Development of a Methodological Approach for Assessing the Surface Layer Moisture of Beneficiation Tailings Based on Analysis of Photographic Images in RGB- and Lab- Color Spaces
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The aim of the research was to develop and test a methodological approach for the rapid assessment of the surface moisture content of technogenic formations (beneficiation tailings) based on the analysis of photographic images using color indexes and Euclidean distances in RGB and Lab spaces. The research object was the tailings of apatite-nepheline processing plant No. 2 of the Kirovsk branch of Apatit JSC. Two approaches to the rapid assessment of surface layer moisture of apatite-nepheline tailings were implemented. The first approach used standard white and black as references, while the second relied on reference images defined by the “lightest” and “darkest” pseudo-pixels. It was shown that for both approaches, the Euclidean distance values demonstrated stable monotonic dependencies on the gravimetric moisture content of the samples, and the effect of changes in illumination in the range of 510–3500 lx (except for the completely dry state) remained relatively weak. The operability of both approaches for ranking local areas by the degree of wetting for surfaces with spatially non-uniform water saturation was confirmed. Both reference selection options led to consistent qualitative interpretation, making it possible to distinguish clearly dry zones, areas with reduced moisture content relative to the reference samples, and areas with moisture content comparable to a specified level. The second approach with pseudo-pixel references appeared particularly promising for field applications using unmanned aerial vehicles.
Source: Processes
DOI: 10.3390/pr14203274
Institution: Kola Science Centre
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7221504119