Lab Ash

The LabAsh is a laboratory instrument providing a quick measurement of the ash content of a crushed sample of coal. It is easy to use and provides accurate results within a few minutes.  It is widely used by small private mines which cannot access laboratory testing facilities easily, but still need to have the Ash information quickly to make decisions at the plant.

Like all Bretby Gammatech products, it uses no radioactive sources but makes use of natural gamma technology.

The LabAsh is widely used in laboratories around the world.

Lab Ash – benefits

• Quick ash results from the hourly samples (less than 5 minutes to get a result)
• Faster and therefore more accurate control of quality
• Reduce in-house sample analysis from hourly to split shift leading to less effort by laboratory staff thereby achieving lower costs
• Provides an independent check on both in-house and commercial sample analyses - enabling precision of all measurement methods to be assessed under ISO15239

How it works

The LabAsh comprises two main parts: a Sample Measuring Chamber and a Display Unit. In addition there is the sample beaker and a Joggle Table.The Sample Chamber is a substantial lead walled cylinder containing a scintillation crystal and associated electronics.

The crystal is positioned vertically in the centre of the chamber so that when a beaker containing the coal sample is lowered into position the crystal is evenly surrounded by the sample.    The mains-powered Display Unit provides the user interface and is housed in a case suitable for desk or bench top operation.

The innovative Joggle Table is used to provide uniform compaction of the sample during the beaker filing process.

This has enabled users to fill the beaker faster and more uniformly, leading to more consistent ash results.

Accuracy

Applications at several sites have shown that unbiased results with a precision of 0.65% ash can be achieved in less than 10 minutes. 

Lab Ash –  features

• Simple to use
• Accurate results within a few minutes (<3 minutes)
• Stores up to 600 sample measurements
• Facility to include: date, batch and sample name into each record
• Easy to calibrate on site using normal production samples
• Can store up to 9 different calibrations for multi-source applications
• PC Based software application provided for data download and remote configuration

Applications

The Ash Probe is currently being used by customers around the world to provide quick testing for the ash content of: 

• Any coal where a crushed sample is available; e.g. final product
• PSF
• Washed fines
• Imported coal etc.