It is intended that this practice be used to provide a sample representative of the coal from which it is collected. Because of the variability of coal and the wide variety of sampling equipment, caution should be used in all stages of sampling from system specifications and equipment procurement to equipment acceptance testing and actually taking the final sample.

After further processing (Practice D 2013), the sample may be analyzed for a number of different parameters. These parameters may affect the lot's value, its ability to meet specifications, its environmental impact, as well as other properties.

1.1 This practice covers procedures for the collection of a sample under various conditions of sampling. The sample is to be crushed and further prepared for analysis in accordance with Practice D 2013. However, the procedures for dividing large samples before any crushing are given in this practice. For the sampling of coal using mechanical sampling systems see D 7430 Practice for the Mechanical Sampling of Coal.

1.2 This practice describes general and special purpose sampling procedures for coals (1) by size and condition of preparation (for example, mechanically cleaned coal or raw coal) and (2) by sampling characteristics.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4 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.