Rock identification for quality control of fill by laser-induced fluorescence analysis

A fill material with consistent flow properties is needed to fill the remaining voids after underground storage of radioactive containers. The underground broken rock is to be used as the aggregate. Because of the differing types of rock it is necessary to used different mix formulations, for which it is necessary to know the particular type of rock used. A non-contact measuring device which evaluates the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of the rock is to be used for identifying the rock. The feasibility of this measuring principle has already been established in trials. As the measuring equipment is not yet commercially available the equipment was developed specifically for this application. The LIF analyzer can differentiate between iron ore, lime iron ore, mudstone and limestone. It is to be integrated into a mixing plant for producing fill material with the required flow properties, and will ensure consistent quality.