Contact

Jose Godinho
Department of Analytics

Phone: +49 351 260 - 4475

Projects

Towards Reality in Resource Characterization (2D3D scopy)

3D X-ray Computed Tomography (3D X-ray CT)

To plan a CT experiment with our scanner, please use the following interactive user interface: https://ctplanning-prototype-v1p4.streamlit.app/

Technical Specifications

CoreTOM from XRE
Down to 5 micron voxel size
Fast in situ scans (<1 min.)
Energy range of the source: tungsten (40-180) keV
Power: up to 300 W
Normal detector size: 2880 x 2880
Prototype of a energy selective detector that allows resolving the energy spectrum of the transmitted X-rays (energy range: 23-155 KeV over 120 energy bins, resolution ~ 1.1 keV)

Application

Visualization of mineral distribution in a rock
Quantification and statistical analysis of the components inside a sample
3D Rendering of materials to feed into numerical models
Analysis of time-lapse processes inside materials
3D element / mineral identification by coupling the normal detector with the spectral detector

Sample Requirements

Samples up to 1 m height and 30 cm diameter

3D image of a REE (red) bearing carbonate rock ©Copyright: da Assuncao Godinho, Jose Ricardo — 3D image of a REE (red) bearing carbonate rock (~15 cm diameter)

Foto: J.R.A. Godinho

3D image of a crushed REE (red) bearing carbonate rock ©Copyright: da Assuncao Godinho, Jose Ricardo — Particles (<1 mm) from the same rock (left), after comminution

Foto: J.R.A. Godinho

EXCITE Project

Download video/mp4 - 113,2 MB / 1920x1080 px

The project brings together on a European scale key national and regional electron and X-ray microscopy facilities to European researchers, from both academia and industry, ensuring their optimal use and joint development.

To meet these aims, the project combines:

Networking activities, to foster a culture of co-operation between research infrastructures that aim to standardize procedures for multiscale imaging between different X-ray and electron beam techniques.
Trans-national access to key research infrastructures between the partners; Spectral-CT scanner will be the main instrument provided by HIF.
Standardize analysis and automation of data linkage between different techniques. Includes developing artificial intelegence methods.

Selected Publications ►

Godinho, Jose R. A.; Westaway-Heaven, G.; Boone, M. A.; Renno, A. D. Spectral Tomography for 3D Element Detection and Mineral Analysis, Minerals, 11, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/min11060598
Godinho, J. R. A.; Kern, M.; Renno, A. D.; Gutzmer, J.
“Volume quantification in interphase voxels of ore minerals using 3D imaging”, Minerals Engineering (2019)
DOI-Link: j.mineng.2019.106016

How does it work? ►

The materials inside a sample are imaged based on the principle that each material attenuates X-rays differently, depending on its electron density. Radiographs are acquired while rotating the sample (360 degrees). The samples are then computationally reconstructed into a 3D image of the sample. Normal detectors measure the total amount of X-rays (of all energies), while our special energy sensitive detector allows to resolve the energy spectrum. This helps to identify elements with a k-edge > 23 keV (heavier than Ru).

Important to plan a scan: The resolution is inversely proportional to the field of view. Samples < 2 cm diameter are necessary to achieve the highest resolution (~4 um). Cylindrical samples are ideal but other geometries can be measured without any special treatment. The method is non-destructive.