Direct quantitative analysis of mineral matter and different forms of pyritic sulfur in coal by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and automated image analysis (AIA)

Methods for Characterization of Inorganic and Mineral Matter in Coal: A Critical Overview

“…For example, in computer-controlled SEM (CC-SEM) or automatic image analysis (AIA), the mineral particles are distinguished from the coal matrix by their brightness (average atomic number) in the backscattered electron image using ground coal samples mounted and polished in an epoxy resin. Such investigations of MM conducted by CC-SEM have been reported. ,,,,,,,− In this system, the mineral grains are located and sized, their major elemental compositions are determined by using the X-ray channels for these elements, and the elemental combinations characterize most of the common minerals in coal. This automatic system is capable of analyzing thousands of particles for hours, and the computer summarizes the results (size, distribution, shape, and volume percentages of minerals).…”

“…Such investigations of MM conducted by CC-SEM have been reported. 33,36,72,74,75,133,137,[142][143][144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151][152][153][154][155] In this system, the min- eral grains are located and sized, their major elemental compositions are determined by using the X-ray channels for these elements, and the elemental combinations characterize most of the common minerals in coal. This automatic system is capable of analyzing thousands of particles for hours, and the computer summarizes the results (size, distribution, shape, and volume percentages of minerals).…”