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Page 1 of 22
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COAL CONCEPTS PROFICIENCY TESTING
GENERAL ANALYSIS SAMPLE
REPORT EIGHTY-SIX
Revision 00
Final report
DATE ISSUED: 31 DECEMBER 2018
PARTICIPANT
SCHEME COORDINATOR: K MUNSAMY
SIGNATURE: _____________________
CHECKED BY: R BABOOLAL (SCHEME MANAGER)
Disclaimer: Opinions and interpretations expressed herein are outside the scope of SANAS accreditation *Moisture in the analysis sample is not included in the SANAS schedule of accreditation as robust statistics cannot be applied.
Chlorine, Fluorine, Quick ash, ASTM ash and ASTM Volatiles is not included in the scope of accreditation.
THINKING QUALITY, QUALITY THINKING
REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2006/149731/23 (RMB INDUSTRIAL STATIONERS cc t/a)
81 CERAMIC CURVE, ALTON, RICHARDS BAY 3900 l TEL: +27(0)35 751 2446 l CEL: +27(0)83 6500151 l FAX: 0862605793
E-MAIL: ravi@coalconcepts.co.za
LABORATORY CODE:
Page 2 of 22
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. One hundred and thirteen samples were sent to participants with 109 timeous result submissions
2. The total number of outliers found were as follows (dry base):
Fluorine x 1
ISO Ash x 2
ISO Volatile Matter x 7
Calorific Value x 3
Sulphur x 2
Carbon x 2
Nitrogen x 2
Phosphorous x 1
AFT Flow x 1
AFT Deformation x 3
3. Nitrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine, ASTM Ash & ASTM Volatile Matter participants were insufficient to warrant robust statistical calculations. The average result was used as the assigned value.
4. Trending for your laboratory is as follows:
Page 3 of 22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM
PAGE NUMBER
Letter to participant
4
List of participants
5
Type of sample used
6
Preparation of sample
6
Homogeneity check
6
Stability check
7
ISO Ash data
8
ISO Ash z-score trend
9
Quick Ash data & trend 10
ISO Volatile matter data
11
ISO Volatile matter z-score trend
12
Calorific value data
13
Calorific value z-score trend
14
Total sulphur data
15
Total sulphur z-score trend
16
Phosphorous data and Z-Score trend
17
Carbon data / Hydrogen data / Nitrogen data
18
AFT data and z-scores
19
ASTM Ash and ASTM Volatile matter, Chlorine & Fluorine 20
Conclusion
21
Terms & Conditions 22
Page 4 of 22
Dear Participant
RE: PROFICIENCY TESTING RESULTS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2018
Thank you for your participation in the Coal Concepts proficiency testing scheme.
Your laboratory code is
All results are totally confidential. Any results in Bold, Italics and Underlined are outliers. Where applicable, the most
extreme outliers have been eliminated from calculations using the Grubbs estimate for outliers. Robust statistics has been
applied where possible. Analysis results have been reported on air dry and dry base. The dry base results have been used
to calculate the z-scores.
Please take note of the following:
1. Z-scores between -1 and +1 is deemed acceptable
2. Z-scores between -2 and -3 should serve as a warning that the analysis result could get worse
3. Z-scores between +2 and +3 should also serve as a warning that analysis results could get worse.
4. Z- scores lower than -3 and exceeding +3 should warrant an investigation
5. Compare your result to the robust average which will be the assigned value. The measurement of uncertainty (UoM) of
the results is also stated.
6. All calculations can be made available upon request
The Coal Concepts scheme adheres to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043:2010 – Conformity assessment – General
requirements for proficiency testing.
Statistical analysis has been carried out using ISO/IEC 13528:2015-Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by
interlaboratory comparisons
Please find results attached together with Z-score trends.
Best Regards
R Baboolal
Page 5 of 22
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Arcelor Mittal - Vanderbijl Park Arcelor Mittal - Newcastle
Anglo SOC - Goedehoop Colliery South Plant Anglo SOC - Goedehoop Colliery North Plant
Anglo SOC - Kleinkopje Colliery Anglo SOC - Greenside Colliery
Anglo SOC - Landau Colliery Alfred H Knight -Richards Bay Laboratory
AquaSpecto
Afrisam - Dudfield Afrisam - Ulco
Bureau Veritas – Moatize, Vale Bureau Veritas - Nacala
Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Tendele Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Beira
Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Alton Bureau Veritas Testing & Inspection SA - Pretoria
Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Middelburg Castle Peak Power Station – Hong Kong
Cotecna South Africa - AMR Cotecna South Africa - Nasonti
Cotecna South Africa - Lurco Cotecna South Africa - Phola
Cotecna South Africa – Tselentis Cotecna South Africa - Kangala
Cotecna South Africa - Middelburg Cotecna South Africa - Umlabu
Cotecna South Africa - Mimosa Cotecna South Africa - VDD
Delmas Coal Exxaro Resources - Grootegeluk Mine
Eyethu Coal Wilge Eyethu Coal Mooifontein
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Kendal Power station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Duvha Power Station
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Lethabo Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Komati Power Station
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Tutuka Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Grootvlei Power Station
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - ERID Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Kriel Power Station
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Hendrina Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Matimba Power Station
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Arnot Power Station Exxaro Resources - Matla Mine
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Matla Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Medupi Power Station
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Majuba Power Station G&W Base & Industrial Minerals
Glencore Wonderkop Glencore -Rustenburg Smelter
Glencore Boshoek Smelter Glencore -Lydenburg Smelter
Glencore Lion Smelter GLI Laboratuvar Sube Mudurlugu Komur Deney Laboratuvari - Turkey
HighVeld Laboratories Idwala Lime
Intertek Mozambique Kangra Coal (Pty) Ltd
Lafarge Industries SA (Pty) Ltd - Lichtenburg Mpumamanzi
Morupule Coal Mine - Botswana Mafube Colliery Mine pty (ltd)
Martech Marine surveyors - India Makomo Resources
Msobo Coal Pty Ltd Mitra SK South Africa (Pty) Ltd
M L Coal Noko Analytical Services CC - Welgemeend
Noko Analytical Services CC - Hakahno Noko Analytical Services CC - Twistdraai
Noko Analytical Services CC - Witbank Ronewa Lab
Richards Bay Minerals
Seriti - Kriel Colliery Seriti - New Vaal Colliery
Siza Coal Services - Dundee Siza Coal Services - Vlakfontein
Siza Coal Services - Botswana Siza Coal Services - Kinross
Siza Coal Services - Middelburg Siza Coal Services - NCC
Siza Coal Services - Carolina Siza Coal Services - Mooiplaats
Siza Coal Services - Wildfontein
South 32 – Khutala Colliery
Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC – Rirhandzu Lab Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC - West Coal Processing
Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC – Mzimkhulu
Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC – Elandsfontein Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC - Vaalbult
SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd – Richards Bay Coal Terminal Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Leeuwpan Laboratory
SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Trichardt Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd – Richards Bay Port Laboratory
SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd – GGV Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Middelburg Laboratory
SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Impunzi Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Wondefontein Laboratory
SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Sudor SGS Tweefontein
SABS Commercial SOC Ltd CSIR SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Chilwavuhusiku Laboratory
SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Uitkomst SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Secunda
SPTE Lab - Middelburg SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Richards bay
Tata Steel – Wales Lab, Europe SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Springlake
UIS Analytical Services Umzamo Analytical Services - Londani
Umzamo Analytical Services - Overlooked Colliery Umzamo Analytical Services - Witbank
Umzamo Analytical Services - Doornrug Vitrovian Analytical Services DELMAS
Vitrovian Analytical Services Koornfontein Vitrovian Analytical Services Umlalazi
Zululand Anthracite Colliery Vinca Institute for Nuclear Sciences - Serbia
Page 6 of 22
1. TYPE OF SAMPLE USED
The coal used in this proficiency testing round was bituminous coal from Mpumalanga.
2. PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
Approximately 800kg’s of sample with an approximate topsize of 50mm was sourced. This was crushed to -4mm
using a jaw crusher. The -4mm material was reduced to -212um using a cross beat pulveriser. The 212 material
was sieved using a 212um screen. Any +212um material was pulverised and sieved until all material passed
through the 212 um sieve.
All the -212um material was then mixed in a mixing drum for 4 hours.
3. HOMOGENEITY CHECK
There were 113 participants in this round, 10 portions of sample were randomly extracted from the 800kg
sample. These were packaged in their final form i.e. in 200ml sample bottles. The bottles were labelled 1 to 10.
The results were as follows:
SAMPLE NO.
TEST PORTION 1
TEST PORTION 2
sample av (Xt) range (Wt) range sqd
1 27 27,09 27,05 0,09 0,0081
2 27,05 27,07 27,06 0,02 0,0004
3 27,05 26,91 26,98 0,14 0,0196
4 26,99 27,02 27,01 0,03 0,0009
5 27,04 26,98 27,01 0,06 0,0036
6 27,01 26,96 26,99 0,05 0,0025
7 27,00 26,89 26,95 0,11 0,0121
8 27,02 27,08 27,05 0,06 0,0036
9 27,03 26,98 27,01 0,05 0,0025
10 27,02 26,98 27,00 0,04 0,0016
GENERAL AVERAGE 27,01 STANDARD DEVIATION 0,035 WITHIN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,052 BETWEEN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,011
The between sample standard deviation must be ≤ 0.3 x ơ
(ơ = std deviation for the proficiency assessment)
Ơ = 2% of the mean was used, which is the repeatability for ISO ash (Ash % > 10%)
Hence 0.3 x 0.540 = 0.162
Since 0.011 < 0.162 the samples are homogenous
Page 7 of 22
4. STABILITY CHECK Samples were retained for sales as reference material. ten of them were randomly chosen for stability testing.
In order for the proficiency testing samples to be declared stable the general average from the homogeneity
check and that of the stability check the difference in the general average should not differ by more than 0.3 X
precision
This test has been carried out about a month after the samples were received by the participating laboratories
SAMPLE NO.
TEST PORTION 1
TEST PORTION 2
sample av (Xt) range (Wt) range sqd
1 26,82 27,03 26,93 0,21 0,0441
2 26,79 27,00 26,90 0,21 0,0441
3 26,94 26,84 26,89 0,10 0,0100
4 26,94 26,96 26,95 0,02 0,0004
5 26,86 26,8 26,83 0,06 0,0036
6 26,92 26,84 26,88 0,08 0,0064
7 26,94 26,94 26,94 0,00 0,0000
8 26,87 27,01 26,94 0,14 0,0196
9 26,80 26,93 26,87 0,13 0,0169
10 26,90 26,77 26,84 0,13 0,0169
GENERAL AVERAGE 26,90 STANDARD DEVIATION 0,043 WITHIN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,090 BETWEEN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,047
(Ơ = 0.538 was used)
For this report 0.3 x 0.538 = 0.161
Absolute value of (26.90 – 27.01) = 0.11
Since 0.11< 0.161 the proficiency testing samples were stable
Page 8 of 22
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ISO ASH (%)
LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%) Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 27,06 28,20 1,26
6a 3,06 27,09 27,95 0,06
7a 3,19 27,06 27,95 0,09
9a 3,88 26,78 27,86 -0,33
10a 3,30 27,10 28,02 0,44
12a 3,80 26,90 27,96 0,14
15a 4,14 26,86 28,02 0,41
18a 3,91 27,04 28,14 0,98
20a 3,92 27,12 28,23 1,39
21a 2,70 27,08 27,83 -0,47
23a 3,55 27,01 28,00 0,34
24a 3,84 27,10 28,18 1,18
26a 3,15 26,66 27,53 -1,90
27a 3,00 27,10 27,94 0,03
28a 3,23 27,10 28,00 0,34
30a 3,05 26,89 27,74 -0,92
32a 3,10 27,00 27,86 -0,32
33a 3,83 26,93 28,00 0,33
35a 3,88 27,09 28,18 1,18
36a 3,60 27,00 28,01 0,36
37a 3,43 26,90 27,86 -0,36
38a 3,28 26,48 27,38 -2,60
42a 3,30 24,39 25,22 -12,74
44a 3,60 26,90 27,90 -0,13
49a 2,62 27,41 28,15 1,01
58a 3,47 27,00 27,97 0,18
59a 3,08 27,02 27,88 -0,25
60a 3,54 26,94 27,93 0,0
61a 3,30 26,90 27,82 -0,54
65a 3,70 27,10 28,14 0,98
66a 3,03 27,22 28,07 0,63
69a 2,83 27,18 27,97 0,19
76a 3,65 26,98 28,00 0,33
79a 3,85 26,83 27,90 -0,13
80a 3,49 26,99 27,97 0,16
82a 3,50 27,03 28,01 0,37
83a 3,48 27,32 28,31 1,75
88a 3,50 27,23 28,22 1,34
92a 3,81 26,74 27,80 -0,62
95a 3,90 26,93 28,02 0,43
96a 3,53 27,30 28,30 1,73
97a 2,86 27,11 27,91 -0,11
99a 3,40 27,10 28,05 0,57
100a 3,12 26,87 27,74 -0,92
101a 3,81 27,07 28,14 0,99
105a 3,10 27,00 27,86 -0,32
106a 3,47 27,14 28,12 0,86
108a 3,39 27,11 28,06 0,61
109a 3,50 27,10 28,08 0,71
110a 3,16 27,12 28,00 0,34
112a 2,50 27,00 27,69 -1,13
117a 3,18 27,05 27,94 0,03
124a 3,34 26,91 27,84 -0,43
126a 3,85 26,85 27,93 0,0
131a 3,21 27,14 28,04 0,51
132a 3,34 26,86 27,79 -0,68
135a 3,80 27,11 28,18 1,17
136a 3,68 27,03 28,06 0,62
137a 2,79 26,95 27,72 -0,98
143a 3,34 26,87 27,80 -0,63
145a 3,83 16,90 17,57 -48,71
146a 2,90 27,00 27,81 -0,59
151a 3,61 27,07 28,08 0,71
162a 3,35 27,02 27,96 0,12
165a 3,28 26,37 27,26 -3,14
166a 3,55 26,83 27,82 -0,54
167a 3,08 27,36 28,23 1,40
168a 2,23 27,04 27,66 -1,29
169a 2,60 27,00 27,72 -0,99
170a 3,30 27,00 27,92 -0,05
171a 3,18 26,87 27,75 -0,84
177a 1,68 27,02 27,48 -2,12
178a 1,23 26,98 27,32 -2,90
Number of results - 73 73 73 -
OUTLIERS - - 4 2 -
AVERAGE - 3,32 27,02 27,93 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,14 0,21 -
MEDIAN 27,02 27,96
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 27,02 27,94 -
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,15 0,23 -
UoM 0,02 0,03
Page 9 of 22
-3,00
-2,00
-1,00
0,00
1,00
2,00
3,00Z-
SCO
RE
LABORATORY ID
ISO ASH Z-SCORE TREND
Page 10 of 22 COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : QUICK ASH (%)
LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%)
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
8a 3,20 27,03 27,92 0,53
21a 2,70 26,93 27,68 -0,32
22a 2,56 26,51 27,21 -1,95
23a 3,55 26,91 27,90 0,45
24a 3,84 26,68 27,75 -0,08
35a 3,88 27,20 28,30 1,83
36a 3,60 27,10 28,11 1,18
37a 3,43 26,83 27,78 0,05
39a 2,95 26,80 27,61 -0,54
41a 3,50 27,00 27,98 0,72
49a 2,62 26,97 27,70 -0,26
50a 2,41 26,50 27,15 -2,13
63a 3,58 26,39 27,37 -1,38
71a 2,83 27,07 27,86 0,31
73a 2,19 26,59 27,19 -2,02
74a 4,31 26,66 27,86 0,32
77a 4,50 26,90 28,17 1,38
84a 4,16 26,54 27,69 -0,27
92a 3,81 26,57 27,62 -0,51
94a 3,93 26,93 28,03 0,91
100a 3,12 26,82 27,68 -0,30
101a 3,81 27,00 28,07 1,04
102a 3,60 26,90 27,90 0,47
105a 3,10 26,90 27,76 -0,03
113a 3,86 26,80 27,88 0,37
119a 3,33 26,75 27,67 -0,34
122a 3,60 26,80 27,80 0,11
126a 3,85 26,80 27,87 0,36
129a 3,30 27,22 28,15 1,31
130a 3,90 26,90 27,99 0,77
131a 3,21 27,07 27,97 0,69
132a 3,34 26,84 27,77 0,0
133a 2,60 26,33 27,03 -2,55
136a 3,68 27,00 28,03 0,91
137a 2,79 27,13 27,91 0,48
138a 3,85 26,86 27,94 0,57
140a 4,23 26,68 27,86 0,31
143a 3,34 26,82 27,75 -0,08
147a 2,99 27,03 27,86 0,32
153a 3,36 26,70 27,63 -0,49
160a 3,36 26,70 27,63 -0,49
161a 3,60 26,90 27,90 0,47
162a 3,35 26,90 27,83 0,22
163a 4,00 26,80 27,92 0,51
164a 3,36 26,90 27,84 0,23
165a 3,28 26,38 27,27 -1,71
168a 2,23 27,10 27,72 -0,18
169a 2,60 26,90 27,62 -0,52
176a 3,70 26,70 27,73 -0,15
180a 2,70 26,17 26,90 -3,02
181a 2,50 27,10 27,79 0,09
182a 2,40 27,20 27,87 0,34
183a 3,50 26,90 27,88 0,37
185a 3,35 27,32 28,27 1,72
Number of results - 54 54 54 -
OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -
AVERAGE - 3,34 26,84 27,77 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,24 0,29 -
MEDIAN 26,90 27,83
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 26,85 27,78 -
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,25 0,30 -
UoM 0,04 0,05
-3,00
-2,00
-1,00
0,00
1,00
2,00
3,00
Z-SC
OR
E
LABORATORY ID
QUICK ASH Z-SCORE TREND
Page 11 of 22
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ISO VOLATILE MATTER (%)
LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 17,41 18,14 -0,59
6a 3,06 18,12 18,69 0,41
7a 3,19 15,69 16,20 -4,10
8a 3,20 18,45 19,06 1,07
9a 3,88 18,65 19,40 1,69
10a 3,30 18,00 18,61 0,27
12a 3,80 17,50 18,19 -0,50
15a 4,14 17,29 18,04 -0,78
18a 3,91 17,83 18,56 0,16
20a 3,92 16,65 17,33 -2,06
21a 2,70 18,64 19,16 1,25
22a 2,56 18,59 19,08 1,11
23a 3,55 17,82 18,48 0,01
24a 3,84 17,30 17,99 -0,86
26a 3,15 19,05 19,66 2,17
27a 3,00 18,00 18,56 0,16
28a 3,23 17,70 18,29 -0,32
30a 3,05 17,71 18,27 -0,36
32a 3,10 17,70 18,27 -0,37
33a 3,83 17,23 17,92 -1,00
35a 3,88 17,19 17,88 -1,06
36a 3,60 17,60 18,26 -0,38
37a 3,43 14,08 14,57 -7,05
38a 3,28 18,99 19,63 2,11
39a 2,95 17,78 18,32 -0,28
41a 3,50 17,40 18,03 -0,79
42a 3,30 12,20 12,62 -10,60
44a 3,60 18,00 18,67 0,37
49a 2,62 17,95 18,43 -0,06
50a 2,41 16,31 16,71 -3,18
58a 3,47 20,88 21,63 5,73
59a 3,08 18,51 19,10 1,14
60a 3,54 17,57 18,21 -0,46
61a 3,30 18,00 18,61 0,27
63a 3,58 18,84 19,54 1,94
65a 3,70 17,70 18,38 -0,16
66a 3,03 17,98 18,54 0,13
69a 2,83 18,00 18,52 0,10
71a 2,83 13,85 14,25 -7,64
73a 2,19 20,55 21,01 4,61
74a 4,31 16,40 17,14 -2,41
76a 3,65 17,10 17,75 -1,30
77a 4,50 17,10 17,91 -1,02
79a 3,85 17,95 18,67 0,36
80a 3,49 17,84 18,49 0,03
82a 3,50 17,33 17,96 -0,92
83a 3,48 17,77 18,41 -0,10
88a 3,50 18,00 18,65 0,34
92a 3,81 17,08 17,75 -1,29
94a 3,93 17,15 17,85 -1,12
95a 3,90 17,75 18,47 0,00
96a 3,53 17,27 17,90 -1,03
97a 2,86 17,80 18,33 -0,26
99a 3,40 13,80 14,29 -7,58
100a 3,12 17,48 18,04 -0,77
101a 3,81 17,78 18,48 0,03
102a 3,60 17,70 18,36 -0,19
105a 3,10 18,30 18,89 0,76
106a 3,47 17,74 18,38 -0,16
108a 3,39 17,68 18,30 -0,30
109a 3,50 17,80 18,45 -0,04
110a 3,16 17,99 18,58 0,20
112a 2,50 19,20 19,69 2,22
113a 3,86 16,93 17,61 -1,55
117a 3,18 17,80 18,38 -0,15
119a 3,33 18,08 18,70 0,43
122a 3,60 18,00 18,67 0,37
124a 3,34 17,44 18,04 -0,77
126a 3,85 18,30 19,03 1,02
129a 3,30 17,34 17,93 -0,97
130a 3,90 17,50 18,21 -0,47
131a 3,21 18,28 18,89 0,76
132a 3,34 17,97 18,59 0,22
133a 2,60 18,78 19,28 1,46
135a 3,80 17,35 18,03 -0,79
136a 3,68 17,56 18,23 -0,43
137a 2,79 18,10 18,62 0,27
138a 3,85 16,91 17,59 -1,60
140a 4,23 18,17 18,97 0,91
143a 3,34 17,94 18,56 0,17
145a 3,83 17,80 18,51 0,07
146a 2,90 17,90 18,43 -0,06
147a 2,99 18,53 19,10 1,15
151a 3,61 17,78 18,45 -0,04
161a 3,60 17,60 18,26 -0,38
162a 3,35 17,97 18,59 0,23
165a 3,28 18,10 18,71 0,45
166a 3,55 18,03 18,69 0,40
167a 3,08 17,78 18,35 -0,22
168a 2,23 18,71 19,14 1,21
169a 2,60 19,10 19,61 2,07
170a 3,30 17,70 18,30 -0,30
180a 2,70 19,10 19,63 2,11
181a 2,50 18,30 18,77 0,55
182a 2,40 18,40 18,85 0,70
183a 3,50 17,30 17,93 -0,98
NUMBER OF RESULTS - 96 96 96 -
OUTLIERS - - 7 7 -
AVERAGE - 3,36 17,84 18,47 -
STD DEVIATION - 0,58 0,55 -
MEDIAN 17,80 18,45
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 17,85 18,47 -
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,63 0,59 -
UoM - - 0,08 0,08 -
Page 12 of 22
-3,00
-2,00
-1,00
0,00
1,00
2,00
3,00
50a
74a
20a
138a
113a
76a
92a
94a
35a
96a
77a
33a
183a
129a
82a
24a
135a
41a
15a
124a
100a
1a 12a
130a
60a
136a
36a
161a
32a
30a
28a
108a
170a
39a
97a
167a
102a
106a
65a
117a
83a
49a
146a
109a
151a
95a
23a
101a
80a
145a
69a
66a
18a
27a
143a
110a
132a
162a
10a
61a
137a
88a
79a
44a
122a
166a
6a 119a
165a
181a
182a
105a
131a
140a
126a
8a 22a
59a
147a
168a
21a
133a
9a 63a
169a
180a
38a
26a
112aZ-SC
OR
E
LABORATORY ID
VOLATILE MATTER Z-SCORE TREND
Page 13 of 22 COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : CALORIFIC VALUE (MJ/kg)
LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (MJ/kg) DRY BASE (MJ/kg) Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 22,19 23,12 0,44
6a 3,06 22,70 23,42 1,60
8a 3,20 22,76 23,51 1,98
9a 3,88 22,39 23,29 1,11
10a 3,30 22,31 23,07 0,23
12a 3,80 22,11 22,98 -0,13
18a 3,91 22,05 22,95 -0,27
20a 3,92 22,46 23,38 1,44
21a 2,70 22,21 22,83 -0,75
23a 3,55 22,15 22,97 -0,20
24a 3,84 22,13 23,01 0,0
27a 3,00 22,07 22,75 -1,05
28a 3,23 22,07 22,81 -0,83
30a 3,05 22,37 23,07 0,24
32a 3,10 22,24 22,95 -0,25
33a 3,83 22,38 23,27 1,02
35a 3,88 22,34 23,24 0,91
36a 3,60 22,04 22,86 -0,61
37a 3,43 22,38 23,17 0,64
38a 3,28 22,43 23,19 0,69
39a 2,95 22,40 23,08 0,26
42a 3,30 25,21 26,07 12,19
44a 3,60 22,24 23,07 0,22
49a 2,62 22,40 23,00 -0,05
50a 2,41 22,10 22,65 -1,47
58a 3,47 22,14 22,94 -0,31
60a 3,54 22,23 23,05 0,12
61a 3,30 22,24 23,00 -0,06
63a 3,58 22,30 23,13 0,46
65a 3,70 22,17 23,02 0,03
66a 3,03 22,33 23,02 0,03
71a 2,83 22,43 23,08 0,26
73a 2,19 22,48 22,98 -0,13
74a 4,31 20,44 21,36 -6,61
76a 3,65 22,33 23,18 0,64
77a 4,50 21,94 22,97 -0,16
79a 3,85 22,12 23,01 0,0
80a 3,49 22,68 23,50 1,94
82a 3,50 22,31 23,11 0,40
83a 3,48 22,40 23,21 0,77
84a 4,16 22,22 23,18 0,68
88a 3,50 22,13 22,93 -0,33
92a 3,81 21,47 22,32 -2,77
94a 3,93 21,82 22,71 -1,23
95a 3,90 21,86 22,75 -1,07
96a 3,53 22,57 23,40 1,52
97a 2,86 22,46 23,12 0,42
99a 3,40 22,22 23,00 -0,05
100a 3,12 22,29 23,01 0,0
101a 3,81 22,09 22,96 -0,20
102a 3,60 22,73 23,58 2,25
105a 3,10 22,19 22,90 -0,46
106a 3,47 22,13 22,93 -0,36
108a 3,39 22,26 23,04 0,10
109a 3,50 22,26 23,07 0,21
110a 3,16 22,45 23,18 0,67
112a 2,50 22,12 22,69 -1,31
117a 3,18 22,47 23,20 0,76
119a 3,33 22,35 23,12 0,42
122a 3,60 22,38 23,22 0,80
124a 3,34 22,26 23,03 0,06
126a 3,85 21,74 22,61 -1,61
129a 3,30 22,26 23,02 0,02
130a 3,90 22,47 23,38 1,46
131a 3,21 22,46 23,20 0,76
132a 3,34 21,85 22,61 -1,63
133a 2,60 22,40 23,00 -0,08
135a 3,80 22,31 23,19 0,70
136a 3,68 22,19 23,04 0,09
137a 2,79 22,01 22,64 -1,49
140a 4,23 22,17 23,15 0,54
143a 3,34 22,21 22,98 -0,15
145a 3,83 27,80 28,91 23,50
147a 2,99 22,27 22,96 -0,23
153a 3,36 21,99 22,75 -1,04
160a 3,36 21,99 22,75 -1,04
161a 3,60 22,00 22,82 -0,8
162a 3,35 22,93 23,72 2,83
163a 4,00 22,26 23,19 0,69
164a 3,36 22,09 22,86 -0,63
165a 3,28 22,30 23,06 0,17
167a 3,08 22,47 23,18 0,67
168a 2,23 22,27 22,78 -0,94
169a 2,60 22,09 22,68 -1,34
170a 3,30 22,33 23,09 0,31
171a 3,18 22,34 23,07 0,24
172a 4,08 21,70 22,62 -1,56
176a 3,70 22,20 23,05 0,2
177a 1,68 21,96 22,34 -2,71
180a 2,70 22,39 23,01 0,0
181a 2,50 22,21 22,78 -0,94
182a 2,40 21,87 22,41 -2,42
183a 3,50 22,40 23,21 0,79
NUMBER OF RESULTS - 93 93 93 -
OUTLIERS - - 3 3 -
AVERAGE - 3,37 22,24 23,01 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,23 0,25 -
MEDIAN 22,26 23,02
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 22,24 23,01 -
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,24 0,27 -
UoM - - 0,03 0,03 -
Page 14 of 22
-3,00
-2,00
-1,00
0,00
1,00
2,00
3,00
92a
177a
182a
132a
126a
172a
137a
50a
169a
112a
94a
95a
27a
153a
160a
168a
181a
28a
161a
21a
164a
36a
105a
106a
88a
58a
18a
32a
147a
101a
23a
77a
143a
73a
12a
133a
61a
99a
49a
79a
180a
100a
24a
129a
65a
66a
124a
136a
108a
60a
176a
165a
109a
44a
10a
171a
30a
71a
39a
170a
82a
119a
97a
1a 63a
140a
37a
76a
110a
167a
84a
163a
38a
135a
131a
117a
83a
183a
122a
35a
33a
9a 20a
130a
96a
6a 80a
8a 102a
162aZ-
SCO
RE
LABORATORY ID
CALORIFIC VALUE Z-SCORE TREND
Page 15 of 22
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : TOTAL SULPHUR (%)
LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 1,48 1,54 -0,85
6a 3,06 1,58 1,63 0,15
7a 3,19 0,63 0,65 -11,02
9a 3,88 1,68 1,75 1,50
10a 3,30 1,51 1,56 -0,63
12a 3,80 1,55 1,61 -0,06
15a 4,14 1,51 1,58 -0,47
18a 3,91 1,50 1,56 -0,63
21a 2,70 1,57 1,61 -0,03
23a 3,55 1,56 1,62 0,0
24a 3,84 1,74 1,81 2,20
26a 3,15 1,37 1,41 -2,30
27a 3,00 1,55 1,60 -0,21
28a 3,23 1,50 1,55 -0,76
30a 3,05 1,59 1,64 0,27
32a 3,10 1,53 1,58 -0,43
35a 3,88 1,53 1,59 -0,28
36a 3,60 1,45 1,50 -1,28
37a 3,43 1,49 1,54 -0,84
38a 3,28 1,51 1,56 -0,63
39a 2,95 1,72 1,77 1,78
42a 3,30 1,50 1,55 -0,74
49a 2,62 1,50 1,54 -0,87
50a 2,41 1,67 1,71 1,08
58a 3,47 1,56 1,62 0,00
60a 3,54 1,59 1,65 0,36
61a 3,30 1,57 1,62 0,00
69a 2,83 1,53 1,57 -0,48
71a 2,83 1,49 1,53 -0,95
74a 4,31 1,72 1,80 2,07
76a 3,65 1,62 1,68 0,74
79a 3,85 1,58 1,64 0,31
80a 3,49 1,62 1,68 0,71
83a 3,48 1,62 1,68 0,71
88a 3,50 1,64 1,70 0,95
95a 3,90 1,62 1,69 0,79
97a 2,86 1,56 1,61 -0,1
99a 3,40 1,50 1,55 -0,73
101a 3,81 1,48 1,54 -0,89
106a 3,47 1,70 1,76 1,65
108a 3,39 1,50 1,55 -0,73
109a 3,50 1,49 1,54 -0,83
110a 3,16 1,57 1,62 0,00
112a 2,50 1,61 1,65 0,40
113a 3,86 1,67 1,74 1,38
119a 3,33 1,78 1,84 2,57
122a 3,60 1,62 1,68 0,73
126a 3,85 1,46 1,52 -1,12
130a 3,90 1,52 1,58 -0,40
131a 3,21 1,55 1,60 -0,17
132a 3,34 1,69 1,75 1,51
133a 2,60 1,56 1,60 -0,17
135a 3,80 1,56 1,62 0,0
136a 3,68 1,51 1,57 -0,56
137a 2,79 1,46 1,50 -1,31
138a 3,85 1,61 1,67 0,66
140a 4,23 1,56 1,63 0,14
143a 3,34 1,35 1,40 -2,51
145a 3,83 1,61 1,67 0,66
146a 2,90 1,66 1,70 1,00
151a 3,61 1,64 1,70 0,97
162a 3,35 1,54 1,59 -0,26
165a 3,28 1,48 1,53 -0,98
167a 3,08 1,57 1,62 0,0
168a 2,23 1,48 1,51 -1,17
169a 2,60 1,59 1,63 0,18
172a 4,08 1,01 1,05 -6,43
177a 1,68 1,66 1,69 0,82
180a 2,70 1,49 1,53 -0,97
183a 3,50 1,46 1,51 -1,18
NUMBER OF RESULTS 70 70 70 -
OUTLIERS - - 2 2 -
AVERAGE - 3,36 1,56 1,62 -
MEDIAN - 1,56 1,61
STD DEVIATION - - 0,08 0,09 -
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 1,56 1,62 -
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,09 0,09 -
UoM - - 0,01 0,01
Page 16 of 22
-3,00
-2,00
-1,00
0,00
1,00
2,00
3,00
7a 172a
143a
26a
137a
36a
183a
168a
126a
165a
180a
71a
101a
49a
1a 37a
109a
28a
42a
108a
99a
18a
38a
10a
136a
69a
15a
32a
130a
35a
162a
27a
131a
133a
97a
12a
21a
58a
61a
110a
135a
23a
167a
140a
6a 169a
30a
79a
60a
112a
145a
138a
83a
80a
122a
76a
95a
177a
88a
151a
146a
50a
113a
9a 132a
106a
39a
74a
24a
119aZ-
SCO
RE
LABORATORY ID
TOTAL SULPHUR Z-SCORE TREND
Page 17 of 22 COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : PHOSPHOROUS IN COAL (%)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 0,023 0,024 -0,3
7a 3,19 0,032 0,033 0,50
9a 3,88 0,041 0,042 1,32
12a 3,80 0,045 0,047 1,74
18a 3,91 0,030 0,031 0,34
21a 2,70 0,041 0,042 1,32
23a 3,55 0,010 0,010 -1,53
24a 3,84 0,033 0,034 0,62
26a 3,15 0,018 0,018 -0,84
38a 3,28 0,037 0,038 0,97
69a 2,83 0,020 0,021 -0,62
74a 4,31 0,011 0,011 -1,43
108a 3,39 0,017 0,018 -0,89
109a 3,50 0,016 0,017 -0,98
113a 3,86 0,021 0,022 -0,50
112a 2,50 0,044 0,045 1,59
114a 3,36 0,025 0,026 -0,14
138a 3,85 0,019 0,020 -0,69
146a 2,90 0,022 0,023 -0,43
172a 4,08 0,026 0,027 0,0
177a 1,68 0,087 0,088 5,49
Number of results - 21 21 21 -
OUTLIERS - - 1 1 -
AVERAGE - 3,41 0,027 0,027 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,011 0,011 -
MEDIAN - 0,024 0,025
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 0,026 0,027
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,012 0,013
UoM - - 0,003 0,004
-3,00
-2,00
-1,00
0,00
1,00
2,00
3,00
23a 74a 109a 108a 26a 138a 69a 113a 146a 1a 114a 172a 18a 7a 24a 38a 9a 21a 112a 12a 177a
Z-SC
OR
ES
LAB ID
PHOSPHOROUS IN COAL Z-SCORES
Page 18 of 22 COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : TOTAL CARBON (%)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 57,33 59,74 1,66
9a 3,88 56,37 58,65 -0,89
12a 3,80 56,13 58,35 -1,58
18a 3,91 56,48 58,78 -0,58
21a 2,70 57,34 58,93 -0,23
42a** 3,30 63,25 65,41 14,83
88a 3,50 57,19 59,26 0,54
99a 3,40 57,10 59,11 0,19
108a 3,39 57,41 59,42 0,92
109a 3,50 57,30 59,38 0,81
145a** 3,83 59,05 61,40 5,52
177a 1,68 57,68 58,67 -0,84
Number of results - 12 12 12 -
OUTLIERS - - 1 2 -
AVERAGE - 3,44 57,22 59,03 -
MEDIAN - - 57,30 59,02 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,78 0,43 -
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 57,13 59,02
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,68 0,53
UoM - - 0,25 0,21
REPRODUCIBILITY
UPPER LIMIT - - - 60,03 -
LOWER LIMIT - - - 58,03 -
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : HYDROGEN (%)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 2,78 2,90 0,01
9a** 3,88 2,52 2,62 -1,35
12a 3,80 2,94 3,06 0,79
18a** 3,91 2,53 2,63 -1,29
21a 2,70 2,82 2,90 0,02
36a** 3,60 2,49 2,58 -1,54
42a 3,30 2,69 2,78 -0,56
88a 3,50 2,80 2,90 0,03
99a 3,40 2,89 2,99 0,48
108a** 3,39 3,06 3,17 1,34
109a 3,50 2,96 3,07 0,85
177a 1,68 3,09 3,14 1,22
Number of results 12 12 12
OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -
AVERAGE - 3,39 2,80 2,90 -
MEDIAN - 2,81 2,90 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,21 0,20 -
ROBUST AVERAGE - - 2,80 2,90
ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,26 0,26
UoM - - 0,09 0,09
REPRODUCIBILITY
UPPER LIMIT - - - 3,15 -
LOWER LIMIT - - - 2,65 -
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : NITROGEN(%)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 1,46 1,52 -0,63
9a 3,88 1,47 1,53 -0,15
12a 3,80 1,55 1,61 4,80
18a 3,91 1,46 1,52 -0,75
42a** 3,30 1,67 1,73 11,80
88a 3,50 1,50 1,55 1,18
99a 3,40 1,47 1,52 -0,61
108a 3,39 1,46 1,51 -1,25
109a 3,50 1,49 1,54 0,74
177a 1,68 1,53 1,56 1,47
Number of results 9 9 9 -
OUTLIERS - - 1 2 -
AVERAGE - 3,54 1,49 1,53 -
MEDIAN - 1,47 1,53 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,03 0,02 -
REPRODUCIBILITY
UPPER LIMIT - - - 1,68 -
LOWER LIMIT - - - 1,38 -
Page 19 of 22
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ASH FUSION TEMPERATURES (oC)
LAB ID DEFORMATION SOFTENING HEMISPHERE FLOW
1a 1310 1330 1357 1420
9a 1360 1380 1410 1460
10a 1330 1370 1390 1420
21a 1355 1375 1410 1460
23a 1308 1348 1388 1473
38a 1320 1340 1360 1400
42a** 1250 1270 1290 1310
49a 1310 1350 1400 1450
60a 1303 1330 1413 1500
80a 1330 1360 1390 1420
99a 1352 1387 1424 1491
108a 1330 1350 1380 1430
109a 1320 1340 1380 1420
112a** 1440 1460 1470 1500
131a** 1500 1500 1500 1500
Number of results 15 15 15 15
Outliers 3 0 0 1
AVERAGE 1327 1366 1397 1453
MEDIAN 1325 1350 1390 1455
STDEV 19 54 48 35
REPRODUCIBILITY
UPPER LIMIT 1407 1426 1457 1500
LOWER LIMIT 1247 1306 1337 1373
Z-SCORES
LAB ID DEFORMATION SOFTENING HEMISPHERE FLOW
1a -0,89 -0,66 -0,84 -0,94
9a 1,68 0,26 0,26 0,19
10a 0,14 0,07 -0,16 -0,94
21a 1,43 0,17 0,26 0,19
23a -1,00 -0,33 -0,20 0,56
38a -0,38 -0,48 -0,78 -1,50
42a** -3,99 -1,76 -2,23 -4,05
49a -0,89 -0,29 0,05 -0,09
60a -1,25 -0,66 0,32 1,32
80a 0,14 -0,11 -0,16 -0,94
99a 1,27 0,39 0,55 1,07
108a 0,14 -0,29 -0,36 -0,65
109a -0,38 -0,48 -0,36 -0,94
112a** 5,81 1,73 1,51 1,32
131a** 8,90 2,46 2,13 1,32
Page 20 of 22
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ASTM ASH (%)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%)
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 27,08 28,22 0,85
109a 3,50 27,10 28,08 0,25
172a 4,08 26,64 27,77 -1,10
Number of results - 3 3 3 -
OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -
AVERAGE - 3,87 26,94 28,03 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,26 0,23 -
MEDIAN - - 27,08 28,08 -
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ASTM VOLS (%)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%)
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 18,19 18,96 0,25
108a 3,39 18,40 19,05 0,41
109a 3,50 18,60 19,27 0,80
172a 4,08 17,24 17,97 -1,46
Number of results - 4 4 4 -
OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -
AVERAGE - 3,75 18,11 18,81 -
STD DEVIATION - - 0,60 0,58 -
MEDIAN - - 18,30 19,00 -
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : CHLORINE (ppm)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
12a 3,80 100 104 -
108a 3,39 41 42 -
109a 3,50 51 53 -
177a 1,68 175 178 -
Number of results - 4 4 4 -
OUTLIERS - - N/A n/a -
AVERAGE - 3,09 92 94 -
STD DEVIATION - - 61 62 -
MEDIAN - - 76 78 -
COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -DECEMBER 2018
ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : FLUORINE (ppm)
LAB ID
MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE
Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)
1a 4,04 154 160 -1,12
12a 3,80 90 94 -7,43
108a 3,39 164 170 -0,25
109a 3,50 167 173 0,07
177a 1,68 183 186 1,30
Number of results - 5 5 5 -
OUTLIERS - - 0 1 -
AVERAGE - 3,28 152 172 -
STD DEVIATION - - 36 11 -
MEDIAN - - 164 171 -
Page 21 of 22
CONCLUSION
1. The overall ISO Ash determination trend was positively biased. The average, robust average and median were similar. Two outliers were detected using Grubbs estimate. The outliers seemed to be due to swopped samples.
2. The overall ISO volatile determination trend was almost evenly distributed. Seven outliers were detected.
These seemed to be due to possible swopped samples and analytical errors. The average, robust average
and median were similar
3. Calorific value graph indicated an almost even z-score trend. Three outliers were detected. These seemed to
be due to possible swopped samples.
4. Sulphur determination trend was negatively biased. This indicated that participates reported results that were generally lower than the average value.
5. The median, robust average and mean compared well with each other indicating that the extreme values did
not affect the centralized values for phosphorous determination.
6. Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen analysis was well done. Two outliers were detected on Carbon and Nitrogen.
7. AFT results were generally well done.
8. Chlorine results were not conclusive as varied results were reported.
9. Assessment criterion for homogeneity check (From ISO 13528, page 45)
9.1 Comparison of the between sample standard deviation with the standard deviation for proficiency testing Standard deviation for ISO ash =0.14 Check value = 0.14 x 0.3 = 0.042
Between sample standard deviation = 0.011 The between standard deviation is less than the check value for the criterion assessment for
homogeneity, therefore homogeneity has been established.
Page 22 of 22
COAL CONCEPTS: Terms and Conditions
Return of results: Laboratories participate in proficiency testing programs on the understanding that they will be sharing their results and information anonymously with other laboratories performing the same analysis. No return of results compromises the spirit of the programs, and reports will not be sent to laboratories unless they return results. Payment in full is required from all laboratories enrolling whether they return results or not. Errors in Participant Proficiency Testing Results: Proficiency testing reports should reflect the level of accuracy that a regular testing client would receive. If a participant finds an error in their proficiency testing results, they may notify us in writing and change their submission PRIOR to the due date for return. Changes after this time will not be accepted. Coal Concepts’ reports results as submitted by participants. On occasion, it seems as though participants have mixed up the samples or not processed the samples according to the instructions. Coal Concepts cannot make assumptions of this nature and change results 'to suit'. We also cannot compromise the integrity of the programs by suggesting to some participants that they should review their results prior to the due date. (This is unfair to other participants) It is the responsibility of the participants to check all aspects of the program, including sample identification, preparation, testing instructions, calculations and reporting of the results prior to results submission. If samples are not in good condition on arrival to the participant laboratory, Coal Concepts must be notified in writing IMMEDIATELY, as often samples can be replaced in good time. Claims about samples received in bad condition will not be accepted after the report has been issued. Late Enrolments and Late Results: Late enrolment requests cannot always be accommodated, as sample manufacture must be scheduled well in advance to the shipping date of the program to allow all necessary quality assurance activities to be carried out. Shipping of PT materials and evaluating test results from PTPs out of cycle with the mainstream programs is considerably time consuming and therefore costly. In order not to disadvantage participants able to comply with time frames, Coal Concepts may charge a late fee in the following circumstances: Requests that Coal concepts staff enters results on behalf of participants Requests to record results after the due date Requests for PTP participation that is out of cycle with the scheduled dates Shipping fees and Customs clearance: Costs incurred for shipping samples and clearance of same through customs are the responsibility of the participating laboratory unless otherwise indicated Non-payment of fees: Coal Concepts retains the right to withhold reports and/or test materials and services when invoices are outstanding. Confidentiality of results: All data and information received by Coal Concepts from its clients are considered confidential unless the client has given express permission to pass on information. Definitions: The dictionary definitions of “collusion” and “falsification” are as follows. · Collusion: A secret agreement or cooperation for a fraudulent or deceitful purpose. · Falsification: Deliberately changing something to be false. In proficiency testing terms, collusion is comparing data (and perhaps changing data) to fit in with a believed “correct” result. This is contrary to the spirit of proficiency testing programs, which are issued with the intention of providing an objective comparison of a laboratory’s performance with others. Coal Concepts tries to minimise the occurrence of collusion by being aware that laboratories should be objective when they report their results, and should therefore not know the intended results at the time they are reporting to us. Answers are not provided to clients until results have been submitted. To prevent collusion and falsification our advice to clients is: DON’T confer with others about PT samples or results. DO accept the fact that everyone makes errors. DON’T average the results or opinions of every person in the laboratory before selecting the answer to be submitted. Instead, use one of the answers AS SUBMITTED to you and take advantage of the Coal Concepts internal QA services and submit all answers generated by the technicians. DO have confidence in your own results. Proficiency Testing (PT) is a compulsory part of laboratory accreditation, but it is also an important tool for giving you confidence in your results. “Enhancing” your PT results with assistance from another participant cannot increase confidence in your laboratory’s performance. Coal concepts’ testing staff are not told what the expected results are, nor what we are expecting. We subject ALL results to analysis, even if they are different. The staff have the right to check that the results we enter on their behalf are correctly transcribed. Clients are always welcome to contact Coal Concepts to seek advice or information about collusion or falsification of data. Policy for Participant Appeal of PT Performance Assessment: If participants disagree with their performance assessment in a proficiency report, they should inform Coal Concepts in writing. The response will include Coal Concepts interpretation of the outcome of the reassessment and an explanation of that outcome. (For example, explanation of a calculation, or the rationale for the outcome of the evaluation.) If a mistake has been made by Coal Concepts, it will be dealt with via Coal Concepts’ non-conformance system. Liability In no event shall a party's liability to the other party for direct damages exceed an amount equal to the value of the amount for the PT Programme, under that specific month End of report
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