coal wash ability

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GEOVIAMinex 6.3

Last modified: Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Coal washability tutorial

Table of Contents

About this document 5

Overview 5

Requirements 5

Objectives 5

Workflow 6

Document conventions 7

Typographical conventions 7

Keyboard conventions 7

Menu conventions 7

Mouse conventions 8

Form elements 8

Concepts 11

Overview 11

Minex concepts 11

The coal washability database 11

Coal washability database default settings 11

Coal washability database properties 12

Setup for this tutorial 13

Tutorial data 13

Activity: Install the data set 13

Data set location 13

Activity: Back up the data set 13

Create a Minex project 14

Activity: Create a Minex project 14

Opening and viewing a coal washability database 16

Activity: Open a coal washability database 16

Activity: View the properties of a coal washability database 17

Activity: Search the database to find analysis types 17

Activity: Search the database variables to view their properties 18

Saving the coal washability database 20

Activity: Save changes to the coal washability database 20

Activity: Close the coal washability database 21

Creating a coal washability database 22

Activity: Create a coal washability database 22

Customising the coal washability database 24

Activity: Create a new analysis type 25

Coal washability variables 25

Activity: Create newwashability variables 26

Activity: Edit the coal washability database properties 27

Loading sample data and analysis data 28

Activity: Load a sample data file 29

Activity: Load an analysis data file 33

Adding and editing samples and analysis data 38

Activity: Input, validate, or edit existing sample data 38

Activity: Input or edit analysis data 40

Selecting coal washability data 43

Activity: Setup data selection 43

Reporting 47

Activity: Create a variables report 47

Activity: Create a basic report 48

Activity: Create a seam/sample check report 51

Activity: Create a composite report 52

Activity: Create a float/sink report 53

Regularizing wash tables 56

Activity: Set up the prerequisites 56

Activity: Regularize the wash tables 59

Updating the borehole database 63

Activity: Update the borehole database with coal washability data 63

Activity: Perform a detailed update to the borehole database 65

Summary 69

About this document

About this document

OverviewThis tutorial provides an overview of theMinex CoalWashability functions. You can use coal

washability tools to:

l load and store all types of coal washability data

l use a wash curve to generate data for user defined float/sink targets (regularising)

l transfer user-nominated data to the current borehole database for futuremodelling

This tutorial uses a data set that is copied to your computer when Minex is installed.

When the software has been installed, more detailed information is available in theMinex Help,

which you can open from theHelpmenu. You can also contact your local GEOVIA support office for

training.

RequirementsBefore proceeding with this tutorial, you will need:

l a good understanding of basic Minex concepts

l a good understanding of coal washability concepts

l Minex 6.3 or later installed

l thewashabilityDB data set

l a licence for the coal washability module

If you accept the default settings when you first install Minex, the data sets are installed. If you chose

not to install the data sets, refer to the Tutorial data section of the Set up for this tutorial chapter.

ObjectivesAfter working through this tutorial, you will be able to:

l open and explore a coal washability database

l create a new coal washability database and configure its attributes

l load sample and analysis data into the database

l add and edit sample and analysis data within Minex

l use the coal washability database data selection tool

l create reports that show the input data in various formats

l transfer nominated data to the current borehole database

GEOVIA Minex 6.3 Page 5 of 69 Coal washability tutorial

Workflow

WorkflowThe following workflow demonstrates the steps in this tutorial. There are other ways to achieve a

similar result.


Document conventions Typographical conventions

Document conventionsTypographical conventionsSome text in this guide has special formatting to help you identify it as part of a particular element of

information. The following table describes the different text formats and their meanings.

Text format Meaning

Text or data that varies with each input is shown in bold italic font and enclosed in angle brackets.Some examples are installation directories, dates, names, and passwords. When you substitute thetext for the variable, do not include the brackets. For example: requires you tosubstitute a password in place of .

ItalicA word or phrase to which the author wants to give emphasis. For example: youmust select anitem from the list to continue.

Bold

This font style indicates one of the following:

l A file name, path, or URL.

l Strongly emphasised text. For example, It is very important to save the data [].

l Text that a procedure has instructed you to type.

l A menu option, tab, button, check box, list, option button, text box, or icon.

For example: Save the file as pit1.str.

Keyboard conventionsKey combination Meaning

+Press and hold the first key, then press the second key. For example: CTRL+Z means pressand hold the CTRL key, then press Z.

Menu conventionsWhen you click, or move the pointer over, somemenu commands, a secondary, or subordinate,

menu appears. To indicate that you should select a command on a subordinatemenu, this

documentation uses a greater than (>) sign to separate themain menu command from the

subordinatemenu command. For example, File > Project > Project Managermeans choose the File

menu, move themouse pointer over the Project command, and then select Project Manager on the

subordinatemenu.


Document conventions Mouse conventions

Mouse conventionsAction Description

Click Press and release the left mouse button without moving the mouse.Right-click Press and release the right mouse button without moving the mouse.Double-click Rapidly click the left mouse button twice without moving the mouse.

Drag With the mouse pointer over the object, press and hold the left mouse button to select theobject. Move the pointer until the object is in the position you want, and then release themouse button.

RotateUse your finger to make the wheel button roll. Move it forward, that is in a clockwisedirection, or backward, that is in an anticlockwise direction.

Form elementsForms can contain a variety of elements that enable users to carry out operations. Here is an

example form.

Forms can contain the following elements


Document conventions Form elements

Element Description Example

Title Title of the form.

TabLabelled group of options used for many similar kindsof settings.

Text box orfield

Rectangular box in which you can type text. If the boxalready contains text, you can select that text and editit.

Drop-downcombo box

Closed version of a list box with an arrow next to it.Clicking the arrow opens the list.

Optionbutton

Round button you can use to select one of a group ofmutually exclusive options.

LabelText attached to any option, box, button, or to anyother element of a window or dialog box.

Check boxSquare box that you select or clear to turn an option onor off.

ButtonRectangular or square button that runs a command.Buttons have text labels to indicate their purpose.

IconA graphical button that you can click to run a com-mand.

List boxAny type of box containing a selectable list of items intable format.


Document conventions Form elements

ElementDescription Example

MenuA set of options or com-mands that you can run.

Spin box

A text box with up anddown arrows that you canclick to move through aset of fixed values. Youcan also type a valid valuein the box.

Tree

A graphical representationof a hierarchical structure.A plus sign next to anitem on the tree indicatesthat you can expand theitem to show subordinateitems; a minus sign indic-ates that you can collapsethe item.


Concepts The coalwashability database

Concepts

OverviewThe concepts presented in this tutorial are concepts from themining domain or concepts specific to

Minex.

Minex concepts

The coal washability databaseThe coal washability function uses three files with the same file prefix, each with a .Q3* suffix. These

files are in binary format and can only be opened in Minex.

l *.Q31 holds database header information

l *.Q32 holds sample data

l *.Q33 holds Quality/Washability Data

Most attributes of the coal washability database are user defined, however some default attributes

also exist. The default attributes are automatically generated when a new coal washability database

is created.

Coal washability data is stored in analysis types (one for each type of data to be loaded) and

washability variables within each analysis type (one of each variable analysed in that analysis type).

Coal washability database default settings

Setting Default limitMaximum number of boreholes 10000

maximum number of samples no limit

Maximum number of samples per borehole no limit

Maximum number of analysis types 32 (including one hardwired)

Maximum number of washability variables 512 (including eight hardwired)

Maximum number of sizing fractions per sample 32000


Concepts The coalwashability database

Coal washability database properties

Property DescriptionName The name of the coal washability database.

Template

The selected coal washability database has been set as a Template.

Tip: You can right-click the name of the coal washability and select Save as Template to save adatabase as a template.

Size The size of the coal washability database.

Last Modi-fied

The day, date, and time that the coal washability database was last modified.

Location The path of the Project Folder.

PropertiesRead Only

The coal washability database is write-protected.

Percentageof seam tobesampled

The percentage of the selected seam that is covered by the sample intervals which fall within that seam.An input of 100 means that the seam must be fully sampled. The seam is rejected if you do not have thenominated percentage of samples.

SeamSamplingTolerance

The tolerance parameters for samples within the seams. You can nominate a distance tolerance for usein selecting or rejecting samples at the seam roof and floor. The setting applies to both the roof and floorof the selected seam. An input of 0.0 means that samples must match the roof and floor of the seamexactly. An input of 0.5 means that the sample may be within 0.5 above or below the seam roof andfloor.

Yield Vari-able

The variable in the coal washability database that is used to find YIELD data for sample weighting pur-poses. The nominated default value is used if there is no data available. This default value is defined inthe Yield Default field.

YieldDefault

The default value for the yield weighting variable. The default value is 100.

Mass Vari-able

The name of the coal washability database variable that holds Mass data. The data is used in weightedaverage calculations when compositing sample data over seam intervals

MassDefault

The default value for the Mass weighting variable. The default value is 0.00.

Raw RDVariable

The definition of a variable in the coal washability database that is used to find Relative Density data forsample weighting purposes. The Size Density Default value is used if there is no Raw RD Variable valueprovided.

Size Dens-ity Default

The default value for the Relative Density weighting variable. The default value is 1.40.

Wash RDVariable

The coal washability database variable that holds relative density for washed coal. This is used inweighted average calculations when compositing sample data over seam intervals.

WashDensityDefault

The default value for the Wash RD Variable. The default value is 0.00.


Setup for this tutorial Activity: Install the data set

Setup for this tutorial

Tutorial dataWhen you install Minex and accept the default installation settings, the tutorial data is installed on

your machine. If you choose not to install the tutorial data sets when installing Minex, you can install

them separately.

Activity: Install the data set

1. Double-click theMinexInstallation.msi file on the installation CD.2. At theWelcomemessage, click Next.3. SelectModify, and click Next.

Minex displays the Custom Setup options.

4. Click the icon next to the Tutorial Data Sets option and select This feature will be

installed on local hard drive.

5. Click Next, and follow the remaining installation messages.

Data set locationThe data set is installed to the following location by default.

Operating system LocationWindows 7 orWindows 8

C:\Users\Public\GEOVIA\GEOVIAMinex\6x\shared\tutorialData\Datasets\washabilityDB\

Windows XP C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\GEOVIA\GEOVIAMinex\6x\shared\tutorialData\Datasets\washabilityDB\

Activity: Back up the data setIt is a good idea to keep a backup copy of the data in case you want to restart the tutorial with a

fresh set of data later.

1. Start Windows Explorer.2. Browse to the data set.3. Right-click thewashabilityDB folder, and choose Send To > Compressed (zipped) folder.4. In Windows Explorer, make a new folder for backups, for example C:\minexBackups, and

copy the zip file to that folder.


Setup for this tutorial Activity: Create aMinexproject

Create a Minex projectTo make it easy to work with your data, you will create a Minex project and set the working directory

to the location of the tutorial data (washabilityDB).

Activity: Create a Minex project

1. Start Minex.2. Select File > Project > Project Manager.3. Click New.4. In the Project Name field, type coalWashabilityTutorial.5. Browse to thewashabilityDB folder.

Tip: When you are browsing to this folder you can click the Jump to My Documentsicon to select a folder that is close to the folder of the data set.

When creating a new project, you have the option of using the 'file collection' setting. You

choose a file collection setting when you want to have the data set organised into

subfolders with meaningful names rather than a single folder. For this tutorial you will not

organise the data set.

6. Click Finish.


Setup for this tutorial Activity: Create aMinexproject

The project is set up and theMinex Explorer displays thewashabilityDB folder and

subfolders.

Note: If you use Hub to manage your files, Hub status icons are displayed beside the

files in theMinex Explorer. For this tutorial, Hub status icons are not shown. For more

information on Hub, refer to the Help, or the Hub training guide available with theMinex

tutorials.

Tip: In theMinex Explorer you can select the top level folder, which iswashabilityDBfor this project, look at the Properties pane, and see the full path of the project. This is

useful if you forget, or want to verify, where the data is.


Opening and viewing a coalwashability database Activity: Open a coalwashability database

Opening and viewing a coal washability databaseIn this section you will learn how to open and understand the attributes of an existing coal

washability database. You can open a coal washability database in three different ways:

l Open: The coal washability database is open and you have full read and write per-

missions for the database properties and the data in the database. Databases opened

in this mode are indicated by the symbol in theMinex Explorer.

l Open (Update Only): The coal washability database is open and you can modify the

data in the database, but not the properties of the coal washability variables or the

database itself. Databases opened in this mode are indicated by the symbol in the

Minex Explorer.

l Open (Read Only): The coal washability database is open, but you cannot edit the data-

base attributes or its data. Databases opened in this mode are indicated by the symbolin theMinex Explorer.

Note: You cannot perform any of the coal washability functions that involve data selection or other

interaction with a borehole database unless a borehole database is open.

Activity: Open a coal washability database

1. Select Coal Washability > Files > Open Washability Database.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.The Select form opens.

2. Browse to the file THEDON.Q31, and click Select.


Opening and viewing a coalwashability database Activity: View the properties of a coalwashability database

3. THEDON.Q31 is opened with full read and write permissions.

Activity: View the properties of a coal washability database

1. In theMinex Explorer, select THEDON.Q31.

The properties are displayed in the Properties pane.

The coal washability database properties are coloured to show their write protection

status. Write protection varies according to themethod used to open the database.

l Properties coloured red are write-protected, that is, they are read-only.

l Properties coloured blue are not write-protected, that is, they are editable.

You can edit the properties by clicking in the fields on the right side of the

Properties pane.

Activity: Search the database to find analysis types

1. In theMinex Explorer, expand THEDON.Q31.

The Analysis Types node is visible.2. Expand the node to view the analysis types in the database.


Opening and viewing a coalwashability database Activity: Search the database variables to view their properties

SAMPLES,WASH, and REGULR are visible.

Activity: Search the database variables to view their properties

1. In theMinex Explorer, expand theWASH analysis type to view the variables it contains.

Note: When you create a variable, the properties are automatically defined.


Opening and viewing a coalwashability database Activity: Search the database variables to view their properties

2. Click the ASH variable so that its properties are displayed in the Properties pane.

3. Click the 2nd Title field, and click the ellipsis button .4. In the 2nd Title form, typeWashed.

Note: You can type a maximum of eight characters in this field.


Opening and viewing a coalwashability database Activity: Save changes to the coalwashability database

5. Click Ok.

The 2nd Title value in the Properties pane is changed toWashed.

Note: It is strongly recommended that you do not edit hardwired variables such as

those in the SAMPLES analysis type.

Saving the coal washability databaseIf the attributes of the coal washability database aremodified, or any of the database or washability

variables properties are changed, the database needs to be saved to preserve the changes. The Save

icon beside the database in theMinex Explorer indicates that the database has been modified but

not saved.

Activity: Save changes to the coal washability databaseYou can save the coal washability database in two ways:

l Select File > Save > Save Washability Database.

l In theMinex Explorer, right-click the coal washability database, THEDON.Q31, and

choose Save.

The database is saved, and the Save icon is removed.


Opening and viewing a coalwashability database Activity: Close the coalwashability database

Activity: Close the coal washability database

1. In theMinex Explorer, right-click THEDON.Q31, and select Close.

TheOpen icon beside the database in theMinex Explorer is removed.

Note: If you try to exit Minex without saving themodified database, an error message

opens.

l Click Yes to exit Minex.

Changes to the coal washability database are not saved.

l Click No to cancel the exit process.

You can then save the changes.

l Click Cancel to cancel the exit process.


Creating a coalwashability database Activity: Create a coalwashability database

Creating a coal washability databaseTheNew Wizard guides you through the steps to create a coal washability database. You can re-use

attributes from an existing coal washability database when you create a new database.

Activity: Create a coal washability database

1. Select File > New.

TheNew Wizard opens.

2. Select theWashabilityDB.Q31 template and click Next.



3. In theName field, typeWashability, and click Next.

Note: If you leave theName field blank, the new coal washability database is given the

default name ofWashabilityDB. If a file with that name already exists, the nameWashab-

ilityDB_1 is given.4. Leave the Import attributes check box cleared.

l When you leave the Import attributes check box cleared, a new coal

washability database is created with only the hardwired analysis type,

washability variables, and with default properties.

l If you select the Import attributes check box, you can choose an existing

coal washability database from which attributes and variables are imported.



5. Click Finish.

TheWashability.Q31 file is visible in theMinex Explorer. It is open .

Next, you will learn how to customise the new coal washability database by setting up new analysis

types and washability variables.

Customising the coal washability databaseCoal washability data is traditionally provided by laboratories in a different format to the sample data

loaded to a Borehole database.

Washability analysis data is provided in pairs of files for each data type that is loaded:

l The first file contains sample information, such as sample number and sample From

and To depths.

l The second file contains the sample number and analysed data with one column per

variable.

Both files contain the BOREID and the sample number. The coal washability database uses this to link

the information in the pair of input files.

ThewashabilityDB dataset includes a coal washability data input file for Washed analysis data. The

column headings in this file identify the names of the washability variables needed. The file,

SAMPLES_DATA.csv, contains sample information that can be loaded to the analysis type SAMPLES

folder. Sample datamust be loaded before you load analysis data files.

When you create a coal washability database, the hardwired analysis type SAMPLES and some

hardwired washability variables are created automatically. This means that the database already


Creating a coalwashability database Activity: Create a new analysis type

contains the relevant variables and is ready for you to load sample data without editing the

attributes of the database.

The washabilityDB dataset also includes theWASH-Incremental.csv file, which contains washability

data. Before we can load this analysis data file to the database, we need to create an analysis type

and its washability variables ready to hold the data.

Activity: Create a new analysis type

1. Choose Coal Washability > Edit > Create Analysis Type.

Tip: You can also right-click the Analysis Types folder in theMinex Explorer andchoose Add Analysis Type.

The Enter Analysis Name form appears.

Note: You can use up to eight characters for the Analysis Type name.2. In the Analysis Type field, typeWASH, and click OK.

The newAnalysis Type,WASH, is created and is visible in theMinex Explorer.

Notes:l Each time a new analysis type is created, a hardwired washability variable is

automatically created to hold size data. The name comprises a prefix SZ and

a suffix that is the name of the new analysis type, in this case the new, hard-

wired washability variable is called SZWASH.

l If the analysis type name has more than six characters, the analysis type

name is truncated to six characters when the SZ variable is created. For

example, if the analysis type name is PROXIMAT, the SZ variable name is

SZPROXIM.3. Save the changes to the coal washability database.

Tip: You can repeat this procedure to generate as many analysis types as required.

Next, you will create coal washability variables in the newly created analysis type.

Coal washability variablesWhen you create a newwashability variable, you can enter information to define its attributes.


Creating a coalwashability database Activity: Create new washability variables

Attribute Description

VariableName

The name for the new washability variable.

Tip: If there is a variable with attributes similar to the one you are creating, click the drop-down list andselect that variable, then customise it as required.

AnalysisType

The analysis type to which the variable belongs.

Title 1,Title 2

Title information for the new variable, the limit is eight characters per field. This information is used asColumn Headings for data and for variable descriptions when reports are generated.

VariableType

There are three variable types:

l Numeric: Contains numeric analysis data. You can identify this type of variable in theMinex Explorer by the characters 123.

l Alpha: Contains alpha analysis data. You can identify this variable type of in the MinexExplorer by the characters ABC.

l Basis: Contains information defining the Analysis Basis. You can identify this type of vari-able in the Minex Explorer by the characters BAS.

FieldSize

The maximum number of characters for the data in the variable. The default size is eight characters, andthe maximum size is 64 characters.

No. OfDecimals

The maximum number of decimal places to be loaded.Note: This field is only relevant for Numeric variables.

Range -Low

The minimum acceptable value for the data. Data below this value is rejected during the load process andis reported to the Output Window. The default value is -10,000.

Note: This field is only relevant for Numeric variables.

Range -High

The maximum acceptable value for the data. Data above this value is rejected during the load process andis reported to the Output Window. The default value is +10,000. This field is only relevant for Numeric vari-ables.

DefaultValue

The value used if data is not available for any interval loaded.

Tip: You can leave this field blank if no default value is relevant.

Activity: Create new washability variables

1. Choose Coal Washability > Edit > New Washability Variable.

Tip: You can also right-click an Analysis Type in theMinex Explorer and chooseNewWashability Variable.


Creating a coalwashability database Activity: Edit the coalwashability database properties

2. Fill in the form as shown.

3. Click Ok.

The newwashability variable is visible in theMinex Explorer.4. Repeat the process to add the remaining variables for the analysis typeWASH as listed in

the following table.

Note: You can enter the Variable Name and Title and leave the default settings in

place, except for BASIS, where Variable Type = Basis.Variable Name Title 1 Title 2 Variable TypeYL Yield Numeric

CV Cal Value Numeric

IM Inherent Moisture Numeric

ASH Washed Ash Numeric

VM Volatile Matter Numeric

FC Fixed Carbon Numeric

TS Total Sulphur Numeric

BASIS Moisture Basis Basis

Note: Title 1 and Title 2 can have a maximum of eight characters.5. Save the changes to the coal washability database.

Note: Size minus and size plus are hardwired variables, so you do not need to create

them. They are available when you map variables in the Create Edit Format File form,

which you will use later in this tutorial.

Activity: Edit the coal washability database properties

1. In theMinex Explorer, selectWashability.Q31 so that its properties are visible in the

Properties pane.


Creating a coalwashability database Activity: Edit the coalwashability database properties

2. In the Percentage of seam to be sampled field, type 90.

You can use Percentage of seam to be sampled to specify the percentage of the selected

seam that must be covered by the sample intervals that fall within that seam. An input of

100means that the seam must be fully sampled. If the seam does not have the nom-

inated percentage of samples it is rejected.

Tip: See the Reporting section in this tutorial to learn how to use the Seam SampleReport and Composite Report to report what data is being composited.

3. In the Seam Sampling Tolerance field, type 0.1.

The Seam Sampling Tolerance is the tolerance parameter for samples within seams. It

enables you to nominate a distance tolerance for use in selecting or rejecting samples at

the seam roof and floor. The setting applies to both the roof and floor of the selected

seam.

l An input of 0.0means that samples must match the roof and floor of the

seam exactly.

l An input of 0.5means that the samplemay be within 0.5 above or below

the seam roof or floor.If the sampling is outside the tolerance, data for that seam is rejected.

4. From the Yield Variable list, select YL.5. In theMass Default field, type 100.6. In theWash Density Default field, type 1.4.

7. Save the changes to the washability database.

Loading sample data and analysis dataData can be loaded into a coal washability database from a wide range of input file formats.


Creating a coalwashability database Activity: Load a sample data file

l Delimited file types:

l Tab

l Comma

l Space

l Other

l Fixed Width type

Note: Remember that the sample data file must be loaded first so that the software has the

BOREID, sample numbers, and sample depth information it needs to load analysis data files.

Activity: Load a sample data file

1. Ensure thatWashability.Q31 is open.2. Select Coal Washability > Load Washability Data.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.The Load Washability Data form opens.

3. Beside the Input Data File field, click the ellipsis button and select SAMPLES_DATA.csv.

4. Select the Sample Data and Check depth order options.5. Beside the Format File field, click Create/Edit.

A format file (.sff) is used to define the input file type and map variables in the input file



to the relevant analysis type and coal washability database variable names.

An Information dialog opens.6. Click OK.

Amessage opens asking you to change data types.

7. Click Yes.

When the Create/Edit Format File form opens, Minex scans the input file to determine:

l If there are column headings in the input file to identify variable names. If

the column heading text exactly matches the name of a WashabilityDB Vari-

able name, they will be automatically setup in the variable mapping table.

l If there is embedded format information at the top of the input file.8. From the Analysis Type list, select SAMPLES.

Amessage opens asking you to change data types.9. Click Yes.

10. Click the Preview tab in the Preview section of the form.

The Preview tab shows a summary of the data in the input file.11. In the File Type section, ensure that Delimited is selected.



12. In theDelimiters section, ensure that Comma is selected.

Note: In the Format Specification section, there are settings for defining which line in

the input file the data will begin to load from. The default for the Search for Column Head-

ings option is selected. When the input file was scanned, Minex determined that there

was a single line at the top of the file (the first two characters of the linemust be ;;)

which contains column headings. Minex has used those headings to map the variable

names and has set theData Begins at line field to line two so that information lines are

not loaded to the database.13. Click the Variable setup tab.

The Variable setup tab is used to map the variables in the input file to the variables in

the coal washability database.



14. Check each line to make sure that the variables aremapped correctly.15. For the Thick variable, clear the Include checkbox.16. Click Ok.

Minex generates a .sff file and prompts you to save it with the same filename prefix as the

input data file.


Creating a coalwashability database Activity: Load an analysis data file

17. Click Save.

In the Load Washability Data form, the new .sff file is visible in the Format File field.18. Click Ok.

A question dialog opens.

19. Click Yes.

A data load report is generated and displayed in theOutput Window.

Tip: You can validate the load process in several ways:

l Be aware of the number of boreholes and samples that you are expecting to

load for your own dataset(s).

l Use the Input/Edit Washability Data form to access data and compare it

with the input data file

l Create reports and compare the results with the input data file.

Next, you will learn how to load the ANALYSIS data input file.

Activity: Load an analysis data file

1. Make sure thatWashability.Q31 is open.2. Select Coal Washability > Load Washability Data.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.The Load Washability Data form opens.



3. Beside the Input Data File field, click the ellipsis button , and selectWASH-Incre-mental.csv.

4. Beside the Format File field, click the ellipsis button , and selectWASH-Incre-mental.sff.

5. Make sure that the Analysis Data option is selected.6. Make sure thatWASH is selected as the Analysis Type.7. Make sure that the All Borehole option is selected.

You can load data for multiple boreholes.

Note: The Single Borehole option should only be used when the input data file is spe-

cific to a particular borehole and the input file does not contain the name of the borehole.

If you use this option to load analysis data, you need to type select the name of the bore-

hole for data loading. This option is not relevant for this activity.8. In the Load Method section, ensure the Add New option is selected.

There are three types of load options for loading analysis data:

l Add New: Only data in the input data file that does not already exist in the

database is allowed. The entire input file is processed only if previous data

has not been loaded. If data already exists for the borehole, sample, sizing,

and float/sink range the data is not loaded into the database. This option



should only be used when initially adding data into the database. TheOver-

write option should be used in other cases.

l Overwrite: You use this option to load data into the coal washability data-

base in an Overwrite and Add Newmode. When data is entered in this

mode, any information held in the input data file overwrites any current

data that exists for that borehole, sample, and analysis type. Data that does

not already exist will be entered into the database in an Add Newmode.

For example, everything contained in the input file will overwrite data

already in the database.

l Modify: You use this option to load data into the coal washability database.

The information in the input file will modify or be added to the data already

held for the borehole, sample, sizing, and float/sink range. Any data already

held in the coal washability database and not contained in the input file will

not bemodified. Use this option if you have several input files containing

data for the same intervals but for different variables.

Tip: If you want to generate a new .sff file, follow the same process as for creating the.sff for the samples data. You will need to choose the Analysis Data load option and

chooseWASH as the Analysis Type on the Load Washability Data form before you click

the Create/Edit button.



9. Click Ok.

A question dialog opens.

10. Click Yes.

A data load report is generated and displayed in theOutput Window.



Tip: If you havemore than one type of input file, you need to create the relevant ana-lysis types and washability variables. For example, you might also need to load Ultimate

Analysis data.

You have now loaded the sample and analysis data into the coal washability database

Tip: Refer to the section on reporting database data to generate a report of data for comparisonwith the input file(s) for validation of the load process.

Next, you will learn how to use the Input/Edit form to access, edit, or add to the data currently held

in the washability database. You can use this form as a validation tool for comparing data in the

database to the original input files.


Adding and editing samplesand analysis data Activity: Input, validate, or edit existing sample data

Adding and editing samples and analysis dataYou use the Input/Edit Washability Data tool to:

l input new data

l access, review and validate existing data

l edit existing data

You can use it to add or edit:

l nominated borehole ID

l sample data or analysis type

l sample name

Note: Any additions or edits made to data using this tool are automatically saved to the current

washability database. It is important to remember that this does not affect the input data file and

that any changes should also bemade in the input files.

Activity: Input, validate, or edit existing sample data

1. Make sure thatWashability.Q31 is open.2. Open the borehole databaseWashability.B31.3. Choose Coal Washability > Edit > Input/Edit Washability Data.

The Input/Edit Washability Data form opens.


Adding and editing samplesand analysis data Activity: Input, validate, or edit existing sample data

4. Click the Borehole Name ellipsis button , and select BNBG11.5. Select the Sample Data option.6. Click Load Data Table.

TheData Table is populated with information for the selected borehole.


Adding and editing samplesand analysis data Activity: Input or edit analysis data

7. Click Ok.

Amessage appears, confirming that the coal washability database has been updated.

8. Click OK.

Tip: You can also use the information in theData Table for comparison with the datainput files to validate that the load data process was accurate.

9. Save the changes to the coal washability database.

Activity: Input or edit analysis dataNote: The Input/Edit Washability form only supports analysis types that have 32 variables or less.



1. Make sure thatWashability.Q31 andWashability.B31 are open.2. Select Coal Washability > Edit > Input/Edit Washability Data.

The Input/Edit Washability Data form opens.3. From the Borehole Name list, select BNBG11.4. Select the Analysis Data option.

5. Click the Analysis Type ellipsis button , and selectWASH.6. Click the Sample Name ellipsis button , and select S01.7. Click Load Data Table.

TheData Table is populated with data for the nominated Borehole, Analysis Type, and

Sample Name.

Tips:l Depending on howmany columns are displayed in the table you may have

to drag and expand the width of this form to see all data.

l After theData Table is loaded, you can add to or edit the data.8. Click Ok.

Amessage appears, confirming that the coal washability database has been updated.



9. Click OK.10. Save the changes to the coal washability database.

Tip: You can also use the information in theData Table for comparison with data ininput files to validate that the load data process was accurate.


Selecting coalwashability data Activity: Setup data selection

Selecting coal washability dataTheWashability Data Selection form is essentially a prerequisite to all operations you will cover in

the rest of this tutorial.

Note: The settings on this form are used in conjunction with the settings in the Properties pane.

Some settings in the Properties pane are shown, but are not editable, in theWashability Data

Selection form. Refer to the Concepts section in this tutorial for more information on coal washability

database properties.

After you click Ok on theWashability Data Selection form, the settings remain current until you

change them, exit the software, or switch projects.

Activity: Setup data selection

1. Make sure thatWashability.B31 andWashability.Q31 are open.2. Select Coal Washability > Washability Data Selection.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.TheWashability Data Selection form opens.



3. Leave the Seams table empty.

You can use the Select Seams button to select one or more seams to process data. If no

seams are selected, all seams are used.4. Leave the Samples table empty.

You can use the Select Samples button to choose one or more samples from a list of avail-

able sample numbers. If no samples are selected, all samples are processed.5. Ensure that the selected Analysis Type isWASH.6. Leave all of the variables selected.

You can use the Select Variables button to select washability variables.7. In theData Selection Parameters section, set the Raw or Clean Selection to Clean.

Clean selects washed data, the Raw option selects unwashed data that has been

screened to different sizes.



8. From theMinus Size list, select 999.0.

TheMinus Size is the upper limit of sample particle size, in mm, after crushing. For

example, 0.5mm.

Note: If you select incompatibleMinus Size and Plus Size values, when you click Ok, a

message prompts you to change them.10. Select theWash Density Selection check box.11. From the Sink RD list, select 0.0.

The Sink RD is the relative density of the fraction that sinks.12. From the Float RD list, select 20.0.

The Float RD is the relative density of the fraction that floats.

Note: If you select incompatible Sink RD and Float RD values, when you click Ok, a mes-

sage prompts you to change them.13. In theWDB Properties section, check that Coarse is selected.

This means that you have selected the coarse samples that cover the selected seam inter-

val. If the coarse samples do not contain data for the selected variables, Minex uses pro-

gressively finer samples until the selection criteria are satisfied.

You can use the Fine option to select the finest samples that cover the selected seam

interval. If the finest samples do not contain data for the selected variables, Minex uses

progressively coarser samples until the selection criteria are satisfied.

Note: You can use the Select Boreholes button to open the Select Boreholes form. All

of the functionality that this form offers is available for borehole selection in the coal

washability database. Refer to the Creating a new borehole database tutorial for more

information.14. Click Ok.

Minex generates a summary of the current settings on this form in theOutput Window.



Tip: Save a copy of the settings for future reference.

You will now use these settings to generate reports on the coal washability database.


Reporting Activity: Create a variables report

ReportingYou can choose from five reporting options for the coal washability database:

l Report Variables

l Basic Report

l Seam/Sample Check

l Composite Report

l Float/Sink Report

Activity: Create a variables reportYou create a variables report to show the coal washability database variables and their attributes.

1. Make sure the data selection parameters are those used in the previous activity.2. Select Coal Washability > Reporting > Report Variables.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.The report is generated in theOutput Window.


Reporting Activity: Create a basic report

Activity: Create a basic reportYou can choose to create a basic report for samples data or analysis type data that is loaded in the

coal washability database.

1. Make sure the data selection parameters are those used in the Set up data selection activ-

ity.2. Select Coal Washability > Reporting > Basic Report.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.TheWashability Basic Report form opens.

3. To generate a Sample Data report:a. Select Report Sample Data.b. Click Ok.

The Sample Data report is displayed in theOutput Window.



Tips:l You can select theOpen CSV Report in default application

check box to generate the report file and open it, typically in MS

Excel.

l You can click the Report Boreholes button to generate a list of

boreholes in theOutput Window.



4. To generate an Analysis Type report:a. In theWashability Basic Report form, select the Report Analysis Type option.b. LeaveWASH selected as the analysis type.

c. Click Ok.


Reporting Activity: Create a seam/sample check report

The Analysis Type report is displayed in theOutput Window.

Activity: Create a seam/sample check reportYou use the Seam Sample Check report to determine the differences between seam data from and to

depths and sample data from and to depths in the current washability database.


ity.


Reporting Activity: Create a composite report

2. Select Coal Washability > Reporting > Seam/Sample Check.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.The Seam/Sample Check report is displayed in theOutput Window.

Activity: Create a composite reportYou use the composite report to report the sample data held in the washability database

composited over the seam depths for seams in the current borehole database.


ity.


Reporting Activity: Create a float/sink report

2. Select Coal Washability > Reporting > Composite Report.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.The data selection parameters and Composite Report are displayed in theOutput Win-

dow.

Activity: Create a float/sink reportYou use the float/sink report to generate a report of washability data as defined in the properties of

the current coal washability database and theWashability Data Selection form.


ity.2. Select Coal Washability > Reporting > Float Sink Report.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.The Float/Sink Report form opens.



3. Select Seam Report and click Ok.

The data selection parameters and Washability Report are generated in theOutput Win-

dow.



4. In the Float/Sink Report form, select Sample Report and click Ok.

The data selection parameters and Washability Report are generated in theOutput Win-

dow.

Next, you will learn how to regularise a wash table. For example, you can update the current

borehole database with data from the coal washability database.


Regularizing wash tables Activity: Set up the prerequisites

Regularizing wash tablesYou use this function to manipulate analysed wash data that has been loaded into the analysis types

and washability variables. You will learn how to use input data at analysed density intervals, generate

a wash curve, and then output data for other density intervals.

The input data is defined in theWashability Data Selection form and washability database

properties. The output data is written into the nominated output analysis type in the coal

washability database.

The relevant output analysis type and washability variablesmust exist before you can regularize the

wash tables. The output analysis typemust have the samewashability variables as those in the input

analysis type. The easiest way to accomplish this is to create a copy of the input analysis type to use

as the output analysis type.

Activity: Set up the prerequisites

1. Check that the washability database,Washability.Q31, is open.2. Check that the borehole database,Washability.B31, is open.3. In theMinex Explorer, expandWashabilityDB.Q31 to show the analysis typeWASH.4. Right-clickWASH and click Copy.

5. Type REGULR, and click OK.

The new analysis type is visible in theMinex Explorer, and holds the same user-defined



variables as the copied analysis type,WASH.

6. Save the changes to the coal washability database.7. Select Coal Washability > Washability Data Selection.

TheWashability Data Selection form opens.8. Fill in the form as shown.

Tip: These are the same settings used in the Setup data selection activity.



9. Click Ok.

The data selection confirmation report is displayed in theOutput Window.


Regularizing wash tables Activity: Regularize the wash tables

Note: If you try to regularize with an incorrectWashability Data Selection form setup,

an error message is displayed.

Activity: Regularize the wash tablesYou regularize data held in theWASH analysis type to output data at different density values.

1. Select Coal Washability > Regularize Wash Tables.

The Regularize Wash Tables form opens.



2. Fill in the form as shown.

Tip: To add extra rows to the Float Densities table, right-click the table and select AddRow.

Note: If you do not want to Save Zero Yield Densities, clear the option. If this option is

selected and there are no real values, the data output to REGULR will have nulls instead of

zeros.

If you fill out the Regularize Wash Tables form incorrectly, an error message appears.

Below are some common error messages and their causes.



Message CauseFloat Density is invalid. It mustbe greater than the previous float dens-ity.

The values in the Float Densities table are not incremental.

Maximum Density Cut Point is invalid.This value must be greater than the lastfloat density value.

The values in the Float Densities table are not within therange defined by the Density Limits - Minimum and Max-imum.

Selected Washability Analysis isnot valid. Check name, for example, it isthe same as your input analysis.

An inappropriate output analysis type is nominated. That is,the analysis type defined on the Washability Data Selectionform as the input for the process was the same as the onedefined as the output analysis type on the Regularise WashTables form.

Note: Minex does not overwrite input data in an analysistype with output data from the regularize process.

The nominated output analysis type doesnot contain the needed washability vari-ables. Please create them or select theanalysis type that does not contain thosevariables.

The output analysis type does not contain all of the variablesselected on the Washability Data Selection form.

Tip: To fix this error, do one of the following:

l Create a new analysis type by copying theinput analysis type.

l Select the analysis type that has the neededvariables.

l Create any missing washability variables inthe output analysis type.

3. Click OK.

Minex generates a Wash Curve from the defined input data and computes output data to

the analysis type REGULR.



Tip: To check, validate, or view the newly created regularized data, use the reportingoptions you learned earlier in this tutorial.

4. Save the changes to the coal washability database.5. Restart Minex for the changes to take effect.

Next, you will learn how to set up and complete two types of borehole database updates from the

washability database.


Updating the borehole database Activity: Update the borehole database with coalwashability data

Updating the borehole databaseYou can transfer selected data from the coal washability database to the borehole database using

the current data selection and washability database properties. You can choose to transfer data on a

seam composite or on a sample basis. The advantage of using the sample basis option is that if you

change seam picks or database composite settings in the borehole database, you can keep working

in the borehole database without having to perform the update process again to keep everything in

sync.

Activity: Update the borehole database with coal washability data

1. Ensure thatWashability.Q31 andWashability.B31 are open.2. Fill in theWashability Data Selection form as shown.

Tip: Select all of the variables.

Note: When you click OK to accept the selection setup, a confirmation report is


Updating the borehole database Activity: Update the borehole database with coalwashability data

generated in theOutput Window.3. Select Coal Washability > BoreholeDBUpdate > BHDB Washability Update.

The Borehole Database Washability Update form opens.

4. From theWashability Analysis Type list, select REGULR.5. From the BoreholeDB Data Type list, select REGULR.6. Click Clear Table.7. Click Select Variables.

The Select form opens.


Updating the borehole database Activity: Perform a detailed update to the borehole database

8. Select the variables as shown, and click OK.

9. On the Borehole Database Washability Update form, in the BHDB Update Mode section,

ensure that the Seam option is selected.10. Select the Create New option to create new intervals in the Borehole database.

Note: If the Seam option is selected, the compositing settings in the coal washability

database properties is used to composite the sample data over the seam intervals. If the

Sample option is selected, the sample data is composited over the seam intervals using

the compositing settings for the borehole database.11. Click Ok to update the borehole database.

Minex generates a report of the data selection parameters, a composite report, and the

borehole database update confirmation report in theOutput Window.

Tip: To validate the process, run a sample data report on the borehole database vari-ables.

Activity: Perform a detailed update to the borehole databaseYou use this function to update (transfer) data from a computed wash table into the current

borehole database. You can nominate either a Cut Point or Variable Value to use to generate Prime,

Middling, and Reject products. You would generate the Prime product first, then, from the data left

after the Prime product was removed, you would generate theMiddling product. The Reject product

is generated last.

Note: Youmust regularise the washability tables before performing a detailed update to the

borehole database.



1. Select Coal Washability > BoreholeDB Update > Detailed Washability Product.

Tip: You can also click on the Coal Washability toolbar.2. Fill in the form as shown.

Note: Youmust select theWashability Analysis Type before you select your Prime

Product variable.3. To select the variables:

a. In theWDB -> BHDB Variable Setup section, from theWashability Analysis

Type list, select REGULR.b. In the Prime Product section, select YL as the variable.c. From the BoreholeDB Data Type list, select PROD.

It contains quality variables for each of Prime, Middling, and Reject.

There are three types of product defined on this form, Prime, Middling, and

Reject. Reject product comprises everything not used in the Prime and Mid-



dling Products. To generate output data for each product, the process must

be run in three iterations with different Target Types defined in the table.d. Click Clear Table.e. Click Select Variables.f. Select the variables as shown and click OK.

4. On theDetailed Product Washability form, click Ok.

The data selection parameters and CoalWash Product Report are generated in theOut-

put Window.



Tip: To process Middling, on the Detailed Product Washability form, select theMiddling BoreholeDB variable names and change the Target Type fields to Middling. To

process Reject Product, select the BoreholeDB Reject variable names and change the

Target Type field in the table to Reject. You can also use the Report button to preview the

data in theOutput Windowwithout updating the coal washability database.

5. Save the changes to the coal washability database.

Note: The data that has been updated in the Borehole database can now be gridded via

SeamModelling > Multi Seam Multi Variable Gridding to create a quality model.


Summary Activity: Perform a detailed update to the borehole database

SummaryCongratulations on completing this tutorial. You should now understand theMinex CoalWashability

module. You have learnt a number of concepts and topics including how to:

l explore an existing coal washability database

l create a new coal washability database and set up its attributes

l load sample and analysis data into the database

l add or edit sample and analysis data using Minex

l use the coal washability database selection tool

l produce reports that show the input data in various formats

l validate coal washability data

l manipulate coal washability data

l transfer nominated data to the current borehole database


About this documentOverviewRequirementsObjectives

WorkflowDocument conventionsTypographical conventionsKeyboard conventionsMenu conventionsMouse conventionsForm elements

ConceptsOverviewMinex conceptsThe coal washability databaseCoal washability database default settingsCoal washability database properties

Setup for this tutorialTutorial dataActivity: Install the data setData set locationActivity: Back up the data set

Create a Minex projectActivity: Create a Minex project

Opening and viewing a coal washability databaseActivity: Open a coal washability databaseActivity: View the properties of a coal washability databaseActivity: Search the database to find analysis typesActivity: Search the database variables to view their propertiesSaving the coal washability databaseActivity: Save changes to the coal washability databaseActivity: Close the coal washability database

Creating a coal washability databaseActivity: Create a coal washability databaseCustomising the coal washability databaseActivity: Create a new analysis type

Coal washability variablesActivity: Create new washability variablesActivity: Edit the coal washability database properties

Loading sample data and analysis dataActivity: Load a sample data fileActivity: Load an analysis data file

Adding and editing samples and analysis dataActivity: Input, validate, or edit existing sample dataActivity: Input or edit analysis data

Selecting coal washability dataActivity: Setup data selection

ReportingActivity: Create a variables reportActivity: Create a basic reportActivity: Create a seam/sample check reportActivity: Create a composite reportActivity: Create a float/sink report

Regularizing wash tablesActivity: Set up the prerequisitesActivity: Regularize the wash tables

Updating the borehole databaseActivity: Update the borehole database with coal washability dataActivity: Perform a detailed update to the borehole database

SummaryBookmarkstopActivity

coal wash ability

Documents

coal washability variables

database variables

tutorial data

analysis data file

sample data file

loading sample data

existing sample data

data set location