On-line analyzers are used to provide quality data on lots of coal. The resulting quality data are used as a production tool or for some contractual application. This guide provides means of evaluating the system and data produced.

The user should become familiar with the document'terminology and layout. The section on test design and data collection will provide the means by which all the analysis data will be gathered. The test design should be carefully considered so as to assure meeting the user'requirements.

The procedures defined in this guide can be used to test the accuracy and precision of an on-line analyzer, for acceptance after its installation, to check precision and accuracy during routine use (quality control), when changes are made to the system, when the nature of the coal being tested changes, and to determine mathematical factors to be used for calibration of the on-line analyzer.