Photograph of Uranium Grade Checker

The Uranium Grade Checker (UGC) was developed to measure uranium-ore grade inside drill holes in uranium deposits. The UGC can also be used to approximately estimate ore grade of piles of uranium ore.

How it works

The UGC is a microprocessor-based radiation monitor that detects gamma radiation; the measured gamma counts are converted to uranium-ore grade (ppm U₃O₈). The readability of the ore grade is ±1 ppm U₃O₈ and the lowest limit of detection is approximately 3 ppm U₃O₈. The count rate and ore-grade readings are simultaneously displayed on a two-line LCD in a 2 s or 10 s counting interval.

The UGC contains a 1.6 cm × 6.5 cm two-line LCD, the pulse counter with microprocessor coupled with the amplifier / HV power-supply board, a 2 300 mAh NiMH battery, and a 20.5 mm × 200 mm GM tube housed inside a 1.13 m long 40 mm aluminium tube with a 6 mm wall thickness.

The GM counter inside the aluminium tube is the “water-proof” part of the unit; the rest of the unit is rated as “water splash proof”.

Uranium Grade Checker — additional viewUranium Grade Checker — additional view