In the heart of China’s energy sector, a groundbreaking innovation is set to revolutionize the way coal-water mixtures are measured, promising significant efficiency gains and cost savings. Researchers at the Henan Energy Group Research Institute Co., Ltd. have developed a novel laser-based device that combines transmission and reflection methods to measure the concentration of coal-water mixtures with unprecedented accuracy. This development could have far-reaching implications for the energy industry, particularly in hydraulic punching permeability enhancement operations.
The traditional methods for measuring coal-water mixture concentration, such as the cofferdam method, sedimentation tank method, and weighing hopper method, have long been plagued by low efficiency and accuracy. Tuning fork sensors and single laser detection techniques have also fallen short in meeting the industry’s demands. Enter the laser-based transmission-reflection fusion device, a game-changer in the field.
According to the lead author of the study, GUO Yu, “Our device uses a laser source and a reflected-light photodetector on one side of the transport pipeline, with a transmitted-light photodetector on the opposite side. The laser beam is directed into the coal-water mixture through a convex lens, and the photodetectors convert the received optical energy into digital signals. These signals are then superimposed and processed to calculate the corresponding grayscale values, which are used to determine the concentration of the mixture.”
The device’s accuracy is nothing short of impressive. For coal-water mixture concentrations ranging from 2% to 20%, the minimum measurement error is a mere 0.043%, with an average error of 0.126%. This level of precision is a significant leap forward from existing technologies, offering energy companies a reliable tool to optimize their operations.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. Accurate measurement of coal-water mixture concentration is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of hydraulic punching permeability enhancement operations. By providing real-time, precise data, the laser-based transmission-reflection fusion device can help energy companies reduce waste, improve productivity, and minimize environmental impact.
The research, published in the journal ‘Gong-kuang zidonghua’ (which translates to ‘Mining Automation’), is expected to shape future developments in the field. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for advanced, accurate, and efficient measurement technologies will only grow. This innovation from the Henan Energy Group Research Institute Co., Ltd. is poised to meet that demand, setting a new standard for coal-water mixture concentration measurement.
In the words of GUO Yu, “This technology not only enhances the precision of concentration measurement but also simplifies the process, making it more accessible and practical for industrial applications.” As the energy sector looks to the future, this breakthrough offers a glimpse into the potential of laser-based technologies to drive progress and innovation.