Rapid analysis of Florida phosphates by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence

A rapid X-ray fluorescence technique has been developed to determine the BPL (Ca₃(PO₄)₂ or Bone Phosphate of Lime) content of various streams in Florida phosphate beneficiation and in supporting laboratory flotation experiments. The method, which requires simple sample preparation, a 100-sec counting, and has an accuracy of better than 2% BPL (0.4% P), employs an Fe⁵⁵ radioactive source and a room temperature detector to analyze for calcium. The BPL values, which can not be obtained readily and directly because of the weak fluorescence of phosphorus, are instead derived from a close correlation found to exist between the phosphorus and calcium concentrations.