SPEAR - Sonic Pulses and Emissions for Analyzing Rock comminution
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f samhällsbygg & naturresurser |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | November 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Important results from the project
The project met its goals and showed that AE–UPV technology can serve as a non-destructive alternative for assessing rock grindability. Through UPV, XCT, and hardness tests, correlations between material properties and measurable signals were identified. The results have led to new collaborations and strong prospects for further development and industry implementation.
Expected long term effects
In the long term, AE–UPV could be established as a standardized, non-destructive method for assessing grindability directly from drill cores. This may reduce costly testing, enable faster decisions, improve resource efficiency, and lower environmental impact. The created network increases the chances of broad adoption.
Approach and implementation
The project was delayed at the start due to delivery times for instruments and equipment. Once delivered, we built and installed the bench-scale AE–UPV setup and carried out the tests. Other activities followed the plan, collaboration worked well, and the project achieved its goals.