Applications
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of silicate minerals, historically used for its strength, heat resistance, and durability in building materials, but now known to be a health hazard, especially when inhaled. The six types of asbestos include chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed, and inhaling these fibers can lead to serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Our Asbestos sensor enables non-destructive, in-situ measurement without the need to disturb the Asbestos. It is not only able to identify the Asbestos Minerals & Phases, it is also able to image the grain (needle) morphology such as shape, form, size and structure.
Lithium Ores
Lithium Ores, like spodumene, lepidolite, and petalite, are naturally occurring minerals containing significant amounts of lithium, a vital element for the production of glass, aluminum products, batteries and other industrial applications. Lithium is mined from pegmatites and brines. Australia and Chile are the world's largest producers. Lithium Ore mineral speciation is only currently available using laboratory based instrumentation. Our sensors now enable rapid, direct identification and quantification of the lithium bearing minerals along with the particle size distribution and grain properties. ​​​
Rare Earth Elements (REE's)
Rare earth elements (REEs) are 17 metallic elements, including the lanthanides (atomic numbers 57-71) plus scandium and yttrium, known for their unique magnetic, fluorescent, and conductive properties, making them crucial in various technologies. Despite being relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, these elements are often found in low concentrations and are difficult to isolate and concentrate, leading to the term "rare earth". Our revolutionary sensors are able to detect REE's in various geological materials such as ionic clays, carbonatites, pegmatites and heavy mineral sands.
Fluorine & REE's in Coal
Fluorine is a naturally occurring trace element found in coal, and its presence can lead to environmental issues and health concerns when coal is burned. Coal fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal, contains rare earth elements (REEs) which are retained and enriched during combustion, making it a potential resource for these valuable elements. Our sensors are able to directly identify and quantify fluorine in key minerals such as Fluoro-Apatite and REE's in Monazite, Xenotime and Davidite.
​
Space - Lunar Mapping
The groundbreaking use of Novel Fluorescence technology in mapping moon resources represents a significant advancement in space exploration. By integrating this advanced technique into lander and rover capabilities, the identification and quantification of valuable minerals and resources on the lunar surface will be achieved with unparalleled accuracy. Moreover, the ability to map and pinpoint precise locations of valuable in-situ resources will play a crucial role in the planning of future lunar missions and the establishment of infrastructure and sustainable human presence on the moon. Through the utilization of novel fluorescence, we are taking a critical step forward in unlocking the moon's scientific exploration potential and facilitating future resource utilization.
Cement & Aggregates
Cement and aggregates, along with water, are the key ingredients in concrete. Cement is the binder in concrete, and when mixed with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction that causes it to harden and bind the aggregates together. Aggregates are the inert materials, such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone, that make up the majority of the volume of concrete. Resources of these important feed materials and becoming more scarce and of lower quality as quarries close to cities are exhausting. Our sensors can play a key role in the speciation and quantification of these materials, along with providing near real-time Quality Control which is currently only obtainable through lab analysis.
Petroleum - Mud Logging
Mud logging is the creation of a detailed record (well log) of a borehole by examining the cuttings of rock brought to the surface by the circulating drilling medium, most commonly drilling mud. Mud logging is usually performed by a third-party mud logging company. This provides well owners and producers with information about the lithology and fluid content of the borehole while drilling. Mud logging is utilized across all petroleum operations including oil, gas, oil shale, tar sands and coal seam gas. A mobile laboratory is situated by the mud logging company near the drilling rig or on deck of an offshore drilling rig, or on a drill ship. Our sensors enable the near real-time examination of these cuttings and the reduction in the amount of conventional analysis required such as x-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy.
Toxic & Hazardous Materials & Substances
Toxic and hazardous materials and substances come in many forms and are routinely encountered by Defence & National Security, Border Force and the Police. Additionally, terrorists can use certain chemicals found in everyday products to make bombs or toxic weapons. Businesses are responsible for keeping these chemicals safe and in the right hands. First responders often enter risky environments without the ability to test and analyze chemicals and substances in real time. Our sensors now make this possible for many toxic agents and enable detection at the point of interest instead of waiting for timely laboratory analysis.
Deep Sea Mining
Seabed mining, also known as deep-sea mining, involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor, particularly poly-metallic nodules rich in metals like copper, nickel, and cobalt, which are vital for technologies like renewable energy and batteries. These deposits are found in the abyssal plains (vast, flat areas of the deep seabed), around hydrothermal vents, and on seamounts (underwater mountains). Mining methods include dredging (using large underwater machines to suck up sediment), hydraulic mining, and sub-sea drilling. Our sensors allow for real-time material identification and quantification enabling interactive material targeting and process control.
Bespoke Applications
The Novel Fluorescence technique employed by our sensors can be an effective discrimination tool for many materials and substances. Please reach out to us if you have a specialized application or want to understand if our technologies can be of value to your business.