Coal Sampling & Testing
In order to bring transparency, effectiveness, and efficiency in coal quality ecosystem across India, All key stakeholders agreed to follow the process of empanelment of companies through PFC with an intent to provide a holistic quality determination and monitoring system for coal supplies to consumers. Quality Austria Central Asia is one of the approved agency empanelled by PFC to conduct third party coal sampling and testing.
Third Party Sampling (TPS) is an initiative towards bringing transparency by engaging agencies of national repute to independently determining coal quality. Third party sampling also minimises disputes arising between consumer and Coal Company regarding coal quality.
Coal is a combustible sedimentary rock formed from ancient vegetation that has been consolidated between other rock strata and transformed by the combined effects of microbial action, pressure, and heat over a considerable period. This process is commonly called ‘coalification’. Coal occurs as layers or seams, ranging in thickness from millimeters to many tens of meters. It is composed mostly of carbon (50–98 percent), hydrogen (3–13 percent), and oxygen, and smaller amounts of nitrogen, sulfur and other elements. It also contains water and particles of other inorganic matter. When burnt, coal releases energy as heat which has a variety of uses.
QACA has been in the Coal business since 2017
The Coal division shall provide the following services
- Providing Coal testing, sampling, and analysis services through our own and partner labs to both power and non-power sectors across India.
- To provide technical guidance and support to consumers at Loading and unloading ends including training if needed.
- Ensure vide highly qualified and experienced team of technical workforce and NABL certified laboratories the right standards of Coal testing, sampling, and analysis solutions standard development by participating with BIS and other standards development agencies such as CIL, PFC, and NTPC and thus adding value to the clients business.
Quality Austria Central Asia is an ISO 17020 and ISO 17025 accredited Inspection and testing Body with Coal Sampling as one of the scopes of accreditation and currently, we do more than 140 million MT per annum of sampling at various Collieries / Ports / Receiving End.
We have our laboratories including our partner labs spread all over India conveniently located near our current major operations and also near our Noida Headquarters for operational efficiency.
Testing of Coal Samples
The analysis of the coal sample involves the following parameters:
a. Total Moisture Content
b. Moisture content (On an equilibrium basis)
c. Test for Ash content (On an equilibrium basis)
d. Gross Calorific Value (GCV) (On equilibrium basis)
At Quality Austria Central Asia coal testing and sampling services are provided to assess the quality, composition, and characteristics of coal. These services are crucial for various industries, including power generation, steel manufacturing & cement production, and other industries that use Coal as fuel.
Typical steps involved in coal testing, sampling, and analysis:
- Sampling:
Collection: Sampling involves obtaining representative samples from different parts of the coal lot or mine. Various techniques like mechanical sampling or manual collection may be used.
Preparation: After collection, the coal samples need proper preparation to ensure consistency. This may involve crushing, pulverizing, and dividing the samples into smaller, representative portions.
- Proximate Analysis:
Moisture Content: Determines the moisture present in the coal, which impacts its handling and storage.
Volatile Matter: Measures the volatile components released during heating, which affects combustion behavior.
Fixed Carbon: Determines the non-volatile carbon content, crucial for heating value calculations.
Ash Content: Measures the inorganic residue left after combustion, impacting combustion efficiency and environmental emissions.
- Ultimate Analysis:
Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulfur, Oxygen: Determines the elemental composition of coal, essential for understanding its energy content and potential environmental impacts.
- Calorific Value Determination:
Gross Calorific Value (GCV): Measures the total energy released during complete combustion, which is crucial for assessing coal's heating value.
- Ash Fusion Temperature:
Ash Fusion Characteristics: Determines the temperature at which coal ash forms a molten slag, crucial for boiler design and combustion behavior prediction.
- Trace Element Analysis:
Heavy Metals and Trace Elements: Evaluate the presence of elements like mercury, arsenic, lead, etc., which can affect environmental compliance and handling regulations.
Quality Assessment and Reporting:
After conducting various tests, the results are analyzed, interpreted, and compiled into a comprehensive report detailing the coal's quality, characteristics, and compliance with relevant standards.
Coal testing, sampling, and analysis are critical for quality control, product characterization, and compliance with regulatory standards across various industries that rely on coal as an energy source or raw material. These procedures help in optimizing processes, ensuring efficiency, and meeting environmental and safety requirements
For any queries or further information related to our services, please feel free to contact us at info@qacamail.com or call us at +919599619392. We are here to assist you!
