Abstract: The invention provides a system of devices and a set of methods for accurately characterizing, tracking and controlling bulk material flows. Measurements of input material properties, dynamical measurements involving identifiable tags, and fast, discrete simulations are combined to predict and control the composition of bulk material exiting a container, such as a silo, bunker or hopper. In one embodiment, a system is provided for a coal-fired power plant where the properties of coal are assessed, then the coal is marked and tracked to provide the plant's operators improved control over the coal mixture and target bulk properties as it makes its way from a coal receiving station to delivery for combustion in a furnace.

Abstract: A pulverizer monitoring system is applicable to at least one pulverizer having a rotatable bowl assembly, and at least one journal assembly having a grinding roll positioned proximal the rotatable bowl assembly, wherein the grinding roll is deflected by the feedstock raw material forced under the roll during rotation of the rotatable bowl assembly. A position sensor is mounted to the journal assembly to detect an amount of deflection of the grinding roll and generates a position signal, wherein a data module is associated with each pulverizer so as to receive the position signal. A calculation engine is linked to each data module for the purpose of analyzing the position signal and other operational signals associated with the pulverizer and generating at least one characteristic pulverizer condition report. A web-based server is linked to the calculation engine to provide network access to the characteristic report(s), either real-time or historical trends.