KER—2400 Coal Drum Tumbler Tester
| Origin | China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Model | KER-2400 |
| Drum Rotation | 2400 revolutions |
| Rotational Speed | 40 rpm |
| Motor Power | 0.37 kW |
| Voltage Supply | 3-phase 380 V AC |
| Weight | 40 kg |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 500 × 350 × 350 mm |
Overview
The KER-2400 Coal Drum Tumbler Tester is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed to quantify the friability of coal samples in accordance with ASTM D441-22, “Standard Test Method for Determining the Friability of Coal in a Drum Tumbler.” This test method evaluates mechanical degradation resistance by subjecting a representative coal sample—of defined initial particle size distribution—to controlled rotational tumbling within a standardized cylindrical drum. The principle relies on simulating handling, transport, and storage-induced attrition: as the drum rotates at a fixed speed (40 rpm) for a predetermined number of revolutions (2400), coal particles undergo repeated impact, abrasion, and compression against the drum wall and each other. Post-tumbling, the sample is sieved according to specified aperture sizes (e.g., 6.3 mm, 3.15 mm, 1.0 mm), and mass retention across size fractions is used to calculate the percentage reduction in average particle size—a quantitative friability index critical for coal blending, coking suitability assessment, and logistics planning.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-based digital counter with real-time revolution display and automatic shutdown at 2400 revolutions—ensuring strict adherence to ASTM D441 protocol timing.
- Fail-safe emergency stop button integrated into the control panel; immediate motor cutoff without mechanical backlash or inertia-related overrun.
- Resume function: if interrupted, the counter retains accumulated revolutions and continues from the last recorded value upon restart—eliminating test repetition and preserving data continuity.
- Robust drum construction using corrosion-resistant steel with precisely machined internal baffles to ensure uniform tumbling dynamics and reproducible particle interaction patterns.
- Fixed-speed induction motor (40 rpm ±0.5 rpm) coupled via belt drive to minimize torque fluctuation and maintain consistent angular velocity throughout the test cycle.
- Compact footprint (500 × 350 × 350 mm) and low operational weight (40 kg) facilitate integration into QC laboratories with space constraints while maintaining structural rigidity during operation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KER-2400 accommodates coal samples sized between 13 mm and 50 mm (as specified in ASTM D441), with typical test charges ranging from 500 g to 1000 g depending on application requirements. It supports both bituminous and sub-bituminous coals, anthracite, and lignite—provided feed material meets moisture and ash content reporting criteria outlined in ASTM D3172 and D3176. The instrument conforms fully to ASTM D441-22 mechanical specifications for drum geometry (diameter, length, baffle configuration), rotational tolerance, and bearing alignment. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 itself, the system is designed to support GLP-compliant workflows when operated within an accredited laboratory environment—including documented calibration of the revolution counter (traceable to national time/frequency standards) and periodic verification of rotational speed using a calibrated tachometer.
Software & Data Management
The KER-2400 operates as a standalone hardware unit with embedded firmware; no external PC or proprietary software is required for basic operation. All control logic, counting, and safety interlocks reside in the onboard microcontroller. For traceability and audit readiness, users are advised to record test parameters (sample ID, initial mass, sieve sizes used, post-sieve mass distribution) in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated electronic records. Optional USB data-logging modules (sold separately) enable timestamped export of revolution count logs and motor runtime data in CSV format—supporting 21 CFR Part 11–aligned audit trails when paired with validated electronic signature protocols.
Applications
- Quality control of run-of-mine (ROM) and washed coal prior to rail or vessel shipment—predicting dust generation and fines formation during transit.
- Evaluation of coal blend stability in metallurgical coke production, where excessive friability compromises coke oven charge density and thermal efficiency.
- Research into coal weathering effects: comparative friability testing of aged vs. fresh samples under controlled humidity conditions.
- Validation of coal drying or pelletization processes—quantifying improvements in mechanical strength after thermal or binder treatment.
- Supporting ASTM D388 coal rank classification where friability correlates with vitrinite reflectance and volatile matter content.
FAQ
Does the KER-2400 comply with international standards beyond ASTM D441?
Yes—it is mechanically aligned with ISO 5074:2015 (“Hard coal — Determination of friability”), which specifies identical drum dimensions and rotation parameters. Users may adapt reporting formats to meet ISO requirements without hardware modification.
Can the drum speed be adjusted for non-standard tests?
No—the motor and gear train are fixed at 40 rpm to ensure compliance with ASTM and ISO protocols. Variable-speed operation would invalidate conformance claims and compromise inter-laboratory reproducibility.
Is calibration certification included with delivery?
A factory-issued calibration report verifying revolution counter accuracy and rotational speed is provided. Annual recalibration against NIST-traceable references is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation maintenance.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Monthly inspection of belt tension and drum bearing play; biannual lubrication of shaft bearings with NLGI #2 lithium grease; annual verification of emergency stop circuit continuity per IEC 60204-1.
