Bulk Sampling - A Tool for Settling Disputes

Abstract

Millions of tons of coal, ore and other bulk commodities change hands all over the world on a daily basis. Dollar amounts involved are enormous. Financial impact brought on by possible cargo quality discrepancies can be staggering. On what basis are the accounts normally settled and in the event disputes arise, how are they resolved to the satisfaction of everyone concerned? Recently another problem of quite a different nature has emerged. It is the SO, emissions from power plant stacks. With acid rain legislation in serious contention in Washington, potential ominous fines or even the threat of plant shut down will force our coal burning power plants to initiate strict quality control of coal to ensure their adherence to the imposed sulfur limits. Enforcement of these rules will trigger yet another legal battle. How can these plants accurately monitor the quality of the tens of thousands tons of coal fed daily into the boilers? These two problems are quite different in nature.