Perform Anhydrone Checks Periodically for Accurate Sulfur Analysis of Coal

Checking the condition of anhydrone or magnesium perchlorate for the analysis of total sulfur from coal is very important. Actually, the sulfur analyzer instrument from Leco, as I use the AddOn 628 type can automatically detect if anhydrone is in bad condition. You just need to set it automatically on the instrument software.

But still, visual observation is always needed to ensure the quality of the results of the analysis. I use magnesium perchlorate or anhydrone in the instrument to absorb moisture from the air. Usually purchased in packs of 250 grams and each replacement requires 30 - 100 grams, as needed.

How long will the stock last? This depends on the number of coal samples to be analyzed. The gas used to help the combustion process is oxygen with a certain pressure. But not ultra-high purity (UHP) oxygen. A much cheaper oxygen with 99.95% purity can also be used.

Sulfur content in coal varies. However, all this time I never get the results above 2.5%. While the lowest value is at 0.08%. Sulfur in coal is categorized as an impurity. So, in the coal trading business sulfur content is very important.

This Is What Will Happen If Anhydrone Is In Bad Condition

The characteristics when magnesium perchlorate is not feasible is the result of an unstable analyzer reading and a longer reading time than usual. For example, if an analysis is usually performed in 120 seconds for each sample, it may be 350 seconds or longer, and even the results cannot be obtained.

And if the same sample is re-analyzed, the result is unstable. While there may be other factors that cause things like this, but this is what I experienced when anhydrone unfit for use. What about your experience using sulfur analyzer for coal analysis?

So what I do is observe how long the substance can be used in relation to the number of coal samples analyzed. Then I put it in standard operating procedures so everyone can do the same. Thus I can get an idea of how long the material can be used. Furthermore, I can estimate the amount of material stock that should be stored as a backup. It's a simple thing, but it's quite effective.

Visually, magnesium perchlorate that is still in good condition has a very white color with a small chip shape measuring 0.2 - 0.4 mm and light.

Whereas if the condition is not good, the color will be a little gray, look like wet and no longer resemble the flake because they will stick to each other. Yes, this material is very strong to absorb water from the air.
The method of sulfur analysis of coal using the instrument is very fast and accurate compared to the old method using the precipitated sulfur which is already obsolete. Some time is only used to raise the temperature of the instrument only. While reading the results only takes 2 - 3 minutes with a sample weight of about 0.25 grams.

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