Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous real time heating value/coal flow balancing of coal from a coal feeder to a burner. The apparatus includes a Dual-energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA)/Multi-energy Gamma Attenuation (MGA) device for measuring coal quality at a specific location between the coal silo/bunker and the coal feeder in a coal fired plant in order to control the individual burner stoichiometries according to the measured coal quality. By strategically placing the DGA/MGA device, continuous accurate real-time coal quality information is accomplished for making individual adjustments in order to improve stoichiometry to optimize performance of the system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous real time heating value/coal flow balancing of coal from a coal feeder to a burner. The apparatus includes a Dual-energy Gamma Attenuation (DGA)/Multi-energy Gamma Attenuation (MGA) device for measuring coal quality at a specific location between the coal silo/bunker and the coal feeder in a coal fired plant in order to control the individual burner stoichiometries according to the measured coal quality. By strategically placing the DGA/MGA device, continuous accurate real-time coal quality information is accomplished for making individual adjustments in order to improve stoichiometry to optimize performance of the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous real-time measurement of bulk material using gamma irradiation. A multi-energy gamma attenuation device monitors bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a baseline spectrum to produce a relative weight/impurity/component ratio. A sample analysis, in combination with measurement of the relative weight/impurity/component ratio of the sample, allows for determination of the coefficients for determining the absolute weight/impurity/component values of the bulk material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous real-time measurement of bulk material using gamma irradiation and neutron irradiation. A DGA device monitors bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a baseline spectrum to produce a relative weight/impurity ratio. A PGNAA device monitors the same bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a library of spectrums to produce a relative component ratio. The relative component ratio is processed with the relative weight/impurity ratio to produce an absolute weight and impurity value, which is then processed with the relative component ratio to produce absolute component, or analyte, values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous real-time measurement of bulk material using gamma irradiation. A multi-energy gamma attenuation device monitors bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a baseline spectrum to produce a relative weight/impurity/component ratio. A sample analysis, in combination with measurement of the relative weight/impurity/component ratio of the sample, allows for determination of the coefficients for determining the absolute weight/impurity/component values of the bulk material.