Application of X-ray fluorescence to determine a qualitative parameters of coal

Abstract

EMAG Institute has specialized in working out the devices for qualitative control of coal. In most cases, they are radiometer appliances taking advantage of absorption or dispersion of gamma radiation of artificial radioactive source or natural radioactivity (ALFA and RODOS Ash Meters). Such methods not always ensure a required accuracy of measurement in case of mineralogical changes of a tested material. In 1980s a PYLOX Meter was worked out in EMAG that makes use of X-ray fluorescence for determining contents of noncombustible solids in mine dust from zones which protect against dust explosions. It was recognised that it is the only method which could allow to measure the quality of hard coal of a very diversified mineralogical contents. Therefore, it was decided to research aimed to determine the usability of PYLOX Meter for measurements of quality of coals from different coal mines and the possibility of improvement of metrological parameters by using semiconductor detectors. Research was conducted on samples originated from Uzbekistan and „Piast” Coal Mine. On the basis of received outcomes, it was stated that accurate determination of qualitative parameters of hard coal in the size grade of 0–3 mm is possible. The accuracy of order of 0,02% Aa (ash) and 0,002% St (sulphur) was obtained.