Sodern CNA-Nickel0 pages

Sodern CNA–Nickel

Real-time quality
control for the nickel
ore mining industry
The Sodern CNA-Nickel is the fourth generation of the
world’s most advanced online elemental analyzer, based on
the PFTNA (Pulsed Fast and Thermal Neutron Activation)
technology. Nickel mining and extraction operations will
benefit from control of quality and moisture of the ore
before shipping to and arrival at the treatment plant,
enabling sorting of material on nickel content and optimizing
the homogenization of the stockpile.
When integrated into the pyrometallurgical extraction
process, the Sodern CNA-Nickel is an essential tool to control
the nickel grade (the Fe/Ni ratio) and the basicity index (MgO/
SiO2) of the material entering the kiln. As such, extraction
process requires removal of all free moisture and combined
water. Controlling the moisture also allows for significant
energy savings. Similarly, online elemental analysis can also
be beneficial for the hydrometallurgical process, which in
turn is seen to be the future for the treatment of lower grade
nickel laterite.

Advantages of Sodern CNA-Nickel
Unique and proven PFTNA technology – for the
management of nickel ore mining and extraction
operations and control and optimization of the
concentration process
Unmatched nickel grade measurement – thanks to the
low signal to noise ratio and the high metallic element
detection capability
Uptime
•t Unmatched analytical stability delivered by constant
neutron flux from generator eliminates expensive and
inconvenient periodic on-site calibration
•t Modular design minimizes downtime during
installation
Ultimate safety – Unlike radioactive isotope-based
units which always emit neutrons, the Sodern CNA’s
tube type neutron source can be switched off during
non-operation, routine maintenance or emergency and
enables installation of a unique Automated Radiation
Protection System (ARPS).
Global support and expertise