online analysis continued
Figure 6f: Comparison with PGNAA on Btu/lb.
lab vs. analyzer comparisons for performance
assessment were straightforward. Performance data from a three-week period in
February 2012-March 2012 showed that the
Progression unit was outperforming other
elemental analyzers particularly in calorific
value and moisture, and of course in Na2O as
well, since PRB sodium levels lie below the
detection threshold for PGNAA analyzers.
Comparisons between the laboratory
and the analyzer on three to four hour batches on moisture, calorific value, ash, sulfur
and sodium are shown in Figures 6a - 6e.
February 2013
Figure 6g: Comparison with PGNAA on sulfur, ash and moisture.
Figures 6f and 6g draw a comparison
between the performance of the Titan CCA
analyzer and another analyzer using
PGNAA technology, also on PRB coal. The
PGNAA data was taken from a published
document from another analyzer supplier.
Summary
The coal industry has made great strides
in productivity over the past quarter century, but it has done so primarily without
the benefit of any major technological or
significant design improvement in min-
ing equipment. Mining efficiency gains
have been largely of the incremental variety, as opposed to step jumps. This has
been especially true with online analyzers. However, there now appears to be an
innovative pair of technologies found in a
single instrument from Progression Inc.
that could be the process control breakthrough the market has been waiting for.
Richard Woodward is a consultant,
specializing in online coal analysis,
www.woodward-consulting.com.
www.coalage.com
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