Advanced In-Stream Elemental Analysis for Smarter Mineral Processing
Thermo Fisher Scientific
In today’s mining environment, process stability, recovery and cost control are under increasing pressure. Ore variability, stricter environmental expectations, and rising demand for base and critical minerals require faster, data-driven decisions based on accurate, real-time process information.
To address these challenges, Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced its next-generation in-stream elemental analyzers, designed to deliver continuous, actionable insight directly from slurry circuits. By reducing reliance on delayed laboratory assays, these systems provide plant managers, metallurgists, and process engineers with immediate visibility into feed, concentrate, and tailings streams—supporting tighter control and improved metallurgical performance.
MEP-400 Multi-Element Probe
At the center of this portfolio is the Thermo Scientific™ MEP-400 Multi-Element Probe, an advanced immersion X-ray fluorescence (XRF) solution for direct slurry analysis.
The MEP-400 uses a low-power, air-cooled X-ray tube, eliminating radioisotopes and simplifying radiation compliance. A Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) combined with digital pulse processing delivers higher count rates, improved resolution, and better accuracy across a broad concentration range, including lower-grade slurries.
Built-in safety features such as a retractable shutter and automatic interlocks enhance operator protection. Its modular design allows integration into new installations or upgrades of existing Thermo Scientific™ AnStat and MSA systems, improving performance while extending equipment life.
AnStat-430: Continuous Single-Stream Analysis
The Thermo Scientific™ AnStat-430 Online Sampling and Elemental Analysis Station provides continuous monitoring of a dedicated slurry stream.
Sampling and measurement are integrated within one station, progressively reducing slurry volume and delivering a representative sample directly to the MEP-400 probe. A gravity-fed, low head-loss design reduces or eliminates pumps, simplifying installation and lowering operating costs.
This dedicated configuration provides constant analysis and assay updates minute by minute for the most critical streams enabling rapid response to process upsets and tighter flotation control at key circuit points.
MSA-430: Multi-Stream Circuit Monitoring
For broader plant visibility, the Thermo Scientific™ MSA-430 Multi-Stream Slurry XRF Analyzer provides real-time analysis for up to 12 slurry streams.
Each stream follows a dedicated path through de-aeration, measurement, and cross-cut sampling. Eliminating multiplexing preserves sample integrity. With head loss below 0.8 m, the system often removes the need for transport pumps and supports flexible plant layouts.
Using the same MEP-400 probe technology, the MSA-430 delivers consistent analytical performance across multiple process stages, helping reduce material losses and improve overall recovery.
Operational Benefits
Together, these next-generation analyzers provide a scalable solution for modern mineral processing operations. Key benefits include:
- Faster response to feed variability and circuit instability
- Improved recovery through tighter process control
- Reduced dependence on manual sampling and laboratory assays
- Simplified safety management without radioisotopes
- Lower total cost of ownership through upgradeable system design
By delivering high-resolution elemental data in real time, Thermo Fisher’s advanced in-stream analyzers support safer, more efficient, and more data-driven mineral processing operations.
