COALSCAN 9500X
COALSCAN 9500X is the ultimate on-belt coal analyser. The COALSCAN 9500X provides continuous monitoring of the standard coal analyses Ash, Sulfur, Specific Energy / Heating Value and Moisture. In addition, the COALSCAN 9500X can monitor and report the major oxides in ash, such as SO3.
The multi-element analyses are transmitted to the control system as weighted averaged dry weight percent through the use of belt weigher and moisture analyser inputs. Whether at the mine site, wash plant or power station, Scantech offers proven, high quality measurement solutions that aid the blending and sorting of various coals.
The COALSCAN 9500X utilises the technique known as Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA). The COALSCAN 9500X incorporates high efficiency detectors and state-of-the-art digital spectrometer, which overcomes the limitations of conventional, low efficiency detection systems. Enabled by enhanced electronic digitisation, PGNAA has led to a new era in process control. The moisture analyser uses the microwave transmission technique to measure the moisture content of the coal and provide Calorific Value.
"When commodity prices were strong and rising, mining companies could afford minor inefficiencies in their plants. That is rarely the case in these days of lower-grade deposits, lower metal prices and economic pressure from every direction. “We have to do better with lower costs,” said Philip Thwaites, manager of process control for XPS Consulting & Testwork Services. “If you’re not efficient, you’re not going to be around. And our industry can be a lot more efficient.” According to Thwaites, measurement is the cornerstone of control and efficiency. “If you have a poor measurement, or no measurement, you can’t do good control,” he explained. But this is changing. More and more mining companies are conscious of improved measurements and endorsing control, automation and next-generation technologies. What is more, there has been significant progress in automated instruments recently. These measure crucial parameters in the processing circuit and equipment to allow operators to monitor and adjust process control as needed."
Alexandra Lopez-Pacheco, CIM, October 2015