Seminar: Permittivity Measurements on Rock Samples, 11th April, 1:00pm
When: Thursday 11th of April, 1:00pm AEST
Where: This seminar will be partially presented at the ACFR lab lvl 4 conference room (J18) and partially online via Zoom. RSVP
Speaker: Dr Alexander Lowe
Title: Permittivity Measurements on Rock Samples
Abstract:
This presentation focuses on the characterization of ore samples, primarily iron ore, based on their permittivity using various methods. The speaker discusses the motivation behind this research and explores three main areas of focus: surface contact probing, remote sensing, and remote sensing of hidden samples.
The necessity of permittivity measurements arises from the limitations of traditional lab testing methods used by mining companies. The speaker introduces efforts to integrate permittivity measurements into downhole sensing techniques, alongside radar, magnetics, and thermal methods. Experimental methodologies, including surface contact probing using resonant structures and remote sensing using radar, are presented along with their results.
In surface contact probing, a resonant cavity fabricated in co-planar waveguide is utilized to measure permittivity and conductivity. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in predicting material properties. In remote sensing, the speaker explores radar-based techniques to measure permittivity remotely, focusing on wave velocity and reflection coefficient methods. Experimental results and comparisons with surface contact probing are discussed.
The presentation concludes with insights into the challenges of remote sensing through slurry, outlining a simplified scenario and potential future research directions. Despite challenges, initial results indicate promising potential for remote permittivity measurements in mining applications.
Bio:
Dr. Alexander Lowe has been an integral part of RTCMA since 2008, contributing to various projects ranging from software development for automated drills to leading the development of RTCMA’s Mine Picture Compilation system. Currently, he oversees RTCMA’s team of software engineers while focusing on research in downhole sensing technologies.
Prior to his role at RTCMA, Dr. Lowe worked as a microwave/RF engineer at CEA Technologies in Canberra, where he played a key role in developing ship-based phased array radar systems. Before that, he contributed to the field of medical technology by developing optoelectronic systems for eye movement tracking during laser eye surgery.
Dr. Lowe holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree (hons) in Electronics and Communications from Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, and completed his Ph.D. in electrochemical corrosion measurement at the same institution in 2002. His experience and expertise contribute significantly to RTCMA’s research and development efforts in the mining industry.