BIAS TESTING COAL SAMPLING SYSTEMS
Bias testing of coal sample systems has become popular in the last 20 years due to the increasing price of coal and the impact of accuracy of coal samples collected from moving conveyor belts. While most systems of the sweep arm type are found to be bias free, sample collection has the most impact on the entire analysis process. It has been shown that sample collection accounts for up to 80% of the total error in analysis of ash content, with sample preparation and analysis accounting for the remaining 20%. This shows us the need for careful testing of sample collection systems when they are new and at periodic intervals throughout their life cycle.
A client installed a sample system and wanted a bias test for the certification of the system, per the warranty. A test for bias was conducted according ISO 13909 section 8, and ASTM D6518. The warranty procedure requires the sensitivity of the statistical test of significance to be such that the minimum bias that can be detected is less than or equal to the maximum tolerable bias. The objective is to collect a statistical population of 20 to 40 paired samples, one from the sample system and another from a reference sample collected on the main belt. A reference (manual) sample template was fabricated to simulate the primary cutter. This sample was reduced and divided for analysis, and compared to the final sample collected from the new sampling system.
ASTM Bias Test Software Available Now! Using scripting software designed by Wolffware, Ltd. we have automated the tedious and repetitive calculations required for evaluation of a coal sampling system by the Student’s T, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Hotelling’s T2 methods. We developed streamlined Excel software to quickly calculate bias test multivariate statistics. This gives a rapid and accurate way to compare reference and system coal samples according to the statistical procedures in ASTM D6518. This computer software product is available now for installation on PCs running Excel. Trial licenses available, or send me your data and we’ll run it for you to evaluate. Data analysis program with bias test calculations conform to ASTM D6518-03.
Green Cert ® Carbon Mass Balance – Obtaining Carbon from Proximate Analysis
We are developing and testing a carbon emissions software program to help utilities prepare for possible cap-and-trade system in response to possible new legislation of carbon dioxide emissions. Knowing the costs and efficiency of fossil units through their existing, federally mandated statistical reporting and plant information systems, Green Cert can estimate the changes in carbon emissions that result from planned changes in fuel, generating equipment, and operating profile. This allows the client to make informed choices based on engineering calculations and scientific principles, to improve their bottom line.
Coal Sampling Processes Technical Training Workshop
Coalsmith Consultants is offering a limited series of seminar workshops that will provide the understanding needed for technical oversight of the coal sampling function at a mine or power plant. These seminars are an excellent source of training and information networking for executives and engineers from power generating companies and coal producers with responsibility for coal-fired generation plants, coal yard operators, power plant maintenance, fuel procurement, financial auditing, and strategic managers. The workshop will focus on understanding today’s best practices for coal quality measurement. Technology vendors, energy consultants, and independent contractors will also benefit from the workshop. The Coal Sampling Processes Workshop will provide attendees with:
An understanding of important key indicators for coal sampling operations.
Costs and risks associated with coal measurement errors.
Sampling system layouts and ASTM standard practices and methods.
How to use coal sampling ratios to detect and eliminate sampling problems.
Knowledge of how to form conclusions about the causes of bias.
Dayton Power and Light – Laboratory Quality Audits
Coalsmith and QSI provided auditing services based on the specifications in the DP&L coal contracts. The audits followed ASTM audit guidelines and produced reports formatted per the sample provided.
Conduct an on-site audit, using appropriate benchmarks and industry standards.
Travel and conduct the physical audit processes on-site with key personnel who provided quality control documentation for inspection.
Examined documents and observed lab procedures.
Prepared recommendations for corrective actions, such as additional training, documentation, or quality control measures.
Prepared and submited a full report for each lab for all inspection criteria.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE GERSON LEHRMAN GROUP COUNCILS
The GLG Councils are groups of professionals and consultants in various industries and specialties who educate and share insights with financial and business leaders and other organizations and professionals (collectively, “Clients”). Gerson Lehrman Group arranges for Council Members to participate in paid consulting projects (“Projects”) for Clients, such as:
– Telephone consultations
– Participation in online surveys
– Participation in online discussion groups
– Attendance at public or private meetings or other events
– Collaborative reports
– Intermediated consultations
– Predictive market exercises