Computer-based monitoring and control systems in coal preparation plants

The paper describes the state of technical advance in local control systems (heavy media circuits, jigs, centrifuges and flotation), new equipment and software used. On-line coal quality monitors (ash and moisture content), installed in Polish coal mines, have been presented. They apply absorption or back scattering of gamma radiation measuring methods or methods based on measurements of natural radiation of waste. Experience gained from the operation of monitoring and control systems in the industry have been presented. Economic benefits from application of advanced control in coal preparation plants in Poland have also been discussed. The trends in coal preparation plants process control have been considered. They focus currently on the integration of local control systems with the overall plant control, on advanced expert and fuzzy control algorithms (heavy media, jigs and flotation) and on optimisation of the plant production.