Radiation detection systems
Belt Gamma Monitor
Includes BGM Control Unit and BGM Detector Unit
Belt Gamma Monitor (BGM)
Several uranium decay series (238U) radionuclides generated by 226Ra (radium) emit gamma radiation. There is a link between the uranium ore grade (% of U3O8) and the intensity of gamma rays emitted from uranium ore on the conveyor belt. The link between uranium ore grade and the measured gamma count is called the uranium ore grade to the gamma count conversion factor (CF) that is to be established experimentally. The above concept can be adopted for uranium ore of the majority of uranium orebodies that contain a negligible concentration of thorium.
The BGM is the microcontroller based system that detects the gamma radiation by up-to 4 independent gamma detectors (GDs) that are housed inside a lead shielded water proved enclosure (Gamma Detection Unit, GDU). The GDU is to be placed approximately 10 – 20 cm under the conveyor belt. The count signal of the GDs is processed by the BGM Control Unit (see Figure above).
The 10 s gamma count of each individual GD as well as the total 10 s gamma count (TGC) are displayed on the LCD of the BGM Control Unit. The 10 s gamma count of GDs is processed by the BGM Control Unit and the uranium ore grade (% of U3O8) is displayed on the LCD panel and "exported" via the RS232 port.
The total 10 s gamma count, the calculated % of U3O8 and the time of reading are sent either to the PC based spreadsheet program via the RS232 port.
Note: The BGM can be used in the E-monitoring mode if it is coupled with the RDS E-Monitoring Interface. Monitoring data is sent to the RDS Monitoring platform via: