SIST ISO 15239:2006

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15239
First edition
2005-04-01
Solid mineral fuels — Evaluation of the
measurement performance of on-line
analysers
Combustibles minéraux solides — Évaluation de la performance de
mesure des analyseurs en ligne

Reference number
©
ISO 2005
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.

©  ISO 2005
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 4
5 Principle . 6
6 Analyser installations . 6
7 Evaluation techniques. 8
8 Instrument stability. 9
9 Calibration. 12
10 Operational measurement performance. 15
11 Application. 20
Annex A (informative) On-line analysis techniques for solid mineral fuels . 22
Annex B (informative) Sources of measurement variance. 26
Annex C (normative) Comparative test methods. 28
Annex D (normative) Statistical assessment procedures. 36
Annex E (informative) Reference standards . 47
Annex F (informative) Specimen calculations. 48
Bibliography . 61

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15239 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 27, Solid mineral fuels, Subcommittee SC 5,
Methods of analysis.
iv © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

Introduction
There are now many instruments in use which have been developed to enable the rapid on-line measurement
of solid mineral fuels for a range of parameters that indicate coal quality. The principles on which they are
based differ from those currently in use for sampling and analysis and, in effect, constitute a completely
different approach to the measurement of solid mineral fuel quality.
This standard has been developed to specify methods by which the measurement performance of such
analysers can be evaluated.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15239:2005(E)

Solid mineral fuels — Evaluation of the measurement
performance of on-line analysers
1 Scope
This International Standard sets out practices for the evaluation of the measurement performance of all types
of on-line analysers for solid mineral fuel.
It presents information on the different types of analyser currently available and describes procedures for the
evaluation of various aspects of measurement performance, appropriate methods of test and techniques for
the statistical assessment of the data collected.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1213-2, Solid mineral fuels — Vocabulary — Part 2: Terms relating to sampling, testing and analysis
ISO 1988, Hard coals — Sampling
ISO 2309, Coke — Sampling
ISO 3534-1, Statistics — Vocabulary and symbols — Part 1: Probability and general statistical terms
ISO 5069 (all parts), Brown coals and lignites — Principles of sampling
ISO 13909 (all parts):2001, Hard coal and coke — Mechanical sampling
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in ISO 1213-2, ISO 3534-1 and ISO 13909-1 and the
following apply.
3.1
accuracy
closeness of agreement between an observation and the “true” value
[ISO 1213-2:1992]
3.2
analyser dynamic precision
closeness of agreement between analyser values, obtained from solid mineral fuel interrogated by the
analyser under dynamic conditions and determined by a comparative test method which eliminates random
errors attributable to the reference test method
3.3
analyser test method
method of analysis which gives, for a solid mineral fuel process stream, values arising from the operation of
the on-line analyser, which are estimates of the true values for specified measurands
3.4
analyser value
value of a specified measurand in a test unit that is obtained from a test carried out by an analyser test
method
3.5
backscatter geometry
arrangement of an interrogation process in which a source of incident energy and a detector system are on
the same, or adjacent, sides of the solid mineral fuel passing through the interrogation zone
3.6
bias
systematic error which leads to the average value of a series of results being persistently higher or
persistently lower than those which are obtained using a reference test method
[ISO 13909-1]
3.7
bias of scale
bias that varies as a function of the range of values measured
3.8
bias of location
bias that is constant and independent of the range of values measured
3.9
comparative dynamic precision
closeness of agreement between analyser values obtained from solid mineral fuel interrogated by the analyser
under dynamic conditions and those determined by a comparative test method, which includes random errors
attributable to the reference test method
3.10
comparative test method
method of testing in which analyser values are compared with corresponding reference values
3.11
comparison period
period of time, during which a test unit is interrogated by an analyser to give an analyser value and is sampled
by a reference test method to obtain a reference value, for a measurand
NOTE The period can be based on the typical time to produce a particular mass of solid mineral fuel, e.g. a trainload,
or on a period which coincides with operations, e.g. a shift, or some other period that is convenient to, or preferred for, a
specific evaluation procedure.
3.12
interrogation process
procedure which elicits from the solid mineral fuel process stream a measurable response related, specifically
or by inference, to the quantity of the measurand
3.13
interrogation volume
volume of the solid mineral fuel process stream in which the detected response to the interrogation process
originates
2 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

3.14
interrogation zone
part of the analyser installation through which the solid mineral fuel process stream passes and in which it is
subjected to the interrogation process
3.15
mainstream configuration
configuration in which the whole of the process stream to be analysed is presented to, although not
necessarily analysed by, an on-line analyser
3.16
on-line analyser
instrument for the measurement, continuously, of one or more quality indicators of solid mineral fuel while it is
undergoing processing or handling, to give data rapidly and automatically
3.17
precision
closeness of agreement between independent results obtained under stipulated conditions
[ISO 3534-1:1993]
NOTE For the purposes of this International Standard, the index of precision used is ± ts, where t is the value of
Student's t (95 % confidence level, two-sided) and s is the standard deviation of the observations about the mean value.
3.18
reference test method
method of sampling, sample preparation and analysis which is expected to give, for a solid mineral fuel
process stream, values which are unbiased estimates of the true values for specified measurands
3.19
reference value
value of a specified measurand in a test unit that is obtained from a test carried out by a reference test method
and which serves as a reference for comparison with an analyser value
NOTE For the purposes of this International Standard, reference values are considered to be conventional true
values.
3.20
sample
quantity of fuel, representative of a larger mass, for which the quality is to be determined
[ISO 13909-1]
3.21
static repeatability
closeness of agreement between replicate analyser values obtained from a reference standard in the
interrogation zone of the analyser
3.22
sub-stream configuration
configuration in which a part of the process stream to be analysed is diverted by means of a suitable sampling
system for presentation to an on-line analyser
3.23
test unit
quantity of solid mineral fuel chosen for the determination of analyser and reference values
3.24
transmission geometry
arrangement of an interrogation process in which a source of incident energy and a detector system are on
opposite sides of the solid mineral fuel passing through the interrogation zone.
4 Symbols and abbreviations
4.1 Mathematical
4.1.1 Primary
 β regression coefficient (slope)
 C Cochran's criterion
 d difference between pairs of values (other than duplicates)
 D duplicate 1 reference test method value
 D duplicate 2 reference test method value
 D mean of duplicate reference test method values
 δ test statistic (see D.16)
 EIV errors in variables
 E(ρ) expected number of runs
 F F-distribution
 f static/dynamic response factor
SDR
 L confidence level
C
 n number of values in a set
 P precision
 Q test statistic (see D.16)
 R reference test method value
 R reference test method 1 value
 R reference test method 2 value
 r linear correlation coefficient
 ρ run
 S reference standard 1 value
 S reference standard 2 value
4 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

 s standard deviation
 s the expected (guaranteed) value of precision of the analyser at one standard deviation
g
 s(ρ) standard error of number of runs
 σ population standard deviation
 t Student's t-distribution
 V variance
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15239
First edition
2005-04-01
Solid mineral fuels — Evaluation of the
measurement performance of on-line
analysers
Combustibles minéraux solides — Évaluation de la performance de
mesure des analyseurs en ligne

Reference number
©
ISO 2005
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.

©  ISO 2005
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 4
5 Principle . 6
6 Analyser installations . 6
7 Evaluation techniques. 8
8 Instrument stability. 9
9 Calibration. 12
10 Operational measurement performance. 15
11 Application. 20
Annex A (informative) On-line analysis techniques for solid mineral fuels . 22
Annex B (informative) Sources of measurement variance. 26
Annex C (normative) Comparative test methods. 28
Annex D (normative) Statistical assessment procedures. 36
Annex E (informative) Reference standards . 47
Annex F (informative) Specimen calculations. 48
Bibliography . 61

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15239 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 27, Solid mineral fuels, Subcommittee SC 5,
Methods of analysis.
iv © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

Introduction
There are now many instruments in use which have been developed to enable the rapid on-line measurement
of solid mineral fuels for a range of parameters that indicate coal quality. The principles on which they are
based differ from those currently in use for sampling and analysis and, in effect, constitute a completely
different approach to the measurement of solid mineral fuel quality.
This standard has been developed to specify methods by which the measurement performance of such
analysers can be evaluated.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15239:2005(E)

Solid mineral fuels — Evaluation of the measurement
performance of on-line analysers
1 Scope
This International Standard sets out practices for the evaluation of the measurement performance of all types
of on-line analysers for solid mineral fuel.
It presents information on the different types of analyser currently available and describes procedures for the
evaluation of various aspects of measurement performance, appropriate methods of test and techniques for
the statistical assessment of the data collected.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1213-2, Solid mineral fuels — Vocabulary — Part 2: Terms relating to sampling, testing and analysis
ISO 1988, Hard coals — Sampling
ISO 2309, Coke — Sampling
ISO 3534-1, Statistics — Vocabulary and symbols — Part 1: Probability and general statistical terms
ISO 5069 (all parts), Brown coals and lignites — Principles of sampling
ISO 13909 (all parts):2001, Hard coal and coke — Mechanical sampling
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the definitions given in ISO 1213-2, ISO 3534-1 and ISO 13909-1 and the
following apply.
3.1
accuracy
closeness of agreement between an observation and the “true” value
[ISO 1213-2:1992]
3.2
analyser dynamic precision
closeness of agreement between analyser values, obtained from solid mineral fuel interrogated by the
analyser under dynamic conditions and determined by a comparative test method which eliminates random
errors attributable to the reference test method
3.3
analyser test method
method of analysis which gives, for a solid mineral fuel process stream, values arising from the operation of
the on-line analyser, which are estimates of the true values for specified measurands
3.4
analyser value
value of a specified measurand in a test unit that is obtained from a test carried out by an analyser test
method
3.5
backscatter geometry
arrangement of an interrogation process in which a source of incident energy and a detector system are on
the same, or adjacent, sides of the solid mineral fuel passing through the interrogation zone
3.6
bias
systematic error which leads to the average value of a series of results being persistently higher or
persistently lower than those which are obtained using a reference test method
[ISO 13909-1]
3.7
bias of scale
bias that varies as a function of the range of values measured
3.8
bias of location
bias that is constant and independent of the range of values measured
3.9
comparative dynamic precision
closeness of agreement between analyser values obtained from solid mineral fuel interrogated by the analyser
under dynamic conditions and those determined by a comparative test method, which includes random errors
attributable to the reference test method
3.10
comparative test method
method of testing in which analyser values are compared with corresponding reference values
3.11
comparison period
period of time, during which a test unit is interrogated by an analyser to give an analyser value and is sampled
by a reference test method to obtain a reference value, for a measurand
NOTE The period can be based on the typical time to produce a particular mass of solid mineral fuel, e.g. a trainload,
or on a period which coincides with operations, e.g. a shift, or some other period that is convenient to, or preferred for, a
specific evaluation procedure.
3.12
interrogation process
procedure which elicits from the solid mineral fuel process stream a measurable response related, specifically
or by inference, to the quantity of the measurand
3.13
interrogation volume
volume of the solid mineral fuel process stream in which the detected response to the interrogation process
originates
2 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

3.14
interrogation zone
part of the analyser installation through which the solid mineral fuel process stream passes and in which it is
subjected to the interrogation process
3.15
mainstream configuration
configuration in which the whole of the process stream to be analysed is presented to, although not
necessarily analysed by, an on-line analyser
3.16
on-line analyser
instrument for the measurement, continuously, of one or more quality indicators of solid mineral fuel while it is
undergoing processing or handling, to give data rapidly and automatically
3.17
precision
closeness of agreement between independent results obtained under stipulated conditions
[ISO 3534-1:1993]
NOTE For the purposes of this International Standard, the index of precision used is ± ts, where t is the value of
Student's t (95 % confidence level, two-sided) and s is the standard deviation of the observations about the mean value.
3.18
reference test method
method of sampling, sample preparation and analysis which is expected to give, for a solid mineral fuel
process stream, values which are unbiased estimates of the true values for specified measurands
3.19
reference value
value of a specified measurand in a test unit that is obtained from a test carried out by a reference test method
and which serves as a reference for comparison with an analyser value
NOTE For the purposes of this International Standard, reference values are considered to be conventional true
values.
3.20
sample
quantity of fuel, representative of a larger mass, for which the quality is to be determined
[ISO 13909-1]
3.21
static repeatability
closeness of agreement between replicate analyser values obtained from a reference standard in the
interrogation zone of the analyser
3.22
sub-stream configuration
configuration in which a part of the process stream to be analysed is diverted by means of a suitable sampling
system for presentation to an on-line analyser
3.23
test unit
quantity of solid mineral fuel chosen for the determination of analyser and reference values
3.24
transmission geometry
arrangement of an interrogation process in which a source of incident energy and a detector system are on
opposite sides of the solid mineral fuel passing through the interrogation zone.
4 Symbols and abbreviations
4.1 Mathematical
4.1.1 Primary
 β regression coefficient (slope)
 C Cochran's criterion
 d difference between pairs of values (other than duplicates)
 D duplicate 1 reference test method value
 D duplicate 2 reference test method value
 D mean of duplicate reference test method values
 δ test statistic (see D.16)
 EIV errors in variables
 E(ρ) expected number of runs
 F F-distribution
 f static/dynamic response factor
SDR
 L confidence level
C
 n number of values in a set
 P precision
 Q test statistic (see D.16)
 R reference test method value
 R reference test method 1 value
 R reference test method 2 value
 r linear correlation coefficient
 ρ run
 S reference standard 1 value
 S reference standard 2 value
4 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

 s standard deviation
 s the expected (guaranteed) value of precision of the analyser at one standard deviation
g
 s(ρ) standard error of number of runs
 σ population standard deviation
 t Student's t-distribution
 V variance
...