Coal quality analyser

The analyser monitors ash and sulphur in moving coal and captive samples, using back-scatter gamma radiation technology involving 60 keV /sub 241/Am. Probes are mounted over the belt or sample and use scintillation counters to detect back scatter. In an industrial trial, the analyser worked on a flow of coal varying in ash content between 32-40 and 25-35% (from two pits) and with a sulphur range of 1-2 and 3-4%. Samples were taken every 5 min for laboratory control figures. Mean standard deviation between analyser and laboratory results was 0.13% for ash and 0.12% for sulphur readings.