A compositional analysis of the ash in coal is often useful in the total description of the quality of the coal. Knowledge of ash composition is also useful in predicting the behavior of ashes and slags in combustion chambers. Utilization of the ash by-products of coal combustion sometimes depends on the chemical composition of the ash.

Note that the chemical composition of laboratory-prepared coal ash may not exactly represent the composition of mineral matter in the coal or the composition of fly ash and slag resulting from commercial-scale burning of the coal.

1.1 This test method covers the analysis of the commonly determined major and minor elements in combustion residues from coal utilization processes.

Test Methods D 1757 or D 5016 shall be used for determination of sulfur.

1.2 The values stated in SI units (IEEE/ASTM SI 10 ) shall to be regarded as the standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.