Umzamo Analytical Services (UAS) has recently opened its new state-of-the-art coal laboratory in Witbank, further extending its diverse range of coal sampling and preparation and analysis services.

UAS is an ISO and SANAS accredited facility that has laboratories in Ermelo, Vryheid and Witbank, offering services that include several industry-specific coal sample measurement tests. The company says that its project expertise extends from complete laboratory set-up and management to plant bias and efficiency testing. Its accreditation by SANAS includes ISO 17025 for laboratory management as well as ISO and ASTM methods for coal sampling and analysis.

UAS offers a comprehensive suite of analytical services to meet the needs of coal producers, transporters and consumers across South Africa and further afield. Its services include:

Sampling and preparation, such as:

• Mechanical sampling
• Manual sampling
• Train sampling
• Face sampling
• Preparation of samples
• Bulk density
• Relative density
• Monitoring of stockpiles
• Wet and dry screening
• Washability testing on exploration
• Core samples, RoM and fines coal samples

Laboratory analysis, including:

• Total moisture
• Moisture in analysis sample
• Ash content
• Volatile matter
• Fixed carbon
• Calorific value
• Total sulphur
• Carbon
• Hydrogen
• Phosphorous
• Swelling index
• Ash fusion temperature
• Abrasive index
• Hardgrove index

Projects include the following:

• Commissioning and management of coal testing laboratories
• Plant bias tests
• Plant efficiency testing
• Implementation of quality management systems
• Training on laboratory quality management
• Certification of coal consignments

UAS notes that the analysis of energy materials and minerals at any point in the production and distribution chain must be done with a high degree of accuracy and according to best practice.  The company asserts that impartial, independent analysis is critical for the successful operation of the South African coal trade and that it strives to fulfil this criteria.