ABSTRACT

Recent problems in the combustion of some western coals has been due to the high sodium content of the coal ash. High sodium content is still presenting problems in the utilization of some western coal seams. A combination of analytical techniques has been developed which will allow determination of the sodium content in a very rapid manner; under 30 minutes.

Coal at -8 or -60 mesh, as received, is dried using a microwave oven. The dry coal, is then reduced in size and subjected to a sodium analysis using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

A description of the techniques will be given, with examples as applied to a mining and train loading operation.