Development of a video-based slurry sensor for on-line ash analysis. Quarterly report, April 1, 1996--June 30, 1996

Automatic control of fine coal cleaning circuits has traditionally been limited by the lack of sensors for on-line ash analysis. Although several nuclear-based analyzers are available, none have seen widespread acceptance. This is largely due to the fact that nuclear sensors are expensive and tend to be influenced by changes in seam type and pyrite content. Recently, researchers at VPI&SU have developed an optical sensor for phosphate analysis. The sensor uses image processing technology to analyze video images of phosphate ore. It is currently being used by PCS Phosphate for off-line analysis of dry flotation concentrate. The primary advantages of optical sensors over nuclear sensors are that they are significantly cheaper, are not subject to measurement variations due to changes in high atomic number minerals, are inherently safer and require no special radiation permitting. The purpose of this work is to apply the knowledge gained in the development of an optical phosphate analyzer to the development of an on-line ash analyzer for fine coal slurries. During the past quarter, an industrially-hardened version of the video-based ash analyzer was designed and constructed. All components are now in place at the Middle Fork plant site awaiting the installation of a sample line from the flotation columns to the analyzer. The sensor now appears ready for long-term, in-plant testing during the final quarter of this project. 1 fig., 1 tab