Abstract
The conventional method of proximate analysis of coal and coke is specified by the JIS method in Japan. This method is based on the loss in weight of the coal and coke sample in air under rigidly controlled conditions of temperature, time and air flow.
Usually, the above procedure is performed by manual operation throughout the measuring process. However, labor saving of the analysis by automation has been required. We have developed a fully automatic method for proximate analysis and total sulfur analysis of coal and coke by using an electric articulated robot under computer controll.
Each apparatus, such as the electric furnace, automatic balance, sulfur analyzer, and vibrator, is arranged in the concentric circle position, and the robot is set to the center of the circle.
Each procedure, such as sampling, weighing and handling is performed by the robot. All processes are controlled by computer (IBM series 1). The results of the measurements are typed out automatically.
Total sulfur is measured by the combustion and acid-base titration method using a conductivity glass electorode sensor.
The conditions of laboratory room are improved, as well as we can obtain better precision than with the manual method.
