separator according to any one of paragraphs 14-16, in which each neutron block in each enrichment module is placed in a dustproof casing, and / or each enrichment module is placed in a dustproof casing.

[0026] Claim 18: A separator according to any one of Claims 1-17, comprising at least two of said neutron blocks arranged in series with each other, wherein the ore supply system is common and configured to supply diamond-containing ore to each of said neutron blocks, each neutron block is capable of independently irradiating its portion of diamond-containing ore in a separate vessel.

[0027] Clause 19: The separator according to paragraph 18, containing a common power system, a common data analysis system and a common control system for all neutron blocks.

[0028] Clause 20: A method for dry dressing diamond-bearing ore, carried out using a separator according to any one of paragraphs 1-19.

[0029] Preferably, the dry ore dressing method of the diamond ore according to paragraph 20 may include the following steps:

(a) irradiating with a flux of fast labeled neutrons a portion of diamond-containing ore located in a vessel having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flux of fast labeled neutrons;

(b) registering a spectrum of characteristic gamma radiation arising from irradiation in step (a) of said portion of diamond-containing ore with a flux of fast labeled neutrons;

(c) analyzing the characteristic gamma-ray spectrum recorded in step (b) from said portion of diamond-containing ore to obtain information about the presence or absence of diamonds in said portion of diamond-containing ore; and

(d) based on the information obtained in step (c), the said portion of diamond-containing ore is sent either to the concentrate, if at least one diamond is present in the said portion, or to the tailings, if there is no diamond in the said portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the following non-limiting drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective perspective view with local cuts of one particular embodiment of a separator according to the invention, in which all nodes are housed in dustproof housings.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective perspective view with a local section of another specific embodiment of a separator located inside a transport container, the neutron block of the separator being covered with a dust cover (dust protection covers of the input and output parts of the separator ore supply system are not shown for clarity).

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of one particular embodiment of a separator according to the invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 schematically shows the main assembly of one particular embodiment of the separator according to the invention, i.e. a fragment of the ore supply system, made in the form of a conveyor of the ore supply system with three vessels and placed around the conveyor of the ore supply system, a neutron block, and in FIG. 4 (a) shows a longitudinal sectional view of the assembly along the conveyor of the ore supply system; FIG. 4 (b) is a transverse section through the assembly relative to the conveyor of the ore supply system, and in FIG. 4 (c) is a perspective view of a given node.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of yet another specific embodiment of a separator according to the invention, the separator being mounted on a self-propelled chassis and equipped with three serial enrichment modules with a separate neutron block and a separate ore supply system in each of these modules.

[0036] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a perspective perspective view of yet another specific embodiment of a separator according to the invention, in which four enrichment modules are arranged and operate in parallel, as one of the preferred industrial enrichment options for diamond ore.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view with local cuts of yet another specific embodiment of a separator according to the invention, including three neutron blocks located on one common conveyor of the ore supply system inside the dustproof housings.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view with a local section of another specific embodiment of a separator according to the invention with a lateral arrangement of a neutron generator and gamma radiation detectors relative to a vessel containing diamond ore in the neutron block and with a horizontal flow of labeled neutrons in the neutron block through a vessel held in a fixed vessel diamond ore.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0039] The invention is directed, in particular, to solving at least one of the following technical problems:

- reliable detection of diamonds (for example, large diamonds of more than 5 carats) visible or hidden in diamond-containing ore to the stage of crushing ore pieces, which will prevent the destruction of large, and therefore most valuable, diamonds;

- increasing the performance of the separator, i.e. an increase in the amount of diamond ore processed by the separator per unit time; and

- minimizing the yield of concentrate from diamond ore, i.e. ensuring a minimum ratio of the amount of concentrate produced by the separator to the total amount of ore processed by the separator, or, in other words, the greatest possible reduction in the concentrate / tailings ratio.

[0040] Moreover, depending on the circumstances, any of these technical tasks can be considered as the main one, and the rest as auxiliary. However, in more preferred embodiments of the invention, all these tasks are solved together in connection with each other.

[0041] In order to solve at least one of these technical problems in a separator or method according to the invention for detecting and separating diamonds from diamond-containing ore, the portions of diamond-containing ore are irradiated with a flux of labeled fast neutrons, as a result of this irradiation information is obtained on the presence or absence diamonds in portions of diamond-containing ore and, based on the information received, the portions of diamond-containing ore are separated into portions with discovered diamonds sent to the ore concentrate and portions detected without diamond ore sent to waste (so-called "tails"), thereby performing dressing of diamond ore.

[0042] In the present invention, any diamondiferous ores or any ore materials potentially containing diamonds may be used as the diamond ore to be enriched, the preferred ore types being, for example, kimberlite and / or lamproite ores, and the ore materials be previously obtained ore concentrates or wastes from diamond ore processing. And although the following description is mainly applied to kimberlite ore, the invention is not limited to any one particular type of ore or ore material.

[0043] The separator of the present invention necessarily contains a neutron block, more specifically, at least one neutron block. Moreover, the aforementioned or each neutron block contains:

(a) a neutron generator and

(b) gamma radiation detectors.

[0044] The neutron generator (a) serves in the neutron block of the separator as a source of fast labeled neutrons. The neutron generator is equipped with an alpha particle detector, which is hereinafter referred to simply as an "alpha detector" for brevity and which can be of any type provided that it is capable of detecting alpha particles. The alpha detector is subdivided into many elements (pixels) and therefore is hereinafter referred to as “multi-element”, and such a lot of elements (pixels) means “two or more” and can be any integer, and the more there are, the higher the spatial resolution of the separator . The alpha detector is placed and configured to operate inside a neutron generator and is therefore called hereinafter “built-in”. For example, an alpha detector may be silicon. For example, a neutron generator can be equipped with a built-in 9-channel alpha detector or the 64-element (64-pixel) silicon alpha detector described in the above article. In this case, the neutron generator can be portable. In particular, in one particular embodiment, the neutron generator may be an ING-27 model generator manufactured by FSUE VNIIA im. N.L.Dukhova (Moscow).

[0045] In particular, a neutron generator in which the following binary reaction proceeds is used as a source of fast labeled neutrons:

d + t → α + n,

where d is the deuteron (i.e., the nucleus of the hydrogen isotope of deuterium, ² H);

t is the triton (i.e., the nucleus of the tritium hydrogen isotope, ³ H);

α is an alpha particle (i.e., the nucleus of a helium atom, ⁴ He);

n is a neutron,

moreover, the energy of deuterons incident on a tritium target is of the order of 100 keV, and the energies of the generated alpha particle and neutron are approximately 3.5 MeV and 14.1 MeV, respectively.

[0046] Thus, using this neutron generator, portions of diamond-containing ore are irradiated with a fast neutron flux with an energy of about 14.1 MeV and with high intensity, for example, from 5 × 10 ⁷ to 4 × 10 ⁸ neutrons per second (n / s) . As a result of inelastic scattering of fast neutrons by the nuclei of atoms that make up the diamond-containing ore, characteristic (i.e., characteristic for each specific type of chemical element) gamma radiation with energies of the order of 0.5-10 MeV occurs. This characteristic gamma radiation is recorded using gamma radiation detectors (b), also included in the neutron block. Preferably, the gamma radiation detectors can be made on the basis of crystals of bismuth germanate (BGO) or yttrium-lutetium orthosilicate (LYSO), however, the present invention is not limited to a specific type of gamma radiation detectors, provided that they are capable of detecting gamma radiation with a specified energy . In this case, using the multi-element alpha detector built into the neutron generator, the direction of fast neutrons emitted from the tritium target of the neutron generator is also recorded, which approximately corresponds to the direction opposite to the direction of the emission of alpha particles from the tritium target (the actual scattering angle between the generated alpha particle and the neutron is 171-175 degrees, for the deuteron energy range of 50-150 keV), i.e. an alpha detector produces the so-called “tagging” of neutrons (from the English “tagging”) in the direction of their departure in space and at the time of their departure in time, therefore, hereinafter, the term “tagged neutrons” is used for fast neutrons. It should be noted here that fast neutrons are emitted by a neutron generator into a full solid angle of 4π, however, due to such “labeling” of fast neutrons by an alpha detector, the flux of labeled neutrons taken into account in the subsequent analysis of characteristic gamma radiation has a shape diverging from the target with much a smaller solid angle determined by the size of the alpha detector and the distance between the tritium target and the alpha detector. The number and position in space of individual beams of labeled neutrons in their total flux is determined by the number and position of the elements (pixels) of the alpha detector relative to the tritium target of the neutron generator. Characteristic gamma radiation emanating from diamond ore in the form of spectra is recorded using gamma radiation detectors. The recorded characteristic gamma-ray spectra coming from gamma-ray detectors are analyzed by the data analysis system in coincidence with the signals from the alpha-detector corresponding to each voxel of the irradiated piece of kimberlite. Here, “voxel” refers to the volume element of a piece of diamond-containing ore, and in the direction of the labeled neutron flux, the voxel size is determined by the time resolution of the alpha-gamma-coincidence (α-γ coincidence) system, and in the plane perpendicular to the labeled neutron flux, the voxel size is determined by the linear pixel size alpha detector and the ratio of the distances from the tritium target of the neutron generator to the alpha detector and to the irradiated piece of diamond ore, located in the volume of each voxel. In this case, an unambiguous conclusion about the presence or absence of diamonds in the irradiated piece of diamond-containing ore is made by comparing the intensity of the characteristic carbon gamma line with an energy of 4.43 MeV, measured in each of the voxels, with the intensity of the same line at the background level, found by averaging of this line for all voxels belonging to the irradiated piece of diamond-containing ore, while the criterion for detecting diamonds in a piece of diamond-containing ore is the excess of the intensity indicated inii gamma radiation with an energy of 4.43 MeV, in at least one of the voxels above the background level. Additional details of the operation of the neutron block in the separator according to the invention can be found in the above article, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

[0047] Turning now to specific and preferred embodiments of the invention, a separator for dry processing of diamond ore can be performed as follows, as shown in FIG. 1-4. The separator contains a loading hopper 1 with a grid 2, sifting diamond-containing ore and thereby determining the size of the pieces of rock falling into the loading hopper when loading diamond-containing ore 1. The separator also contains a dispenser 3, which determines the mass of diamond-containing ore loaded into each of the vessels 4, mounted on chain 5 of conveyor 6 of the ore supply system. The conveyor 6 of the ore supply system in turn moves each vessel 4 mounted on the conveyor 6 to the irradiation area of the vessel loaded with ore with a labeled neutron stream 7 generated by a neutron generator 8 located below the conveyor 6. In addition to the neutron generator 8, the neutron block 9 has an external power supply 10 and contains inside itself detectors 11 of characteristic gamma radiation emitted from diamond ore 12 when it is irradiated with a labeled neutron stream 7. The gamma radiation detectors 11 are arranged in two groups - first the first group located around the flux of tagged neutrons 7, and the second group located within the direct flux of tagged neutrons 7 (shown in detail in Fig. 4). The neutron block 9 also contains protection 13 of the first group of gamma-ray detectors 11 from direct hit of tagged neutrons emitted by the neutron generator 8, as well as biological protection 16 surrounding the entire neutron block 9 from all sides. At the end of the conveyor 6, an ore selector 18 is located, which, upon the command of the conveyor control unit 14, directs the contents of the vessel 4 either to the concentrate via the corresponding trough 15 leading to the container 20 for collecting the concentrate, or to the tails discharged along the corresponding trough 17 leading to the collecting container tails 21 or just dump tailings. The neutron block 9 is also equipped with a dust cover 19 made, for example, of thin steel and preventing dust from diamond-containing ore 12 from entering the neutron generator 8 and gamma radiation detectors 11. The separator can be turned on and off using the remote control 23 of the operator. The direction of the contents of the vessel 4 is carried out automatically by the control system. The input and output parts of the conveyor 6 of the ore supply system can also be equipped with dustproof casings 19, which prevent dust from diamond-containing ore 12 from entering the neutron generator 8 and gamma radiation detectors 11. The separator may be placed inside the container 24 (see Fig. 2). If the separator is located in the container 24 (Fig. 2), then in this container 24 all the main components of the separator are enclosed, including the neutron block 9 with the neutron generator 8 and gamma-ray detectors 11, the power supply unit 10, the recording electronics unit 26, the electrical panel 27, to which external power can be supplied (for example, 380/220 V power) and which, in turn, powers the neutron generator power supply unit 10, the recording electronics unit 26 and the ore supply system conveyor control unit 14. Block 14 control the conveyor of the ore supply system, in turn, energizes the doser 3 and the rock selector 18 with electricity. The control of the separator is preferably carried out using the interface of the operator console 23. The separator may also be equipped with a thermal correction system (not shown) containing temperature sensors mounted on the crystals of the gamma radiation detectors 11 and in thermal contact with them. The signals from these temperature sensors via communication lines, which can be basically any, including wired and / or wireless, are fed to the input of the amplitude-to-digital converter (s) (ADC) and a computer (for example, a minicomputer or other controller), while temperature sensors are connected by a power line to the ADC installed (s) in the recording electronics unit 26, connected by a communication line to the interface of the operator panel 23.

[0048] One of the important features of the invention is that each vessel 4 has in its cross section a shape corresponding to the shape of the labeled neutron flux 7. Moreover, this feature in the present invention implies that the cross section of the vessel 4 passing through it by a plane practically corresponds in its geometrically shaped cross section of the flux of labeled neutrons 7 by the same plane. So, if you look at FIG. 4 (a) and denote the axis lying in the plane of the sheet of paper and going from left to right along the conveyor chain 5, for the X axis, the axis lying in the plane of the sheet of paper and going from bottom to top, for the Y axis, and the axis going perpendicular to the plane of the paper sheet, - beyond the Z axis, then, for example, the section can be considered as the section by the longitudinal plane XY coinciding with the plane of the paper sheet, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), or the transverse plane Y-Z, perpendicular to the plane of the sheet of paper, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), or by the XZ plane, perpendicular to the plane of the paper sheet and parallel to the bottom of the vessel 4, or the section by any plane coinciding with the Y axis and not perpendicular to the X and Z axes. Such a correspondence between the shape of the cross section of the labeled neutron flux 7 and between the shape of the cross section vessel 4 provides irradiation with labeled neutrons 7 in all of the contents of vessel 4 in full, which ensures that labeled neutrons 7 do not fly past (do not pass) a single diamond contained in a portion of diamond-containing ore in this vessel, which means that each diamond It will be taken into account when deciding whether to send a vessel contained in this ore into a concentrate or to waste.

[0049] The most preferred embodiment of the invention is the almost complete coincidence between the inner surfaces of all the walls of the vessel 4 and the outer contour of the labeled neutron stream 7 passing through the vessel 4, which makes it possible to irradiate with labeled neutrons the entire contents of the vessel 4, but not to irradiate with labeled neutrons the walls of the vessel 4. In one preferred embodiment, the labeled neutron flux 7 has the shape of an inverted truncated pyramid, and accordingly, each of the vessels 4 also has the shape of a per a truncated truncated pyramid (as shown in Fig. 4 (a), (b) and (c)), which ensures complete and unhindered precipitation of ore from vessels 4 when they are turned upside down.

[0050] However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above preferred sectional shape in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid depicted in FIG. 4 (a), (b) and (c) nor shown in FIG. 4 (a), (b) and (c) the preferred arrangement of the neutron generator 8 under the conveyor of the ore supply system, and detectors 11 of gamma radiation above the conveyor of the ore supply system. Thus, in another preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the vessel 4 and the corresponding cross-sectional shape of the flux of labeled neutrons 7 can be arbitrary, for example, rectangular, square, oval or other. In addition, in other embodiments, these structural elements can be located in the neutron block in the opposite way (i.e., neutron generator 8 is above the conveyor of the ore supply system, and detectors 11 of gamma radiation are located below the conveyor of the ore supply system). A preferred embodiment is also possible when the ore supply system feeds the ore from top to bottom. Then the neutron generator 8 and the gamma radiation detectors 11 can be located approximately at the same level vertically, while the neutron generator 8 is located on one side of the ore supply system (for example, to the left of the vessel 4 in Fig. 4 (b)), and gamma radiation detectors 11 are located on the other side of the ore supply system (for example, to the right of vessel 4 in FIG. 4 (b)). Such a preferred embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8, where the flux of labeled neutrons 7 passes through the vessel 4 as a whole horizontally from left to right. In yet another preferred embodiment, the labeled neutron flux may pass through the vessel from right to left (not shown in the figures).

[0051] It should also be understood that the term “vessel” as used herein means any vessel capable of containing diamond ore. Thus, the shape, dimensions and material of the vessel, the shape, number and wall thickness of the vessel can be arbitrary in the presence of the above ability. In particular embodiments, the vessel may be a tray (i.e., a generally flat box with a lower height than its width and length), a bucket (i.e., a vessel adapted in thickness and wall material to scoop up a certain portion of diamond-containing ore a certain volume or mass), and any other possible examples of vessels. In one particular embodiment, the vessels may be the same or different in shape, size, material and / or wall thickness throughout the ore supply system or throughout the separator, while in other embodiments, the vessels may be the same or different in shape , size, material and / or wall thickness on one ore supply system or in one beneficiation module, but different - on another ore supply system or in another separator beneficiation module.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the vessels can be made in the form of buckets that can scoop up mined diamond-containing ore themselves, and in another specific embodiment, the ore is only fed into vessels, for example in the form of trays (in particular, it is poured into trays to a certain level , constant or variable, for example, up to full or partial filling of the trays) with a dispenser through the loading hopper of the separator.

[0053] The vessel may be made of a “carbon-free” material to prevent false alarms associated with the non-uniform distribution of carbon in the material of the vessel. The method used by the separator for searching for diamonds in diamond-containing ore is based on the detection of a local excess of carbon concentration over the average carbon concentration in a portion of ore irradiated with a labeled neutron flux. When using, for example, an organic-based conveyor belt containing a significant amount of carbon, the percentage of false positives simulating a diamond signal increases sharply, since in terms of quantity the variation in carbon content over the thickness of the belt can exceed the mass of the desired diamond, which, on average, is less than 1 d. In one particular embodiment, the structural elements of the conveyor of the ore supply system, which enter the neutron block during operation of the separator, are also made of carbon-free material. The term "carbon-free material" means in this invention a material that contains less than 1 wt.% Carbon, for example, less than 0.5 wt.%, Less than 0.1 wt.%, Less than 0.05 wt.% Or less than 0 , 01 wt.% Carbon, or even less than 0.005 wt.% Carbon, calculated on the total weight of the vessel. In particular, “high-carbon and medium-carbon steels, as well as low-carbon steels, in particular, ultra-low-carbon steel with a carbon content of up to 0.002 wt.% Can be attributed to“ carbon-free material ”in this sense.

[0054] It is also possible to use such an ore supply system in the separator in which all parts passing through the ore irradiation region with labeled neutrons in the neutron block or located in this region are made of a “carbon-free” material, for example, a metal material, in particular low carbon steel.

[0055] In addition, it should be understood that the term "labeled neutron flux" as used herein means at least one beam of labeled neutrons necessary to make it possible in principle to realize the inventive separator. However, in preferred embodiments, the labeled neutron flux as a whole may consist of a plurality of neutron beams, the number of which may be equal to the number of neutron generators or the number of pixels in a multi-element alpha detector, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 16 , 25, 36, 49, 64, 100, 192, 256, 500 and more beams. Thus, the terms “flux” and “beam” used with respect to labeled neutrons may or may not be equivalent to each other.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 5, the preferred separator for dry processing of diamond ore 12 shown therein contains three successive processing modules located on a self-propelled chassis 25 (for example, on a tracked chassis, as shown, or on a wheeled chassis not shown) and equipped with neutron blocks connected in series along the ore 9 and conveyors 6 of the ore supply system, sequentially enriching diamond-containing ore 12 and allowing to obtain diamond-containing ore 12 with a high diamond content at the outlet of the separator - concentrate 20, and also receive practically no detectable diamonds tailings dump 21.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a preferred separator with multiple (in this case, four) enrichment modules 22, each of which is located in a separate container 24 (similar to FIG. 2) and which are located and operate in parallel. In this case, the mined diamond-containing ore 12 enters the separator loading line 28 with ore 12 (moreover, such loading can be carried out by excavators, as shown in Fig. 6, or by any other suitable means and methods, not shown), then ore 12 is fed through loading line 28 to common for all enrichment modules 22 loading hopper 1, then ore conveyors 29 are fed into separate enrichment modules 22, from where almost diamond-free tails are conveyed by conveyors 30 to tailings dumps 21, and the diamond concentrate ore concentrate feeds I am transporting (s) 31 to the storage site of the concentrate 20. In this and other embodiments, the storage location of the concentrate 20 can take the form of a heap of the concentrate 20 on the ground or in a container 20 specially designed for collecting concentrate, such as, for example, a truck body ( dump truck), as shown in FIG. 6. In addition, in this and other embodiments, the tailings 21 from the blade (s) can be loaded by a loader into a special container, in this case, the body of a truck (dump truck), as shown in FIG. 6, and removed to a suitable storage location for the tails.

[0058] FIG. 7 depicts a preferred separator with multiple neutron blocks 9, sequentially along the ore located along one conveyor 6 of the ore supply system.

[0059] A method for operating a separator in preferred embodiments for beneficiating diamond ore 12 may comprise one or more of the following specific operations (steps).

[0060] Before starting the separator, an electric voltage is supplied from the electrical panel 27 to the power supply unit 10, followed by the inclusion of the neutron generator 8 in the "preparation" mode, to the gamma radiation detectors 11, to the conveyor control unit 14 and to the recording electronics unit 26 .

[0061] Then, loading hopper 1 is loaded with diamond ore 12, for example, using one or more conveyor (s) 29 (as shown in FIG. 6). Diamond-containing ore 12 in the form of individual pieces with sizes determined by the size of the cells of the screening grid 2 installed in the upper part of the loading hopper 1, enters the volume of the loading hopper 1.

[0062] After that, using the control system, for example, from the operator panel 23, through a special interface via a communication line with the neutron generator control unit 8, a command (not shown) is sent to turn the neutron generator 8 into neutron emission mode. Then, or simultaneously with the submission of this command, the conveyor 6 is turned on, for example, the chain 5 of the conveyor 6 with the vessels 4 is driven by a command through a special interface from the operator console 23 in the conveyor control unit 14.

[0063] Then, the first vessel 4 is stopped near the dispenser 3 (for example, under it for loading by gravity) and automatically, by command through the interface from the conveyor control unit 14 of the ore supply system, the first vessel 4 is completely or partially filled with diamond ore 12, in the preferred embodiment is a fixed mass or volume of diamond-containing ore 12. After this, according to the program incorporated in the control unit 14 of the conveyor of the ore supply system, the conveyor 6 is automatically driven and The first vessel 4, completely or partially filled with diamond-containing ore 12, is moved to the area of irradiation with the labeled neutron flux 7 from the neutron generator 8. The conveyor 6 is stopped when the center of the first vessel 4 is aligned with the central axis of the labeled neutron flux 7. From this moment, the contents are irradiated the first vessel 4 by the flow of labeled neutrons 7, and also detect (detect) alpha particles generated together and simultaneously with neutrons 7 and flying in approximately opposite directions from them. The characteristic gamma radiation emitted by the ore 12 contained in the first vessel 4 under the influence of irradiation with a labeled neutron flux 7 is detected in gamma radiation detectors 11. On-line mode provides all the information received from the alpha detector of the neutron generator 8 and from the gamma radiation detectors 11 to the recording electronics unit 26, which is part of the data analysis system, in order to receive, collect and process this data and pre-select events recorded by said alpha and gamma detectors. At the same time, with very high accuracy (such as less than 1 nanosecond (ns), for example, less than 0.1 ns or less than 0.01 ns), the time elapsed from the moment of registration of alpha particles by the alpha detector of the neutron generator 8 to the moment of detection of gamma -radiations in each of the detectors 11. After a set of the required statistics of events recorded by the alpha-detector and gamma-ray detectors 11 and a preliminary analysis of these events, information about previously analyzed events (for example, pre-selected, in particular events) are fed via a communication line (for example, via an Ethernet line) from the recording electronics unit 26 through an interface to the operator console 23. According to the program installed in the operator’s console 23, an amplitude and time analysis of the events previously analyzed (selected) by the recording electronics unit 26 is performed in order to answer the question about the presence or absence of diamonds in the first vessel 4.

[0064] Upon completion of the analysis of the statistics collected by the events of the alpha and gamma-ray detectors 11, the conveyor 6 is automatically turned on and the first vessel 4 is moved in the direction of the ore selector 18 and the conveyor 6 is stopped when the first vessel 4 is within the range of the selector 18 ore.

[0065] When moving the first vessel 4 into the range of the ore selector 18, the second vessel 4, located next along the chain 5 of the conveyor 6 after the first vessel 4 preceding it, in the zone of irradiation with the labeled neutron flux, is simultaneously moved and stopped 7 (this situation is clearly visible in Figs. 4 (a) and 4 (c)). The ore selector 18, having received a command coming from the operator panel 23, depending on the type of command — whether diamond is detected in the contents of the first vessel 4 or not — moves the shutter 32, opening only one of the two troughs in the ore selector 18 (see Fig. 3 ) In this case, the contents of the first vessel 4 are poured in case of detection of diamond in it (pieces of ore with diamond are marked in black in Fig. 3 with a black circle) inclined to the right and shown closed in Fig. 3, the gutter, respectively, into a container for collecting concentrate 20, or, if no diamond is found in the first vessel 4 (pieces of ore without diamonds are marked with white circles in FIG. 3), pour along an inclined to the left and shown open in FIG. 3 the trough into the container for collecting the tailings 21, turning the first vessel 4 upside down as it passes down the conveyor 6 above the ore selector 18. In other words, if the shutter 32 in the ore selector 18 is turned to the right, closing the gutter inclined to the right (as shown in Fig. 3), then the contents of the first vessel 4 are directed along the left and open gutter to the container for collecting tails 21. And if the shutter 32 the ore selector 18 will be turned to the left, closing the left-inclined trough (not shown in Fig. 3), then the contents of the first vessel 4 will be directed along the right-inclined and then open trough into the container for collecting concentrate 20.

[0066] In a similar manner, the separator is operated for all subsequent vessels 4 on the conveyor 6 (for example, the third, fourth and fifth).

[0067] It should be understood that the number of vessels on the conveyor of the ore supply system in the separator according to the invention can, in principle, be any, for example, less than two or more than five, i.e. in the first case, the separator can work with only one single vessel moving on one single conveyor of the ore supply system, and in the second case, the separator can work with a large number of vessels (for example, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 1000, etc. .d.) moving on one conveyor or on several (two, three, four, five, etc.) identical or different conveyors. Moreover, the vessels on different conveyors and / or in different enrichment modules can be the same or different in one or more of the following parameters: vessel dimensions, vessel volume, mass or volume of ore loaded into the vessel, material of the entire vessel or its part, side wall thickness or the bottom of the vessel, the exposure time of the vessel in the neutron block for a set of statistics of events, the speed of the vessel on the conveyor, etc. For example, in one possible embodiment, the vessel makes its movement on the conveyor continuously, i.e. without stopping in the neutron block for a set of statistics of events, or intermittently, i.e. with stops in the neutron block to set the desired (preferably as large as possible) event statistics. In the proposed separator, the duration of such stops, i.e. the irradiation time of one portion of diamond-containing ore in the neutron block can vary from 1 second to tens of minutes, for example, from 4 seconds to 32 minutes. However, it is obvious that the longer the stop time in the neutron block, the lower the separator capacity per unit time.

[0068] As the container 20 and / or container 21 are filled, the tailings collected in the tank 21 are sent to dumps or to another place, for example, to another processing, in particular ore crushing, and the concentrate collected in the tank 20 is sent from the separator in special equipment or in a special enterprise for the gentle separation of diamonds from concentrate.

[0069] A method for operating a dry ore separator for diamond ore according to another preferred embodiment of FIG. 5 are as follows. First, the loading hopper 1 is filled with diamond ore 12. After that, through the interface c of the operator panel 23, a communication line exchanges information with the common control unit of the three shown in FIG. 5 with enrichment modules or with a separate control unit for each of the three enrichment modules shown, with three neutron blocks 9 (one in each of the enrichment modules), they command the inclusion of neutron generators 8 in each neutron block 9 in the neutron emission mode. Then, by issuing a command from the operator panel 23 through the interface to the control unit 14, which controls one of the three enrichment modules or all three enrichment modules at once, the conveyors 6 of the enrichment modules are activated (chain 5 of each of the three conveyors 6 available in one in each of the three enrichment modules, comes into translational motion). The first vessel 4, located on the first conveyor 6 of the first neutron block 9 of the first enrichment module (shown on the left in Fig. 5), is stopped near the dispenser 3 of the first neutron block 9 and automatically, upon command from the first control unit 14, the first vessel 4 is filled with a fixed by weight by the amount of diamond-containing ore 12. After this, according to the program laid down in the first control unit 14, the first conveyor 6 is automatically driven and the first vessel 4 filled with diamond-containing ore 12 is moved to the area of irradiation with a labeled neutron stream 7. The first conveyor 6 is stopped when the center of the first vessel 4 is aligned with the central axis of the labeled neutron 7. From this moment, the contents of the first vessel 4 are irradiated with a labeled neutron stream 7. On-line information from alpha detectors and gamma radiation detectors 11 of the first neutron block 9 enters the block 26 of the recording electronics, for the purpose of receiving and preliminary selection of events recorded by alpha and gamma detectors. After a set of the required statistics of the events detected by the alpha-detector and the gamma-ray detectors 11 and their preliminary analysis and selection, information is transmitted via the Ethernet line from the recording electronics unit 26 through the interface to the operator console 23. According to the program installed in the operator panel 23, an amplitude and time analysis of the pre-selected events is performed by the recording electronics unit 26 in order to obtain an answer to the question of the presence or absence of diamonds in the first vessel 4. In the case of detecting the presence of diamonds in the first vessel 4, it enters on before this, the second conveyor 6 into the second neutron block 9 of the second enrichment module (shown in the center in Fig. 5). Next, the second conveyor 6 stops the first vessel 4 in the second neutron block 9 when the center of the first vessel 4 is aligned with the central axis of the labeled neutron stream 7 generated by the neutron generator 8 of the second neutron block 9 of the second enrichment module. Then, as in the first neutron block 9 or in a different way (for example, longer), in the second neutron block 9, the contents of the first vessel 4 are irradiated with another flux of labeled neutrons 7. In the case of detecting the presence of diamonds in the first vessel 4 also in the second neutron block 9, the first vessel 4 enters further on the third conveyor 6 included before into the third neutron block 9 of the third enrichment module (shown on the right in Fig. 5). After irradiation of the contents of the first vessel 4 and in the case of a positive response about the presence of diamonds in it, the first vessel 4 is moved to the zone of the ore selector 18. The ore selector 18, having received a command from the operator console 23, depending on the type of command — whether diamond is detected in the contents of the first vessel 4 or not — moves the shutter 32 in the ore selector 18, opening one of the two troughs (see Fig. 3) , and the contents of the first vessel 4 are poured, respectively, into a container for collecting concentrate 20 or a container for collecting tails 21. If you receive a negative answer about the absence of diamonds in the first vessel 4 on the first, second or third neutron block 9, i.e. in at least one of the three enrichment modules, the contents of the first vessel 4 are poured using an ore selector 18 into a container for collecting tails 21. In the same way, the separator is operated for all subsequent vessels 4 (for example, the third, fourth and fifth) in each of the three enrichment modules. However, in other preferred embodiments, different enrichment modules can be operated in different operating modes, for example, with different durations of ore irradiation with a labeled neutron flux and a set of statistics. In addition, different enrichment modules can work with other different parameters, for example, with different shape, volume, material or degree of filling of the vessels with ore, or with different intensities of the flux of labeled neutrons. Moreover, different enrichment modules can work with neutron blocks differing in their design or in their operating mode so that, for example, the first enrichment module along the ore is adapted to detect the largest diamonds, the second enrichment module along the ore to detect medium diamonds, and the third enrichment module along the ore - to detect smaller diamonds, etc. etc.

[0070] A method for operating a dry ore separator for diamond ore according to another preferred embodiment of FIG. 7 are carried out as follows. First, the loading hopper 1 is filled with diamond-containing ore 12. After that, from the operator’s console 23, a command is sent via the communication line with the control units of the three neutron blocks 9 to turn their neutron generators 8 into neutron emission mode. Then, by giving a command from the operator panel 23 to the control unit 14, a single conveyor 6 is turned on, common to all three neutron blocks 9 (in this case, the circuit 5 of the general conveyor 6 comes into translational motion through each of the three neutron blocks 9 in series). The first vessel 4 in the direction of movement of the conveyor 6 is stopped in the zone of the dispenser 3 and automatically, upon a command from the separator control unit 14, the first vessel 4 is filled with a fixed mass of diamond-containing ore 12. After this, according to the program laid down in the separator control unit 14, the conveyor 6 is automatically set in motion and the first vessel 4, filled with diamond-containing ore 12, is moved to the irradiation region of the first neutron block 9. In this case, the next, second, vessel 4 is placed on the conveyor 6 to, that it falls into the zone of the dispenser 3, where it is filled with diamond-containing ore 12. After the completion of the filling of the second vessel 4, the conveyor 6 is turned on and the first vessel 4 is moved to the irradiation region of the second neutron block 9, and the second vessel 4 is simultaneously moved to the region irradiation of the first neutron block 9. And the same procedure is repeated until all three consecutively located vessels 4 are filled with diamond-containing ore 12 and, accordingly, are in the area of their simultaneous irradiation I have three labeled neutron fluxes 7 generated by three neutron generators 8 in three neutron blocks 9. After receiving a response about the presence or absence of diamonds in each of the three vessels 4, the contents of each vessel 4 are dumped either into a container for collecting concentrate 20, or in a container for collection of tails 21. After this, the same procedure is repeated with the following three vessels 4, sequentially filled with diamond-containing ore 12. It should also be noted that filling three vessels 4 with diamond-containing ore 12 (number of vessels 4 and correspondingly Neutron-retarded block 9, equal to three is selected only as an example) can be performed simultaneously with a single dispenser 3.

[0071] Thus, for example, an ore dispenser equipped with a diamond-leveling ore leveling device 12 poured into each vessel can be located on conveyor 6 to ensure approximately the same (constant) volume of ore in each vessel due to the constant thickness of its layer in it, and and approximately the same average number of registered quanta of characteristic gamma radiation, which makes it possible to ensure high separator performance and high reliability of decisions made on cash the presence or absence of diamonds in a particular vessel, and thereby ensuring a relatively low yield of ore to be concentrated in the concentrate (for example, the concentrate output may be less than 5%, less than 1% or even less than 0.1% of the processed ore mass) and, accordingly, the relatively high yield of ore being processed into tailings, i.e. reduced concentrate / tailings ratio.

[0072] Furthermore, in various embodiments of the present invention, the following features can be used and the following advantages achieved:

[0073] The separator, ie A device for detecting, identifying and separating diamonds in ore from waste rock is based on recording the spectra of characteristic gamma radiation from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, calcium and other chemical elements that are part of diamondiferous ore, for example, contained in kimberlite, and analyzing recorded spectra of characteristic gamma radiation in order to isolate the carbon signal from them (i.e., the characteristic carbon line). Such characteristic gamma radiation arises as a result of inelastic scattering of fast labeled neutrons by the nuclei of chemical elements, such as those indicated above. In this case, the characteristic gamma radiation has a certain energy, different for different chemical elements, which makes it possible to distinguish one chemical element from another. So, for example, the energy of the characteristic gamma radiation of a carbon nucleus is 4.43 MeV, oxygen is 6.13 MeV, nitrogen is 5.1 MeV, and calcium is 2.8 MeV. To identify diamond, it is necessary to find an excess of local carbon concentration in the sample.

[0074] Labeled neutrons are classified as fast neutrons, they have a small cross section for interaction with matter, which leads to the fact that they practically do not induce radioactivity in diamond-containing ore, which makes the proposed separator and method safe for personnel serving the separator or working later with enriched concentrate or with diamonds extracted from the concentrate in some non-damaging manner known to those skilled in the art. The fact that irradiation by fast neutrons in the proposed separator does not lead to a change in any characteristics of diamond, which is confirmed by experimental studies, is very important. It was verified that, as a result of irradiation with labeled neutrons, the color of diamond, transparency, infrared spectrum and fluorescence spectrum do not change.

[0075] The use of α-γ coincidences leads to a significant (hundreds of times) suppression of the background, which makes it possible to distinguish well the signals of even small amounts of the desired substance. The implementation of this allows with high reliability (for example, with a high probability of ~ 95-99%) to detect even small masses of diamonds (starting from about 1 carat and up to tens and hundreds of carats) in pieces of rock (kimberlite) with large linear dimensions, for example, from 1 to 50 cm, preferably from 2 to 30 cm, in particular from 5 to 20 cm, or with other ranges of particle sizes, batches or pieces of ore. Moreover, in the most preferred embodiments of the invention, it is not necessary to crush pieces of ore (kimberlite) to detect diamond, which is necessary in the prior art. Therefore, using the present invention, the possibility of damage to large diamonds as a result of the procedure for crushing pieces of kimberlite, which inevitably occurs in the prior art, is virtually eliminated.

[0076] Using a labeled neutron generator allows for one measurement to make an unambiguous conclusion about the presence or absence of diamond in a piece of rock (kimberlite), the dimensions of which in a plane perpendicular to the direction of flow of labeled neutrons are determined by the linear dimensions of the alpha detector and the relationship between the distance from the tritium target to the alpha detector to the distance from the tritium target to kimberlite.

[0077] There is no need for the formation of two neutron fluxes at two different values of the neutron energy: resonant and non-resonant in terms of nuclear radiation of carbon nuclei. That is, in the case of using the neutron generator according to the invention, the procedure for the formation of neutron beams with different energies is generally not required. This significantly reduces the time required to collect statistics of the registered characteristic gamma radiation necessary for reliable detection of diamonds in kimberlite.

[0078] Using a multi-pixel alpha detector (which means creating a large number of tagged neutron beams in a neutron flux) allows you to split the entire volume of irradiated rock in the vessel into a series of subvolumes corresponding to each of the tagged neutron beams, which, in turn, can significantly reduce the minimum detectable mass of diamond in a piece of kimberlite.

[0079] The productivity and efficiency of the proposed separator and method for searching for diamonds in kimberlite (in terms of the probability of detecting diamonds and the weight of detected diamonds) can be significantly increased (several times, for example, 2, 3, 5, 10 or more times) as due to the presence of additional neutron blocks with neutron generators / gamma detectors installed along the conveyor of the ore supply system, and by increasing the number of gamma detectors designed to record characteristic gamma radiation. In industrial embodiments, the capacity of the separator according to the invention can be more than 10 tons per hour and up to 100 tons per hour (t / h), in particular 40-50 t / h.

[0080] The detection and decision on the presence or absence of diamonds in the ore vessel is performed automatically without operator intervention.

[0081] The proposed separator can be used both in the enrichment of kimberlite for the purpose of industrial production of diamonds, and to detect the presence of diamonds in an ore sample during exploration.

[0082] The proposed separator can be equipped with a conveyor of the ore supply system in the form of a chain with vessels installed on it, adapted to contain diamond-containing ore inside. Since the method of searching for diamonds in diamond-containing ore is based on the detection of a local excess of carbon concentration over the average carbon concentration in the ore volume irradiated by a labeled neutron flux, the use of such a vessel-equipped chain conveyor of the ore supply system, all of whose structural elements are made of carbon-free material, for example, metal alloys , eliminates errors associated with the inhomogeneous distribution of carbon in the material of the rubberized conveyor belt, because when using The use of an organic-based conveyor belt containing a significant amount of carbon sharply increases the percentage of false positives of the data analysis system, since quantitatively the variation in carbon content in thickness or area of such a belt can exceed the mass of the desired diamond, which is on average less than 1 g In contrast, the proposed separator is characterized by a low probability of false positives of the data analysis system, for example, at a level of less than 10%, in particular less than 7%, less than 5%, less than 3% or even less than 1%.

[0083] The implementation of vessels with a shape corresponding to the shape of the flux of labeled neutrons, for example, in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid, allows neutrons to irradiate the contents of the vessels in full. In the case of using vessels in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with dimensions equal to the linear dimensions of the labeled neutron flux in the plane of the bottom of the vessel, there will be a slight decrease in the productivity of the dry enrichment process, determined by the ratio of the volumes of the vessel in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid and a vessel in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. In the case of using vessels in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with dimensions equal to the linear dimensions of the labeled neutron flux in the uppermost plane of the vessel, only a part of diamond-containing ore in the vessel in the volume limited by the external contour of the labeled neutrons will be irradiated with the neutron flux. The rest of the ore in the vessel will be outside the irradiation zone with a labeled neutron flux, and, as a result, if there are diamonds in it, they will not be detected (i.e., an unacceptable loss of diamonds will occur during the dry processing of diamond-containing ore). The use of pyramidal trays allows you to increase the performance of the separator for dry processing of diamond-containing ore by about 2 times.

[0084] It should be noted that the presence of vessels filled with the same volume of diamond-containing ore with a constant thickness of its layer due to the use of a doser and / or leveling device creates almost the same conditions for measuring ore in different vessels and guarantees a constant gamma quanta of characteristic radiation of carbon.

[0085] The presence of a loading hopper with a dispenser, vessels on the conveyor, as well as a system for directing the contents of the vessels to either concentrate or tailings, allows us to create not just a device for detecting diamonds in ore, but a full-fledged diamond-containing ore separator that allows ore separation into automatic mode.

[0086] Typically, gamma-ray detectors are located outside the labeled neutron flux (see, for example, FIG. 1 in the aforementioned patent RU 2521723 C1), for protection against direct neutrons emitted by the neutron generator into gamma-ray detectors to reduce their load. Recently, however, due to the significantly increased capabilities of recording electronics in terms of the volume and speed of received and analyzed information, it has become technically possible to place gamma-ray detectors not only outside the labeled neutron flux, but also in the labeled neutron flux itself. The location of an additional, second group of gamma-ray detectors directly inside the labeled neutron flux in preferred embodiments of the invention allows to increase the solid angle of registration of gamma-quanta of characteristic carbon radiation with an energy of 4.43 MeV and collect more useful events, which leads to a reduction in statistics necessary for making a decision on the presence or absence of diamond in the contents of a particular vessel, and, accordingly, to increase the productivity of the separat and dry diamond ore enrichment. In this case, the protection of gamma-ray detectors from direct hit of tagged neutrons emitted by a neutron generator can be performed in the proposed separator from materials containing chemical elements with atomic number greater than 70 (for example, tungsten, tantalum, lead).

[0087] The thermal correction system allows automatic correction of the measured spectra of the registered characteristic gamma radiation, i.e. to bring the measured amplitude distributions to the distributions obtained at a certain installation temperature. This increases the reliability of the extracted information about the presence or absence of diamond in the contents of the vessel, and, as a result, less statistics of events are required to develop a final solution, which again leads to an increase in the performance of the separator.

[0088] The implementation of the separator with sequentially arranged neutron blocks, in which the subsequent neutron block “looks through” the concentrate of the previous neutron block, allows not only to increase the performance of the separator due to the above signs, but also to significantly reduce the yield of the concentrate (ie, the mass ratio concentrate to the mass of processed ore), which is necessary to significantly reduce the amount of work to further sparing the separation of diamonds from the obtained ore concentrate ta. Since the concentration of diamonds in ordinary ore is extremely small (for example, of the order of one carat per ton of ore), the task of ensuring a minimum yield of concentrate is extremely important, and this problem can be solved much worse with several parallel processing models of the separator, each of which contains only one neutron block.

[0089] The operation of the neutron blocks of the entire separator on one conveyor of the ore supply system, in which the ore passes sequentially through each neutron block, "looking through" only its vessel, and the vessels are sorted into tailings and concentrate at the end of the conveyor of the ore supply system, makes it possible to increase the performance of the separator in proportion to the number of neutron blocks.

[0090] The dust cover is designed to protect the neutron generator, as well as gamma-ray detectors from possible dust that can be emitted from the moving ore and which can therefore lead to a change in the operating conditions of these devices and, as a result, to a change in their characteristics , and can also lead to the failure of gamma radiation detectors and a neutron generator (possible electrical breakdowns in high-voltage terminals of power supply leads to gamma radiation detectors and a neutron generator yelling).

[0091] When the separator is located inside the production room, i.e. in a stationary embodiment of the separator, for example, inside the building of the processing plant workshop or the like, the entire separator or all its “dusty” parts should preferably be enclosed in a dustproof casing or casings.

[0092] The above embodiments of the separator can be used both in a stationary version, for example, in an enrichment plant, and in a mobile version, on a self-propelled chassis or in a trailed version, for use on board a quarry or in an underground mine.

[0093] The proposed separator may include, for example, an ore supply system for supplying diamond-containing ore to the neutron block, in the area of its irradiation with a labeled neutron flux, i.e. an area of space formed between the neutron generator and gamma-ray detectors, and it is desirable to arrange gamma-ray detectors with as tight packing as possible on all sides of the vessel, for example, in the following order: to the left and right of the conveyor of the ore supply system, two or more horizontal or slightly inclined row of gamma-ray detectors; in front of and behind the vessel along the conveyor of the ore supply system, there is one horizontal or slightly inclined row of gamma-ray detectors (all these rows of gamma-ray detectors are outside the labeled neutron flux passing through the ore-ore vessel and therefore comprise the first group of detectors); and directly above the vessel, within the labeled neutron flux passing through the vessel with ore, there is a densely packed matrix of vertically arranged gamma-ray detectors, consisting, for example, of four rows of four detectors in each row (i.e., a 4 × 4 matrix with 16 detectors forming the second group), as shown solely as an example in FIG. 4 (c).

[0094] Moreover, the neutron generator is equipped with a multi-element alpha detector, the alpha detector and both groups of gamma radiation detectors are connected to an electronic data analysis system, which is connected to the separator control system via communication lines. To protect personnel from direct exposure to neutron radiation emitted by a neutron generator, biological protection may be provided that surrounds the neutron generator housing and is made, for example, of iron or steel, or made in the form of a sandwich of iron and polyethylene layer (s). The number of gamma radiation detectors is desirable to have as large as possible, and it is determined from the condition that the time of detection of diamond in the irradiated vessel does not exceed, for example, 60, 30, 10, 4, 1 seconds. The neutron generator and its control unit can be located on the frame in a niche, or in the ground. On the ground surface supports can be installed for mounting the conveyor 6. Moving the conveyor 6 is carried out using rollers. Gamma radiation detectors mounted in two, three or more planes vertically above the conveyor 6 are attached to the frame, which is preferably in the form of a square and mounted on supports. In order to prevent atmospheric precipitation from entering the separator, a canopy, for example, made of plexiglass or polycarbonate, can be used. The proposed separator can also be located inside a heated room, protected from atmospheric precipitation. The operator console 23 (separator operator workstation) should be at a radiation safe distance from the neutron generator. A light indicator can be fixed on the frame, the on state of which indicates the presence of neutron radiation generated by the neutron generator. To protect the neutron generator from dust from the side of the conveyor 6 of the ore supply system, a thin cover made of aluminum alloy (for example, duralumin) or plexiglass can be provided in the upper part of the niche.

[0095] The method of operation of the separator may also include the following operations. Ore 12, supplied in the form of separate large pieces of kimberlite with linear dimensions up to 50 cm, obtained as a result of preliminary crushing of even larger pieces of kimberlite in a special crushing plant, is fed in portions into each of the vessels on the movable conveyor 6. Conveyor 6 automatically stops when the next portion of kimberlite in the vessel arrived exactly at a given place, determined by the shape of the cross section of the labeled neutron flux. Using the separator control unit (operator panel), a signal is supplied to the neutron generator control unit and the neutron generator is switched on in the mode of emitting neutron radiation. From this moment in time, a portion of the kimberlite in the vessel is irradiated with a flux of labeled neutrons. Information from alpha and gamma detectors enters the unit for collecting and preliminary selection of events recorded by alpha and gamma detectors related to the electronic data analysis system. Information about the registered events by gamma detectors in coincidence with the signals from the alpha detector after the pre-selection procedure is sent via Ethernet cable from the output of the collection and pre-selection of events to the input of the separator control unit (for example, to the operator console). Within a certain time specified by the diamond identification program stored in the separator control unit, a set of required statistics of registered (alpha-gamma) matches is made to obtain an answer to the question: is there a diamond in the irradiated portion of kimberlite or not? At the end of the set of required statistics, the neutron generator is automatically turned off, and the operator panel displays unambiguous or confirmation information on the presence or absence of diamonds in that portion of kimberlite that has been irradiated with a labeled neutron flux in this vessel.

[0096] Further, using the separator control unit, the conveyor is moved at a distance exactly equal to the distance between adjacent vessels in the plane of the conveyor in the direction of its movement. Then the neutron generator is turned on again and the next portion of kimberlite in the neighboring vessel is examined for the presence of diamonds in it. Thus, sequentially, step by step, the conveyor, batch by batch in successive vessels, the entire available amount of mined kimberlite is examined. A portion of kimberlite in which at least one diamond is found (i.e., one or more diamonds), after unloading from the vessel to the concentrate collection tank, is sent for further processing, and the rest of the rock goes to the dump.

[0097] The present invention can be implemented in four particular embodiments, which correspond to the four currently most preferred types of separators for dry processing of diamond ore.

[0098] According to a first particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a separator for dry processing of diamond ore, comprising a conveyor for supplying diamond ore to a neutron block, provided with a neutron generator located under the conveyor, in which neutrons and alpha particles are generated during deuteron acceleration and their interaction with tritium the target in the binary reaction: d + t → α + n, where d is the deuteron, t is the triton, α is the alpha particle, n is the neutron, and the alpha particle and its accompanying neutron scatter in approximately flax in opposite directions; gamma radiation detectors located above the conveyor designed to detect the characteristic gamma radiation arising from inelastic neutron scattering on the nuclei of diamond-containing ore; a multi-element alpha detector integrated into the neutron generator, which provides registration of the direction of emission of the alpha particle and, thus, makes it possible to determine the direction of departure of the associated neutron, which is called labeled neutron; the separator is equipped with a common power system, a system for analyzing data from gamma radiation detectors of the neutron block and a control system for the separator; the alpha detector and gamma radiation detectors of the neutron block are connected to a data analysis system, which is connected to the separator control system using communication lines; the conveyor is made in the form of a circuit with vessels (trays or ladles) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the flux of labeled neutrons, i.e. in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid; at the beginning of the conveyor there is a loading hopper with an ore dispenser, and at the end of the conveyor there is a system for directing the contents of the vessels either to the concentrate or to the tails, the loading hopper with a dispenser and a system for directing the contents of the vessels connected by a communication line to the separator control system; neutron block gamma radiation detectors are organized in two groups - the first group located outside and around the labeled neutron flux circuit and equipped with the protection of gamma radiation detectors from direct neutrons falling into them, and the second group located in the zone of direct action of the labeled neutron flux; All gamma-ray detectors are equipped with a thermal correction system connected by a communication line to a data analysis system.

[0099] According to a second particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a separator for dry processing of diamond-containing ore, containing several neutron blocks arranged in series, each of which includes a chain conveyor with vessels for supplying diamond-containing ore to a neutron block, equipped with a neutron generator located under the conveyor, in which generation of neutrons and alpha particles during deuteron acceleration and their interaction with a tritium target via a binary reaction: d + t → α + n, where d is a deuteron, t is t Eaton, α - alpha particle, n - neutron and alpha particle and Related s neutron emitted in approximately opposite directions; gamma radiation detectors located above the conveyor designed to detect the characteristic gamma radiation arising from inelastic neutron scattering on the nuclei of diamond-containing ore; a multi-element alpha detector integrated into the neutron generator, which provides registration of the direction of emission of the alpha particle and, thus, makes it possible to determine the direction of departure of the associated neutron, which is called labeled neutron; while the device is equipped with a common power system, a system for analyzing data from gamma radiation detectors of the neutron block, and a separator control system; an alpha detector and gamma radiation detectors of each neutron block are connected to a data analysis system, which is connected to the separator control system using communication lines; wherein the conveyor of each neutron block is equipped with vessels having a shape corresponding to the shape of the flux of labeled neutrons, i.e. in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid; at the beginning of the conveyor of each neutron block there is a loading hopper with an ore dispenser, and at the end of the conveyor of each neutron block there is a system for directing the contents of the vessels either to the concentrate or to the tails, and the loading hopper with a dispenser and a system for directing the contents of the vessels of each neutron block are connected by a communication line with separator control system; the system of directing the contents of the vessels of each neutron block, except the last, is configured to supply concentrate from the exit of the previous neutron block to the loading hopper of the next neutron block with the aim of further irradiating it with a flux of labeled neutrons and sorting it into concentrate and tails; the gamma radiation detectors of each neutron block are organized in two groups - the first group located outside and around the labeled neutron flux circuit and equipped with the protection of gamma radiation detectors from direct neutrons getting into them, and the second group located in the zone of direct action of the labeled neutron flux ; All gamma-ray detectors are equipped with a thermal correction system connected by a communication line to a data analysis system.

[0100] According to a third particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a separator for dry processing of diamond-containing ore, comprising a conveyor for supplying diamond-containing ore to neutron blocks, which are arranged sequentially along the conveyor and each of which is capable of simultaneously irradiating its portion of diamond-containing ore and is provided with a located below the conveyor neutron generator, in which the generation of neutrons and alpha particles occurs during deuteron acceleration and their interaction with a tritium target according to the binary reaction: d + t → α + n, where d is the deuteron, t is the triton, α is the alpha particle, n is the neutron, and the alpha particle and its accompanying neutron scatter in approximately opposite directions, located above the conveyor by gamma detectors - radiation designed to detect the characteristic gamma radiation arising from inelastic scattering of neutrons by the nuclei of diamond-containing ore; a multi-element alpha detector integrated into the neutron generator, which provides registration of the direction of departure of the alpha particle and thereby makes it possible to determine the direction of departure of the associated neutron, which is called labeled neutron; the separator is equipped with a common power system, a data analysis system from the gamma radiation detectors of each neutron block, and a separator control system; an alpha detector and gamma radiation detectors of each neutron block are connected to a data analysis system, which is connected to the separator control system using communication lines; the conveyor is made chain with vessels having a shape corresponding to the shape of the labeled neutron flux, i.e. in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid; at the beginning of the chain conveyor there is a loading hopper with an ore dispenser, and at the end of the conveyor there is a system for directing the contents of the vessels either to concentrate or to tails a loading hopper with a dispenser and a system for directing the contents of the vessels are connected by a communication line to the separator control system; the gamma radiation detectors of each neutron block are organized in two groups - the first group located outside and around the labeled neutron flux circuit and equipped with the protection of gamma radiation detectors from direct neutrons getting into them, and the second group located in the zone of direct action of the labeled neutron flux ; All gamma-ray detectors are equipped with a thermal correction system connected by a communication line to a data analysis system.

[0101] Additionally, according to particular embodiments of the invention, to prevent the influence of dust on the results of work and to prevent failure of the recording equipment of the separator, each of the neutron blocks is placed in a dustproof casing.

[0102] According to a fourth particular embodiment of the invention, in FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view, in local view, of another particular preferred embodiment of the separator of the invention. In this embodiment, the separator comprises an ore supply system with a dispenser 3, which is adapted to feed a metered portion of diamond-containing ore into a vessel 4, formed on all sides by a generally vertically extending pipe and from below a forming shutter 33. The vessel 4 is fixedly mounted inside the neutron block 9. When in the neutron block 9, the neutron generator 8 and the gamma-ray detectors 11 are located on the side of the vessel 4, and the labeled neutron flux 7 passes generally horizontally through the portion located in the neutron block 9 diamond ore (not shown for clarity) supplied dispenser 3 vertically downwards under gravity into the fixed container 4. It should be noted that FIG. 8, only gamma-ray detectors 11 that are outside the labeled neutron flux 7 are shown, and those gamma-ray detectors that can lie within the labeled neutron flux 7, i.e. to the right of the flux 7 of labeled neutrons in the form of a truncated pyramid, not shown in FIG. 8. At the same time, such gamma-ray detectors can be located there, forming a second group of "in-stream" gamma-ray detectors, for example, in the form of a densely packed matrix of horizontally placed gamma-ray detectors (consisting, for example, of four rows of four detector in each row, i.e. a 4 × 4 matrix with 16 detectors), similar to that shown in FIG. four.

[0103] In this embodiment, the vessel 4 also has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of the flux 7 of tagged neutrons in the same plane. The labeled neutron flux 7 is diverging from left to right as in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the plane of the paper sheet of FIG. 8 and in a vertical plane coinciding with the paper sheet of FIG. 8. The tagged neutron flux 7 exits the neutron generator 8 and passes through a vessel 4 containing a portion of diamond-containing ore held from below by a forming shutter 33. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the forming shutter 33 has a wedge-shaped shape, expanding from left to right and corresponding to diverging flux of 7 marked neutrons from left to right. Thus, in the cross section formed by said horizontal plane in FIG. 8, the shape of the vessel 4 corresponds to a flux of 7 labeled neutrons. Furthermore, in the longitudinal section formed by said vertical plane in FIG. 8, the slope of the shutter 33 forming the bottom of the vessel 4 corresponds to the slope of the lower boundary of the tagged neutron flux 7. Below the neutron block 9 is a diamond ore separation system comprising, in this embodiment, an ore selector 18. The ore selector 18 includes a shutter 32, a chute 15 for draining the concentrate, and a chute 17 for draining the tailings.

[0104] The operation method of such a preferred separator of FIG. 8 may be implemented as follows. According to the program laid down in the control system, the dosed first portion of diamond-containing ore is fed by dispenser 3 into vessel 4 (for example, by pouring it into a vertical pipe forming vessel 4 by gravity onto a closed shutter 33), in the most preferred embodiment, a portion of diamond-containing ore, exactly dosed by volume in accordance with the volume of the vessel 4, corresponding to the irradiated region with a flux of 7 labeled neutrons in the neutron block 9. After that, the first portion of diamond-containing ore is irradiated with a flux of 7 labeled neutrons of a neutron generator 8. The characteristic gamma rays emitted retained in the vessel 4, a first portion of the ore under irradiation stream 7 labeled neutron detectors 11 detect gamma radiation. In the on-line mode, all information received from the alpha detector of the neutron generator 8 and from the gamma radiation detectors 11 is fed to a data analysis system for the purpose of receiving, collecting and processing this data. According to the program stored in the data analysis system, an amplitude and time analysis of events is performed in order to obtain an answer to the question about the presence or absence of diamonds in the first portion of ore in vessel 4. At the end of the analysis, after receiving a positive or negative answer to this question, the data analysis system sends the appropriate signal to the control system. The control system automatically issues a command to open the shutter 33 and, having received this corresponding signal from the data analysis system, issues a command to rotate the shutter 32 of the ore selector 18 or to the first position (shown in Fig. 8), in which the shutter 32 covers the left-inclined trough 15 to divert the concentrate and opens a rightward inclined trough 17 for diverting the tails, if the answer was negative, or to the second position (not shown in FIG. 8), in which the shutter 32 opens the diverting channel 15 for diverting the concentrate and overlaps the trench 17 for ode tails, if the answer was positive. Having thus emptied the first portion of ore from the vessel 4, the control system automatically issues a command to close the shutter 33 and then instructs the dispenser 3 to send the next, second portion of diamond-containing ore to the vessel 4 with the shutter 33 closed. In the same way, the separator is operated for all subsequent batches ore in the vessel 4.

[0105] The foregoing description has been given in the form of various embodiments or implementations of the present invention. It should be understood that in such options, a specialist can make numerous and various modifications and changes without deviating from the essence of the present invention, which is determined solely by the attached claims.

[0106] So, for example, a structural element of a device or a process step mentioned here in the singular should be understood as not excluding the possibility of the presence of multiple elements or steps, if such an exception is not explicitly stated or follows from the context. In addition, references to an “embodiment” or “embodiment” should not be interpreted as precluding the existence of other variants that also include these features. In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, options “including”, “containing” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements with a particular property or attribute may include additional elements, regardless of whether they possess it property or attribute.

[0107] It should also be noted that the specific arrangement of the structural elements of the separator (for example, their number, types, placement, etc.) or a specific sequence of process steps in the illustrated embodiments may be changed to others in various alternative embodiments. In various embodiments, different amounts of one given module or block may be used, another type or types of some given module or block may be used, some given module or block may be added, or some given module or block may be omitted.

[0108] It should be clearly understood that the above description is intended to illustrate the present invention, and not to limit the scope of its protection. For example, the above described embodiments (and / or features thereof) may be used in any combination with each other. In addition, numerous modifications can be made to adapt one particular embodiment to information from various other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. The sizes, types, orientations, number and positions of the various structural elements described here are intended to characterize the parameters of the currently considered preferred embodiments and are in no way limiting, but merely exemplary. After considering the above description, a specialist in the art will become apparent numerous other variations and modifications of the invention within the essence and scope of protection of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection should be determined taking into account only the claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which this claims gives the right.

[0109] In the present description and claims, the terms “including”, “including”, “comprising”, “having”, “equipped” and their other grammatical forms are not intended to be interpreted in an exclusive sense, but, on the contrary, are used in in a non-exclusive sense (ie, in the sense of “having in its composition”). As an exhaustive list, only expressions of the “consisting of” type should be considered. In addition, the terms “first”, “second” and “third”, etc. they are used simply as conditional markers, without imposing any numerical or other restrictions on the enumerated objects.

[0110] The list of reference signs in the drawings:

1 - loading hopper,

2 - screening grid

3 - dispenser

4 - vessel

5 - chain conveyor of the ore supply system,

6 - conveyor of the ore supply system,

7 - flux of labeled neutrons,

8 - neutron generator with built-in multi-element alpha detector,

9 - neutron block,

10 - power supply neutron generator,

11 - gamma radiation detectors,

12 - diamond ore,

13 - protection of the first group of gamma radiation detectors from neutrons,

14 - control unit of the conveyor of the ore supply system,

15 - chute for drainage of concentrate,

16 - biological protection

17 - a chute for the removal of tails,

18 - ore selector,

19 - dust cover

20 - capacity for collecting concentrate,

21 is a container for collecting tails,

22 - enrichment modules,

23 - the operator panel of the separator control system,

24 - container

25 - self-propelled chassis

26 - block recording electronics data analysis system,

27 - electrical panel separator power system,

28 - loading line,

29 - conveyors,

30 - tail conveyor (s),

31 - conveyor (s) of the concentrate,

32 - curtain selector ore separation system of diamond ore,

33 - forming damper.

Claims (30)

1. A separator for dry processing of diamond ore, containing: - ore supply system designed to supply diamond-containing ore to the neutron block, and the neutron block is equipped with: (a) a neutron generator designed to generate a flux of labeled neutrons and alpha particles, wherein a multi-element alpha detector is integrated in the neutron generator, and (b) gamma radiation detectors designed to detect the characteristic gamma radiation arising from irradiation of diamond ore with a labeled neutron flux, while the neutron block gamma radiation detectors are arranged in two groups: • the first group of gamma-ray detectors located around and outside the labeled neutron flux and provided with protection for gamma-ray detectors from direct hit of the labeled neutron flux, and • the second group of gamma radiation detectors located within the labeled neutron flux passing through a vessel containing diamond ore; - a data analysis system designed to collect and analyze data received from an alpha detector and detectors of gamma radiation from a neutron block; - a system for the separation of diamond ore; - power system; and - management system, wherein the ore supply system is provided with at least one vessel configured to contain a portion of diamond ore to be irradiated in the neutron block, said at least one vessel having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of the labeled neutron flux, wherein the labeled neutron flux in the neutron block has the shape of a truncated pyramid and, accordingly, the vessel also has the shape of a truncated pyramid, and while the separation system is configured to send a portion of the diamond-containing ore irradiated in the vessel either to the concentrate or to the tails by the command of the control system, depending on the presence or absence of diamond (s) detected in the said portion of the diamond-containing ore detected by the analysis system. 2. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the neutron generator in the neutron block is located below the vessel, and gamma radiation detectors are located in the neutron block above the vessel. 3. The separator according to claim 1, in which the neutron generator and gamma radiation detectors are located in the neutron block on the side of the vessel. 4. The separator according to claim 3, in which the neutron generator is located on the first side of the vessel, and gamma radiation detectors are located on the second, opposite the first, side of the vessel. 5. The separator according to claim 1, wherein said at least one vessel is made of carbon-free material containing less than 1 wt. % carbon. 6. The separator according to claim 1, in which the gamma-ray detectors are equipped with a thermal correction system connected by a communication line to a data analysis system. 7. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the ore supply system comprises a conveyor with a plurality of vessels installed on it. 8. The separator according to claim 1, wherein the ore supply system comprises a loading hopper with a dispenser for supplying a metered portion of diamond-containing ore to the vessel, and the separation system is configured to direct the irradiated portion of diamond-containing ore to either a concentrate collection container or a collection container tails, and the loading hopper with a dispenser and the separation system are connected by a communication line with the control system. 9. The separator according to claim 1, in which the neutron block is designed to generate a flux of labeled neutrons and alpha particles during deuteron acceleration and their interaction with a tritium target due to the following binary reaction: d + t → α + n, where d is a deuteron, t is a triton, α is an alpha particle, n is a neutron. 10. The separator according to claim 1, in which the neutron block is placed in a dustproof casing. 11. The separator according to claim 1, wherein said ore supply system, a neutron block and a separation system form an enrichment module, the separator comprising at least two such enrichment modules that are capable of enriching diamond-containing ore sequentially one after another or parallel to each other wherein the alpha detector and gamma radiation detectors of each neutron block in each enrichment module are connected to a data analysis system, which is connected to the control system using communication lines. 12. The separator according to claim 11, in which the separation system of diamond-containing ore of each beneficiation module, in addition to the last of the at least two beneficiation modules, is configured to supply concentrate to the ore supply system of the next beneficiation module for further irradiation and concentration of the concentrate from the previous enrichment module. 13. The separator according to claim 11 or 12, in which the power supply system is common or separate for all enrichment modules, and / or the data analysis system is common or separate for all enrichment modules, and / or the control system is common or separate for all modules enrichment. 14. The separator according to any one of paragraphs. 11, 12, in which each neutron block in each enrichment module is placed in a dustproof casing and / or each enrichment module is placed in a dustproof casing. 15. The separator according to claim 1, comprising at least two of said neutron blocks arranged sequentially one after another, the ore supply system being common and configured to supply diamond-containing ore to each of said neutron blocks, each neutron block being made with the possibility of independent irradiation of their portion of diamond-containing ore in a separate vessel. 16. The separator according to claim 15, containing a common power system, a common data analysis system and a common control system for all neutron blocks. 17. The method of dry beneficiation of diamond ore, carried out using a separator according to any one of paragraphs. 1-16.

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