- Bench-Scale XRT Ore Sorting Evaluation
The ROKKSTA XRT Sortability Test Rig measures the X-ray attenuation response of individual ore and waste particles under defined, reproducible conditions. This measurement is the foundation of XRT sortability assessments - it directly quantifies whether the compositional contrast between ore and waste is detectable by an X-Ray Transmission sensor and how reliably particles can be classified into ore and waste fractions based on their XRT signal.
Each particle is presented to the X-ray sensor individually, its attenuation response is recorded and the resulting signal distribution is analysed across the full range of ore and waste particles in the test set. The output is a quantitative picture of XRT sensor detectability: signal distributions for ore and waste populations, the degree of signal overlap at the classification boundary and the theoretical grade/recovery relationship achievable by XRT ore sorting for the tested material.
This data provides the sensor response baseline needed to design subsequent dynamic sorting trials, select optimal threshold settings and develop ore-specific XRT calibration standards.
The ROKKSTA XRT Sortability Test Rig is a bench-scale laboratory instrument designed to evaluate the XRT sensor response of ore and waste particles under controlled, repeatable conditions. It allows universities, research institutions and laboratories - independent or mine-owned - to generate XRT sortability data in-house, on their own samples and on their own schedule.
The rig measures the ore's intrinsic XRT response at the sensor level, isolated from the throughput, presentation and ejection factors that influence a full-scale machine. This makes it the natural instrument for the early, sensor-amenability stage of an ore sorting evaluation - answering whether the ore is sortable by XRT at all, before any decision about full-scale equipment is made. The rig is modular, robust and built to deliver the measurement precision required for pre-feasibility level sortability assessment.
- Designed for Laboratory Use
Modular Design
The rig is configured for bench-scale single-particle testing and is adaptable for different sample types, particle size ranges and laboratory setups. Modular construction allows the test configuration to be adjusted for different ore characteristics and testing objectives without requiring specialist engineering support.
Quantitative Signal Output
Every particle measurement generates a quantitative XRT attenuation value that can be related directly to particle composition, mineralogy and density. Signal distributions, ore–waste contrast margins and classification threshold sensitivity are all calculable from the raw measurement data - providing the analytical depth required for pre-feasibility level sortability reporting.
Repeatable and Traceable
The rig's measurement geometry and operating parameters are fixed and documented, ensuring that results are reproducible across test campaigns and directly comparable between different ore samples, ore domains or time points in a mining project's development. Results are traceable to defined physical measurement conditions - a requirement for credible feasibility study documentation.
Robust Laboratory Construction
Built for consistent performance in laboratory environments, with materials and construction standards appropriate for ongoing use in mineral processing test facilities. Designed for operation by laboratory technicians without specialist X-ray engineering expertise, subject to standard laboratory radiation safety compliance.
Compatible with ROKKSTA's Calibration Standards
The rig is designed to be used with ROKKSTA's ore-specific XRT calibration standards, ensuring that measurement values are referenced to defined physical reference points - not to arbitrary instrument units. This enables direct comparison of results across different test campaigns and provides the calibration traceability required for formal feasibility documentation.
- Who Uses the ROKKSTA XRT Sortability Test Rig
Universities and Research Institutions
For academic and applied research programmes in mineral processing, sensor-based sorting and geometallurgy, the rig provides a controllable, reproducible XRT measurement platform for experimental work. Measurement transparency and data traceability make it suitable for peer-reviewed research and published methodology development.
Independent and Mine-Owned Laboratories
For laboratories offering or building ore sorting evaluation capability - whether independent commercial labs or laboratories operated by mining companies - the rig provides an in-house XRT measurement capability. It enables XRT sortability testing as part of a complete ore sorting evaluation programme, from characterisation through sensor amenability to dynamic trial preparation, without committing samples to an external test facility for the early-stage feasibility question.
Operations Developing Ore-Specific Calibration Standards
For ore sorting operations that need to develop or update XRT calibration standards for an operating installation, the rig provides the measurement platform for characterising reference materials against the actual ore body's XRT response - a prerequisite for ore-specific calibration standard development.
- Part of a Complete Ore Sorting Evaluation
The XRT Sortability Test Rig sits at the sensor-amenability stage of ROKKSTA's sortability assessment framework - generating the XRT-specific data that bridges intrinsic characterisation and dynamic machine trials.
← Ore Characterisation establishes particle size distribution, grade variability, mineralogy and density - the intrinsic material properties that determine whether XRT sortability is theoretically plausible and which particle size fractions are likely to show the strongest XRT contrast.
→ XRT Sensor Amenability Testing (this rig) measures actual XRT attenuation response across ore and waste particles, quantifying signal distributions, contrast margins and classification threshold sensitivity for the specific ore under evaluation.
→ Dynamic Ore Sorting Trials use the sensor amenability data from the rig to design appropriate dynamic trial conditions - threshold settings, feed rate ranges, and size fractions - and to establish the baseline against which full-machine performance is evaluated.
→ XRT Calibration Standards developed using the rig provide the reference measurement points needed to maintain XRT classification accuracy in operating ore sorting installations - connecting the bench-scale evaluation directly to long-term operational performance management.
- Benefits
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Reduce investment risk - confirm XRT ore sorting feasibility on your own samples before committing to pilot trials or equipment procurement
Build an in-house capability - generate XRT sortability data without committing samples to an external facility for the early feasibility question
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Accelerate feasibility timelines - in-house XRT screening reduces lead times between sample availability and sortability data, compressing the pre-feasibility study schedule
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Build a traceable measurement baseline - results traceable to defined physical conditions provide a credible, auditable foundation for feasibility study documentation
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Support calibration standard development - use the rig to characterise reference materials for ore-specific XRT calibration standard programmes
Enable ongoing ore body monitoring - test new ore domains, lithological changes, and mining front advances against a consistent measurement baseline as the project develops
- Enquire About the ROKKSTA XRT Sortability Test Rig
The ROKKSTA XRT Sortability Test Rig is available for purchase. Pricing, technical specifications, lead times and commissioning support are provided on request. ROKKSTA also offers application support and operator training as part of the supply package.
For organisations evaluating the rig as part of a broader ore sorting laboratory build-out, ROKKSTA can advise on complementary equipment, methodology integration and calibration standard development to create a complete XRT ore sorting evaluation capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Get in Touch With ROKKSTA
Equip your team with the right tool for confident decision-making. With the ROKKSTA XRT Sortability Test Rig, you gain the ability to validate ore sortability efficiently, accurately and cost-effectively.
