FRAGALYST - an Indigenous Digital Image Analysis System for Grain Size Measurements in Mines

Grain size analysis is important in many fields such as sedimentology and mining. In blasting, quantifying size and distribution of fragmented rock poses a great problem to the blaster. Grain size and its distribution have a direct effect on the economy of the mining operation. The analysis may be easily done with sieve if sample is of small size. However, extensive sieving is not possible in either of the cases and particularly in blasting, where the amount of muck is quite large, With application of the digital image analytical techniques, the process has been simplified. Several such systems are in vogue throughout the world. Central Mining Research Institute (CMRI), Nagpur Centre in association with Wavelet Group of Pune, devised such a system (FRAGALYST V.l.0, 2.0) indigenously, to measure blast fragmentation. Major features of the system are discussed with its utility. Application of the same has been proved effectively in improving the efficiency of some mines in India. The system is 50 to 60 percent cheaper than imported ones. Future developments and application of the system to sedimentological calculations is also discussed. Few exercises conducted by the authors have shown that the results of sieve analysis and data provided by the FRAGALYST are comparable to reasonable degree of accuracy.