Development of an on-line coal washability analyzer

摘要

Washability analysis is the basis for nearly all coal preparation plant211u001eseparations. Unfortunately, there are no on-line techniques for determining this 211u001emost fundamental of all coal cleaning information. In light of recent successes 211u001eat the University of Utah, it now appears possible to determine coal washability 211u001eon-line through the use of x-ray computed tomography (CT) analysis. The 211u001esuccessful development of such a device is critical to the establishment of 211u001eprocess control and automated coal blending systems. In this regard, Virginia 211u001eTech, Terra Tek Inc., and several eastern coal companies have joined with the 211u001eUniversity of Utah and agreed to undertake the development of a x-ray CT-based on-211u001eline coal washability analyzer with financial assistance from DOE. The three-year 211u001eproject will cost $594,571, of which 33% ($194,575) will be cost-shared by the 211u001eparticipants. The project involves development of appropriate software and 211u001eextensive testing/evaluation of well-characterized coal samples from operating 211u001ecoal preparation plants. Each project participant brings special expertise to the 211u001eproject which is expected to create a new dimension in coal cleaning technology. 211u001eFinally, it should be noted that the analyzer may prove to be a universal 211u001eanalyzer capable of providing not only washability analysis, but also particle 211u001esize distribution analysis, ash analysis and perhaps pyritic sulfur analysis.