Requirements for setting a coal lab in a cement plant

Dear Ted,

We just commisioned our dual firing project (Gas and Coal) in one of our plants. We therefore need to set up a coal lab.

1. What equipments do we need?

2. Is it just four parameters we need to test for (VM, Ash content, Residue and Moisture)

3. What duration of time should we gap the analysis?

4.Can we use same furnance for coal and LOI?

Thanks in advance

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re Requirements for setting a coal lab in a cement plant

Hello Haliff,

1. What equipments do we need?

For VM and ash content you will need a furnace capable of at least 1000degC.  Ideally, you should have two furnaces, one for ash content and a second  furnace (with smaller free space and/or fast response times) for VM. eg

http://www.carbolite.com/products.asp?id=19&doc=234

http://www.carbolite.com/products.asp?id=3&doc=4

However one furnace can be used if its temperature response time is fast enough to meet the standard test method specifications. eg ISO 563 or ASTM D3175-02.

For residue you will need either an air-jet sieve (automatic) or a sieve shaker with standard sieves (manual). eg.

http://www.airjetsieve.com/

http://www.retsch.com/mixer/sieve-shaker.php

 For moisture content just a normal 105degC laboratory oven is required.

If you intend to perform Gross Calorific value (G.C.V.) on site you will also need an adiabatic bomb calorimeter eg;

http://www.oxygenbombcalorimeter.com/

However many plants save money by out-sourcing this test to an external coal laboratory if possible.

2. Is it just four parameters we need to test for (VM, Ash content, Residue and Moisture)

As mentioned above, sometimes it is also necessary to analyse your fine coal for G.C.V. (ie for kiln specific energy consumption calculations, or when comparing fuels or fuel quality variability etc). 

3. What duration of time should we gap the analysis?

Sample and testing frequency often changes depending on a plant's current needs however normally as a minimum requirement the following sampling frequencies can be used as a guide;-

Raw Coal ;-

• Composite of each train:-  Full analysis including ash chemistry. (normally provided by the coal supplier, as specified in the coal contract)

Fine Coal -;

• Shift Composite:-  Residue ;- +90um & +212um (optional), Moisture
• Daily Composite:- Ash Content,
• Weekly Composite:- Ash Chemistry, G.C.V., Volatile Matter, Total and Inherent Moisture.

4.Can we use same furnance for coal and LOI?

Yes, as long as the furnace is capable of at least 1000degC.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Ted.

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re Requirements for setting a coal lab in a cement plant

Thanks

I do appreciate

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