Research on the calorific value detection method and influencing mechanism of solid materials via EDXRF

Traditionally, calorific value detection has relied on laboratory methods, with a notable lack of rapid techniques for industrial applications. This paper proposes using EDXRF for the quick determination of calorific values, demonstrated through a case study on leaching slag and coke mixtures from zinc smelting. The investigation focuses on detecting calorific values in complex solid materials via X-ray fluorescence, highlighting key factors that influence method stability and accuracy. The results show that (1) Quantitative analysis of calorific values through X-ray fluorescence allows plotting numerical relationships between total spectral count rate, Compton scattering peak intensity (Mo-Ka-C), and Rayleigh scattering peak intensity (Mo-Ka). (2) Factors such as raw material particle size, water content, and instrumental parameters significantly affect detection stability; moisture is particularly critical. As water content increases from dry to 30 wt%, the correlation coefficient between total count and calorific value decreases from 0.8901 to 0.50342. (3) A predictive model correlating Mo–Ka–C intensity with the calorific value of leaching slag mixtures predicts a root mean squared error (RMSEP) of 0.59 MJ/kg and an average relative deviation (ARE) of 4.24 %, indicating improved prediction accuracy for estimating leaching slag's calorific value. The standard deviation (SD) of predicted values was 0.11 MJ/kg, surpassing national standards for repeatability.