ECA Elemental Crossbelt Analyzer

The ECA is the first on-the-belt, full-stream analyzer to utilize Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) technology, a technique pioneered and commercialized by Thermo Scientific in 1984 that has been widely employed for online elemental coal analysis of sample streams. Thermo Scientific PGNAA coal analyzers are operating today at more than 100 sites. Through-belt PGNAA analysis is widely used in the cement industry where we have delivered more than 150 crossbelt systems. The utility of the ECA can be enhanced by applying either the COBOS blending software or the Silo Tracking Software to track coal composition in downstream bunkers, stockpiles, or silos.

PGNAA technology is a significant improvement over dual-gamma and other less sophisticated analytical approaches for through-belt ash measurement. It measures major ash constituents independently as well as sulfur, and then sums them to determine total ash. Because of this, it is not coal-specific and is highly reliable in applications where ash mineralogy varies or where there are multiple seams or coal types. The ECA also provides minute-by-minute analyses of sulfur; and, with an integrated moisture meter, can present moisture and BTU/lb values as well.