Optical granulometry is the process of measuring the different grain sizes in a granular material, based on a
photograph
A photograph (also known as a photo, or more generically referred to as an ''image'' or ''picture'') is an image created by light falling on a photosensitivity, photosensitive surface, usually photographic film or an electronic image sensor. Th ...
. Technology has been created to analyze a photograph and create
statistics
Statistics (from German language, German: ', "description of a State (polity), state, a country") is the discipline that concerns the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. In applying statistics to a s ...
based on what the picture portrays. This information is vital in maintaining machinery in various trades worldwide.
Mining
Mining is the Resource extraction, extraction of valuable geological materials and minerals from the surface of the Earth. Mining is required to obtain most materials that cannot be grown through agriculture, agricultural processes, or feasib ...
companies can use optical granulometry to analyze inactive or moving rock to quantify the size of these fragments.
Forestry
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and Natural environment, environmental benefits. Forestry is practiced in plantations and ...
companies can zero in on wood chip sizes without stopping the production process, and minimize sizing errors.
With more
photoanalysis technologies being produced, mining companies have shown an increased interest in these types of systems because of their ability to maintain efficiency throughout the mining process. Companies are saving millions of dollars annually because of this new technology, and are cutting back on maintenance costs on equipment.
In order for optical granulometry to be completely successful, an accurate photo must be taken – under sufficient
lighting
Lighting or illumination is the deliberate use of light to achieve practical or aesthetic effects. Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources like lamps and light fixtures, as well as natural illumination by capturing daylight. ...
, and using proper technology – to obtain quantified results.
[( Franklin and Katsabanis 1996), page 115] If these requirements are met, an image analysis system can be implemented.
The process
Software uses four basic steps in determining the average size of material:
See the Wikipedia article on
Photoanalysis to see how mining, forestry and agricultural companies are using this technology to improve quality control techniques.
See also
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Particle-size distribution
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Grain size
Grain size (or particle size) is the diameter of individual grains of sediment, or the lithified particles in clastic rocks. The term may also be applied to other granular materials. This is different from the crystallite size, which ...
*
Granulometry (morphology)
Notes
References
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''Measurement of Blast Fragmentation: Proceedings of a Workshop Held Parallel With Fragblast-5'', Montreal, 26–29 August 1996, by John A. Franklin, Takis Katsabanis, Published by Taylor & Francis, 1996,
External links
Free Web Application for Particle and Grain Analysis
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Mining techniques
Image processing
Granulometric analyses