Coal Quality Application
Know what's on the belt — before it matters
From the mine face to the boiler, coal quality decisions depend on accurate, continuous measurement. ETI online analyzers deliver real-time ash, sulfur, heating value, and moisture data directly on the conveyor — so operators can act on quality information, not lab reports that arrive hours later.
The Challenge
Sampling tells you what was there. Online measurement tells you what's there now.
Traditional grab sampling and lab analysis introduce delays of hours or days. By the time a result arrives, the material has moved — into storage, onto a train, or into a boiler. Decisions made on stale data lead to off-spec shipments, contract penalties, and combustion problems.
ETI online analyzers measure the full material stream continuously, reporting updated results every minute. Operators see quality changes as they happen and can respond before the material reaches the next stage.
From Mine to Boiler
Continuous quality information at every decision point
Continuous measurement can support decisions at key points throughout the coal handling chain — from stockpile management to combustion control.
At the mine or prep plant
Measure coal quality as it leaves the crusher or preparation plant. Direct material to the appropriate stockpile or silo based on measured ash and heating value.
At storage
Monitor quality entering and leaving stockpiles and silos. Know what's in each pile before committing to a blend or a loadout sequence.
At the blend point
Use real-time quality data to combine material from different sources and hit a target specification — reducing the risk of shipping off-spec coal or over-blending premium material.
At the boiler
Monitor incoming fuel quality continuously. Respond to ash and heating value changes before they affect combustion efficiency, slagging, or emissions.
ETI Instruments for Coal
The right instrument for your measurement point
ETI offers three instruments for coal quality measurement, each suited to a different point in the handling chain.
Model 730 FSEA
The Model 730 FSEA uses PGNAA technology to measure the full elemental composition of coal on the belt — ash, sulfur, mercury, moisture, heating value, and more. Suited to applications where full elemental data is required.
- Ash
- Sulfur
- Mercury
- Moisture
- Heating value
- Full elemental composition
Model DGA-410M
The DGA-410M uses dual-gamma technology to measure ash content, heating value, and material weight continuously. A cost-effective solution for prep plants and power stations focused on ash and BTU.
- Ash content
- Heating value
- Moisture (optional)
- Material weight
Model 510 BTU Meter
The Model 510 BTU Meter measures heating value and ash content in a feeder pipe — providing continuous fuel quality data at the point where it directly affects boiler performance.
- Heating value
- Ash content
- Density
- Continuous boiler feed monitoring
Where ETI Analyzers Are Used
Applications across the coal handling chain
Coal mines & preparation plants
Monitor run-of-mine or prepared coal quality on the conveyor. Direct material to the correct stockpile or silo based on measured ash and heating value. Reduce the cost of over-processing acceptable material.
Train loadout & blending
Use measured quality of stored coal to select material that meets customer contract specifications. Blend from multiple silos to hit a target ash or BTU value — and confirm the blend before loading.
Power stations & industrial boilers
Monitor incoming coal quality continuously. Manage storage and blending to maintain consistent boiler feed. Use ash and base-to-acid ratio data to support decisions that reduce slagging and fouling.
Tell us about your coal application
Our engineers can help you identify the right measurement point and instrument for your operation. Most inquiries receive a response within one business day.