Determination of solids weight fraction and ash content of coal in slurries of variable voidage: Laboratory measurements

Survey of industrial, agricultural, and medical applications of radiometric gauging and process control

“…For ash content determination of washed coking coal on a conveyor belt, a dual energy gamma-ray transmission gauge was demonstrated by Gravitis et al [ 97 ] over a 13-month trial period to measure ash contents in the 5%–10% (wt) range differing from chemical assays by 0.3%–0.4%, and related techniques for on-line radiometric analysis and grading in mineral and coal processing are reviewed by Cutmore et al [ 98 ]. An x-ray albedo gauge for determining ash in coal and coke, with correction for moisture content, has been described by Pandey and Prasad [ 99 ], and a combination x-ray transmission and albedo gauge “SIRO” (Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) for monitoring solids weight fraction and ash content of coal slurries of variable voidage has been demonstrated by Gravitis et al [ 100 ]. Combination gamma-albedo and neutron-activation gauges have been developed by Holmes et al [ 101 ] for on-stream (on conveyor belts) and bulk (in bins) analysis of iron ores to determine shale content and other information needed for ore grading.…”