Coal analyzers are used by coal producers,coal preparation plants and coal-fired power plants to determine coal quality in real time.

Coal quality parameters of greatest interest include ash,moisture,sulfur,and energy value (also known as heat content).Although most coal operations can obtain this information about coal quality by taking physical samples,then preparing the samples and analyzing them with laboratory equipment,these processes often involve a time lag of up to 24 hours from gathering the sample to final analysis results.In contrast coal analyzers provide analysis information each minute on material being transported by conveyor either at the mine or the power plant.This timely coal quality information in turn allows the operator to improve his process by taking timely process control actions,such as sorting,blending,coal homogenization,or prep plant control.



There are several different types of best coal analyzers.One of the most sophisticated analyzers uses a technique known as prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) to determine the elemental content of the coal.Another emerging technology for elemental analysis is Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).PGNAA and LIBS enable analysis of sulfur and ash (the latter,by summing the ash constituents),and when combined with a second type of analyzer—the moisture meter—provides moisture and energy value as well.Moisture meters are often found in conjunction with the elemental analyzers,but sometimes are used alone,or in conjunction with ash gauges.Most moisture meters use microwave technology while the emerging technology of Magnetic Resonance (MR) offers a more direct measurement.Most ash gauges employ gamma attenuation principles.



Coal analyzers were first introduced in the early 1980s with the US and Australia leading the way.The demand for coal analyzers has been highest in the US,owing to the need to control sulfur as mandated by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977.By the year 2005 more than 600 coal analyzers were in use throughout the world.Most of these analyzers are mounted around an existing conveyor belt,although a significant minority analyze sample streams taken from the main process stream.

Related Posts
What is Arterial blood gas？
An arterial blood gas (ABG) is a blood test that is performed using blood from an artery.Arterial blood gas involves puncturing an artery with a thin needle and syringe and drawing a small volume of blood......
Fully automatic blood cell analyzer operation points for attention
Press switch button Fully automatic blood cell analyzer on the left instrument,the instrument automatically starts a cycle,including flushing cycle and blank count......