Density Calculation
(Conventional Archimedes Principle )
By senior exploration geologist: Ahmed Kamaleldin
E: ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link]
M: +966534726881
The calculation of density is an
integral part of the mining
process, it is included in the
process of calculating the
reserve.
In this presentation, we will
discuss one of the methods of
measuring density by samples
extracted from diamond drill.
I will show you in detail all the
steps of density calculation from
sample collection to final
calculations.
Ahmed Kamaleldin ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link] 1
We will use the conventional Archimedes
principle in measuring density (i.e., water
displacement) , but before going into details, we
must provide the following tools:
1. Laboratory electric scale with a hook at the
bottom and set of control weights.
2. Wax.
3. Heating plate with metal made vessel for
melting the wax.
4. Fine metal wire or nylon thread.
5. Level measurer.
6. Bucket with water.
7. Paper logbook or laptop with MS Excel
installed.
Ahmed Kamaleldin ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link] 2
)Tools(
Ahmed Kamaleldin ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link] 3
• Sample Collection and Preparation
Samples for density related measurements should
be regularly collected at approximately 1-meter
intervals within mineralized zones and at
approximately 3-meters intervals withing waste
material to facilitate creation of density
measurement populations of sufficient size for
maximizing accuracy of in-house and independent
mineral resource estimations.
Density samples should be collected on
approximately 10 cm long halves of core.
Ahmed Kamaleldin ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link] 4
• ID of each collected density sample and ID of the
drillhole it has been taken from have to be clearly
marked on the sample’s surface with permanent
marker for its identification during the
measurement and results logging process. To
simplify density samples identification their ID
numbers should be made different from the ID of
regular samples collected for chemical assay.
• Even though the historical studies
demonstrated that humidity does not affect
accuracy of the density measurements to an
any significant degree due to its mostly low
level, for QA purposes it is still recommended
to recommended to dry samples prior
submitting them for weights measurements by
putting them into dryer for 24 hours at the
temperature of 105 C, or at least by leaving
them on the direct sun for several hours.
Ahmed Kamaleldin ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link] 5
• Calculations
1. Displaced Water Volume
(DWV) = Mass in Air –
Mass in Water with Wax.
2. Wax Volume (WV) = (Mass
in Air with Wax – Mass in Air) /
0.92, where 0.92 is wax
density.
3. Sample Volume (SV) = DWV –
WV.
4. Density (RD) = Weight in Air / SV.
Ahmed Kamaleldin ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link] 6
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Ahmed Kamaleldin ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link] 7
Don’t forget me in your prayers
Senior Exproration Geologist
Ahmed Kamaleldin
M: +966534726881
E:ahmedkamalalsayegh@[Link]