A prototype of elemental analyzer for coal has been developed by using a PFTNA (pulse fast thermal neutron analysis) system. The PFTNA technology is based on the reactions such as (n, γ), (n, n’γ), (n, pγ), etc. by examining the characteristic gamma rays emitted. In our prototype a pulsed neutron generator provides 14 MeV pulse neutrons, which contribute to the separation of spectrum II (the sum of capture and activation spectrum) from spectrum I (the sum of inelastic, capture and activation spectrum), and thus to the measurement of C and O contents in coal. Data management is completed by computer program using the least-square regression method. The experiment in Changshan power plant for 3 months showed that the precision of calorific value, whole water, volatile content and ash content is 0.5 kJ/kg, 1.0 wt%, 2.0 wt% and 1.5 wt%, respectively.